Need to vent!

[lmw80]

So, I had my review at work....a paper is filled out by my boss that rates me 1-4 (1 is the low end, 4 the high). I received all 4's (except on one of them he circled 3 and 4 cause he says when they overload me I don't work as fast, lol). He had no complaints, loves my enthusiasm and my work, etc., etc. The office manager was also in there to evaluate me, she also said she had no complaints. So then came the discussion of money. They wanted to give me the standard 3%. I said I wasn't happy with that, I wanted 5%. I said 3% is the minimum and I have never done the minimum.

I don't want to seem like a gloating snob, but I work very hard. I am always coming in early, leaving late (I am salary. so I don't get overtime either), taking on tasks that aren't "in my job description". I work for four estimators who each have multiple jobs and so I am always multitasking and juggling and I still get everything done.

So, the office manager comes back into my office and says they won't do 5%, but they will do 3.7%. They can't go any higher this year or else I will pass the one administrative assistant that has been here longer than me, in pay (office manager makes more, but she doesn't count as an admin). I understand I have been here 4 1/2 years and she has been here 11 1/2 years. Difference is that she won't come in early or stay late and she refuses to do anything that's not in her job description. So then why should it matter if she's been here longer? Shouldn't I be "rewarded" for my hard work instead of compared to someone else's salary that has worked here longer than I have?

Ugh, it just bugs me sooooo much, I had to vent!

Thanks for listening!!

[TwoHobbies]

Hey ... it sounds like your time is coming.... take your 3.7 and run. It would seem that your boss and office manager both love having you work there, and are giving you the max they can.

It sounds like when they need a new office manager.... they won't think twice about who gets that job.

Congrats on the excellent review

[roka64]

1st. Congrats on the great review!
2nd. somtimes life is not fair.
3rd. I work for a company that has just come out of bankruptcy (no raises) not even 3.7% (they took it up a bit, for you, maybe not as much as you would like, but I applaud you on your confidence in your abilities and hard work), so raises....LOL!
4th. Congrats again, keep working hard and do your personal best and things will get better.

Anyway, keep plugging away and at least you let out some steam, which can be very healthy!

GOOD LUCK!

[malkore]

Yes, take satisfaction in the review showing your excellent work ethic. Also take satisfaction that these fools will give you a glowing reference at the future job opportunities you'll likely be looking at.

If it were me, I would stop arriving early and staying late. Simply work your designated hours, and if questioned, tell them "this is all you're paying me for. a pat on the back is great, but it doesn't put food on my table or pay the mortgage".

and 3%? cripes...Wal Mart's minimum raise is 4% for a 'satisfactory' review. Granted they pay poorly to start with, but its also a lower level job than what you're doing.

[BillyZ]

First, congrats on a good review and a raise. It's better than not getting a raise IMO, Seniority should only be a factor if Title, Experience and Performance are all equal between the two employees.

[Hara]

Lori, I will have been at my job for 10 years this August. My review time comes around and when the salary is increased, my boss finds a way to make the cut elsewhere...last time he cut my workday by 30 minutes. Unfortunately, all I can do is "vent" like you are doing. I take some satisfaction in knowing I do a fantastic job, but in my area, decent paying jobs are not easily found and I don't care to start at the bottom of any other totem poll.

I do think that salary information should be confidential and what another person makes should have no bearing on what you make. Unfortunately, my opinion and a buck will buy you a cup of coffee and that is about it

[Melissamustang]

Lori
Be proud girl!!!! I give you credit for doing all you do!

Great job on the review! You coming in early and staying late is such a giving thing to do....I think you belong in a special category! People now a days don't do half of what you do and still get credit.....

Take the raise and still let them know you are the best that they will get and let them know also that if there is something better in the company...Put you in mind first.

You rock Girl!!!!!!!!!

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!

[QTOFFER]

Congrats on your great review!

It sounds a bit like my situation - your employer is thrilled with the job you're doing, but there isn't any money in the budget to give you the raise that you deserve. They'd love to, but they simply cannot. If your employer won't budge on salary, maybe you can get them to give you something else like an extra week of paid time off.

[Jchillin]

The Performance review - the bane of corporate america. Take pride in the fact that you were able to nudge the additional .7%. Where I come from, the raise is decided and is final, no negotating, no discussion, nothing. If there was ever an oxymoron, it is "Pay based on performance", which although nice in theory, doesn't always match.

[Zagz]

Congrats on the great review and the pay increase. I can't comment on corporate companies because we run a small business and do pay people regardless of seniority on their job performance and loyalty to the company. I suspect this is a fact of life in corporate USA and unfortunately not much you can do about it. I'd be proud as can be for a job well done!