A reader writes:
I work for a mid-size nonprofit doing fundraising. I have
been here for 3+ years in a position that was a lateral move from my previous
job. When I started, I took the same salary as my previous position because it
was work I wanted to do, but was promised a raise and better title when it was
available. That was three years ago, and I have not received a raise.
Several
people have been promoted over me, even though my performance reviews are
stellar. I expressed my displeasure with this to my boss, but have always been
dismissed with, "The opportunity wasn't right for your (skills, location,
etc.)."
Finally, last month, I was approached about running a new
project. I was thrilled, as it came with a position bump and talks of a raise
at the end of the year. It is, however, a lot more work. When I accepted, it
seemed doable. Since getting more detail on the project, the scope has grown. I
have done this kind of work before, but with a team of three. This will just be
me doing the work of three. When my boss finally sat me down to explain the
exact work I would be doing, she threw in there, "Oh, and your title
upgrade hasn't been approved. You will continue to have your current title,"
and then continued on with all the work I would be responsible for
implementing. I was so shocked I didn't respond. I don't know what to do.
Should I continue with the promotion that isn't even a promotion any longer? I
feel like I have shown this company loyalty for 3 years and have been fooled
repeatedly by promises of credit for my work, both in title and money. I am
very disheartened.
I recommend that you do three things simultaneously:
1.
Start
believing what they've been telling you for the last three years, both through
their actions and their words: They do not plan to stick to that original
promise they made you. They intend to get as much work out of you as they can
at your current title and salary. And while not giving someone a raise or
promotion can make sense in many cases, in this case it makes them people who
break their word. And not only that, they break it so cavalierly that they
don't even feel any need to go back and talk to you about it.
2.
Be clear
with your boss about your dismay that you were promised something that hasn't
materialized. Do this politely and professionally, of course, but stand up for
yourself. Say something like, "When I accepted this job three years ago,
it was with the agreement that I'd receive a different title and a raise as
quickly as possible (or whatever your exact arrangement was). It has been three
years, and my performance evaluations have been consistently excellent. But I
haven't even had a cost of living raise, let alone one for performance or the
one that was agreed to when I came on board. Now you're asking me to take on a
significant amount of new responsibility, which I imagine must reflect your
confidence in me. When I accepted, I was told that it would come with a title
bump and a raise at the end of the year. Now, though, you're telling me that
won't be the case after all. Before we move forward with this, we need to
resolve this. I think the work I've done so far and the work I'll be doing
warrants the title of ___ and a raise of $___."
If she turns you down, then you have a decision to make: Do
you want to take on the new work anyway (which could help you with step #3)? Or
do you want to tell her that your acceptance hinged on what you were told
earlier about the title and pay, and if that's off the table, you'll reconsider
your acceptance? (Keep in mind that the latter comes with the risk that she'll
tell you it's simply part of your job now, which she can get away with doing.)
3.
Start looking for another job. No matter what
happens with step #2 above, start actively job-searching. This organization and
this manager have not treated you with integrity, and even if you get them to
give in now, you have plenty of evidence about how they operate. Not every
employer is like this; find one that isn't.
And when you do, get any employment agreement in writing --
salary, future salary reviews, promises about title changes, all of it.
(Similarly, if your current employer does agree to a raise and title bump now,
get that in writing too -- they have a track record of ignoring promises. And
if they refuse to put it in writing, assume their "agreement" with
you is a sham.) And a big-picture takeaway from this: Three years is too long
to put up with something like this without asserting yourself. Six months,
fine. Three years -- no. You've got to speak up when people are reneging on
employment agreements. If you don't, you teach them that they can continue to
do that to you.
Source: inc.com
.jpg)
0 comments:
Post a Comment