how to approach my boss

[Wayward Clam]

Okay... here's the barrel I'm over...

Been at this job for a year and a half now. Love the boss, things are hunky dory, but he just ain't paying me what he promised.

Our head sales guy just got a competing offer, went to the mgr here, and got a raise to stay on (a good one too).

I'm one of two technicians--the other tech just went to the boss to say something along the lines of "OKay, now you should be giving ME what you promised me as well, especially now that the sales guy is matching my salary" and the boss turned him down flat, saying he spent his wage budget keeping the sales guy.

Now I've been working here for more than a year longer than the other tech and I want my fair shake. My resume NOW is better than the resumes of the two head technicians he used to have on staff, who were making more than I am now. So the way I see it, he should at least match their salary in what he pays me now, shouldn't he? Esp. since he promised me as well.

I'd get the heck out of Dodge, except puter business in town is DEAD as doornails and like I say he actually IS a pretty good boss.

Okay so this is a little disorganized, but I'm gonna martial my thoguhts before approaching him.

Any advice before I stick my neck out?

[EvilCabbage]

This is my situation at the moment too. I know the company couldnt foot me a raise, and the IT situation in town is completely dead at the moment, so there isnt a huge range of outside options. The boss is great, and I dont want to screw anyone over, but if things dont improve, I'm going to be looking at getting a plebian job, out of IT, and study more to get back into it, where I should be.

Good luck dude, I know it aint easy, and I bet a lot of other people on here feel for you too.

[EvilKlown]

Try and see if there is a job available somewhere else and see if they want you.... (I Understand you may not have luck there if your community is dead for pc work) If they want you then go to your current boss and take him to task on it..

The thing here is though, you HAVE to be prepared to leave if he doesn't meet what you want. Which is why you want to have another job lined up. Chances are he knows that work is hard to come by in the industry there as well, so he has some power there, finding another job gives you a level playing field.

However, If you approach him saying you've found another job and would be willing to stay for a raise and he doesn't come across with one to keep you. You HAVE to leave, otherwise he'll know (at least in the back of his head) that he has you over a barrel and you will lose some respect from him for backing down.


Maybe not but that is my 2¢

[Snommis69]

I just went through this. Here is what happened, and what I did...

I felt like I was underpaid. Kept my mouth shut, played the good employee. Another company in town inquired to a friend of mine about me. Had an impromptu meeting with the head Fred of the place. I then "accidentally" leaked out that I had a meeting, and that I was offered a whole lot more $$$. (Not a lie, BTW. $18,000/yr more!) Also that I did not want to go, but that I was getting pressure from the wife. Suddenly, out of nowhere, I get a $6,000/yr raise (4 months after a 7k raise, I might add) for the "great work" I am doing, and a guarantee of more $$$ in December.

Hope this helps!!!

[Sowulo]

Originally posted by Wayward Clam:
<STRONG>Any advice before I stick my neck out?</STRONG>

I love clam-necks...hope your boss doesn't... j/k <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Unless you have something else waiting--no ultimatums. Just ask for a litle of his time and ask him what he sees for your future with the company. Let him know that you are interesting in developing some additional skills and would like to know what would help you advance both in salary and position. This could open up the salary discussion without painting anyone into any corners....

[Wayward Clam]

Good solid advice, all, thank you for the feedback.

Pretty close to what I was already thinking, in the end, but it's so nice to have outside validation so I can stop endlessly questioning myself...

Gonna look for another solid offer for a while first, and in the meantime be VERY gentle about testing the water.

I have no desire to quit or be fired at this exact second. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[PuterGeekGirl]

Whatever you decide clammy...be careful. Would hate to see you outta work!

[mhull616]

Be prepaired to switch jobs. Even if it is in a different field. If he knows that you are willing to leave and you are an asset to him he'll find the money to keep you. Budgets can be changed.

[snooper2]

well good luck and i wish you the best. i hope everything turns out to your advantage.

[IronTech]

Last time I had this I tried the empathy thing. Mention about how you had expected to take the job for a certain amount of money, not getting it, but now it's getting harder to pay the bills. Pull something like "Daughter going to college" or "Trying to buy a house" etc, and see where that gets you. A lot of the time they feel, bad, remember that they did promise you extra money previously, and decide to come through so you aren't forced to leave the company. Good luck man.

[ßracius]

1)I say beat the snot out of the sales guy take his wallet and then leave the company.
2)Post resume and get other job and then turn your two weeks in and tell him that he never kept his promise. Not only will you get a better job but the other techies will get their raise.

[grosas9]

I got the same situation with pay, small shop, great boss/atmosphere and free food for $200wk/20hrs.
Or I can do electrical work for local 3 IBEW but I have to commute to the city, actually work, wake up early, and all the crap of a real job for $700/40hrs plus Overtime

[weich]

First of all, don't try the empathy thing. That's one thing that most people agree on. This isn't, or shouldn't, be a personal decision. You can't blame the boss for your personal woes, etc. This is a business transaction, and you will be paid/rewarded based on the amount of money you earn the company. Talk to your boss, highlight the good things that you do, go as far as to make a list ahead of times, pointing out the things that you have done to earn or save the company money. If they can't offer your monetary compensation right now, ask for additional vacation or sick days. Ask for paid tuition or additional training, or generate a list of long term goals and have him guarentee a raise based upon that principal, if you meet all your goals you can get an 10% raise, excel at your goals a 12% raise, etc. If you want some more help try this Link.

I hope things work out for you. Good luck, stay confident.

[LabRat]

I've had a similar situation for a looooonnnnngggggg time. The boss is cool and falls very close to the 'friends' category. He hired me as a tech and brow beat me to sales stating that he had enough techs at that time and needed more sales. I've stated my case and he has since DROPPED my salary since I'm now a commision based employee. I'm looking hard and serious. Business is not good and I know my limits. Good luck to you and try looking in a different industry. They use techs too.

[corelogik]

go to the boss and explain it to him honestly,. you were promised X he hasnt delivered,. you have the right to know if he is going to be keeping his end of the bargain. if he isnt,. be prepared to jump ship, even if it is to another field temporarily.

good luck