Underpaid - WWYD? (sorry, long)

Karla CS

I've been at my current company for nearly 7 years. It's been obvious for quite some time that I'm underpaid (approx 5 years ago, I found out someone junior to me was making more than me). Two and a half years ago, I got an offer letter for a lateral move to a job I hadn't been interviewing for (had coffee with someone and they just called me up and said they had an offer for me). I didn't negotiate the offer since I didn't plan on taking it, but I did give it to my manager as tangible proof that I was underpaid. They came close to matching it via a promotion (which means underpaid for the new position in the market), and because I have such a great relationship with my boss, I stuck around. (Literally, my boss knew - commute and him were the top two reasons I've stayed. I could get a job that pays more, but I couldn't guarantee getting another great boss)

Flash forward to now, my salary has remained flat. Daycare eats up about 50% of my take home pay, and knowing that I'm underpaid has been starting to rub me the wrong way. (And don?t get me wrong, I?m NOT saying that because I pay for daycare, they should pay me more. Just that because I?m paying for daycare, the inadequate salary is more obvious) Going back to work after maternity leave was a mental battle - my husband and I decided to give it two months before making any decisions. And the day I get back? My boss resigned to go to a competitor. (Turnover is a huge problem in our company - we're in the 50% range on average over the last few years, when in our industry it should be about 15%)

My division manager and C-level execs keep telling me it's time for me to step up and live up to the opportunity, but somehow they're ignoring the fact that if they're expecting me to step into a new role with new expectations and responsibilities, there needs to also be a commiserate (or at least clear pathway towards) increase in pay. I'm not asking for an increase solely on pay equal with the market, but also merit - I have one of the most complex portfolios in our division, my international revenues are ~5x the average company wide, and I've never had less than 'exceeds expectations' (our 'top' category) on performance reviews.

I made my position very clear with the c-level exec that I had discussions with this about - I'm giving it two months, one of the few reasons I've stayed as long as I have just left the company, and morale of our group is in the hole ? a big chunk of that reason is salary. I?m supposed to meet with my division manager today ? a meeting that was originally scheduled for my 1^st week back, but that he?s rescheduled over 15+ times, and now, 3 weeks later, I?m guessing there?s a 50% chance it gets rescheduled again.

At this point, I?m not sure how much more clearly I can state my case without coming across as whining. I feel like I have solid ground to stand on, and I know there?s opportunities there ? recruiters are constantly reaching out ? but I?m not sure if it?s wise to take the risk and lose a lot of the flexibility that I have right now. (And if you?re wondering, my former boss has a non-compete for 24 months and can?t take any of us with him) Any thoughts?

2chatter

Sounds familiar, and I am now capped at any ability to advance as well.  I decided to stay because WFH and huge flexibilty make sense with three young children and a husband who travels full time.  When I leave my house at 4 some days to get the kids, I am reminded why I continue to be underpaid.

I will say it sounds very much like my company - and many people have left and continue to leave.  Is there a chance that there is anyone else there you know that would pull you over, instead of your former boss?  We have seen a lot of that.

Stella2008

It sounds like you have given this lots of thought and have a good basis for your position to request an increase (in addition to their expectation that you "step up" and do more).

 If I were in your position, I would calmly and rationally state your case, request a specific dollar amount while reiterating your value and committment to the organziation,  and leave the ball in their court. If the balk or do not meet your request, I'd start looking for a new job. After all, you said that one of the main drivers of your reason to even stay at this company was your former boss--and he is gone. Plus, to me, they don't have a great track record of being very pro-employee, and so I would feel very little loyalty to them if were not showing it back.

And like others have said--try hard to network with others who have left to help get the inside scoop on what the culture of some of the other companies is like before making any move. You never know--there could be something even better out there.

huntjul

I was underpaid at my previous job.  I did as you did, went to my employer with justification for why I was worth more than when I had started on.  However, the employer came back and said they couldn't afford to pay me more.  I continued to work there only until I found a new job.  I'm not going to stay somewhere to work for less than I would elsewhere unless it's a STELLAR place to work--and it doesn't sound like that's the case for you.

So I would advocate for yourself, push the issue, and if they say no, then start your job search.  Sounds like you'll be in good company

LoCarb

huntjul:

I was underpaid at my previous job.  I did as you did, went to my employer with justification for why I was worth more than when I had started on.  However, the employer came back and said they couldn't afford to pay me more.  I continued to work there only until I found a new job.  I'm not going to stay somewhere to work for less than I would elsewhere unless it's a STELLAR place to work--and it doesn't sound like that's the case for you.

Same here two jobs ago. I left an underpaid position and made a 40% increase at another job. This opened up for larger increase when I outgrew that position. The 2nd/middle job mgmt sucked but this new job was the right career choice amazing mgmt and flexibility. My advice-try to negotiate and look for other opps in the meantime.