Should I complain to my boss about my salary?

Question

I found out that the person in my position before me made 3,000/year more than I do, even though we both have the same educational background and work experience. I don't think this is fair, and it's definitely more about the principle than about the money (although the money is nice too, of course).

I'm not supposed to know what the former person's salary is, so if I disclose that I know it (because she told me), we'd both get in trouble. (She still works here, but in a different position; plus, we're friends, so I also don't want to get her in trouble.)

Should I complain??

Thanks in advance for your help!

Answer 1

Never complain about your salary, especially because of what someone else made before you. That's very unprofessional, since you accepted the job and salary in the first place. Talk with your boss on how you can be more valuable to the business, and how and when evaluations are done. Follow up with him periodically to see how your doing, so there are no surprises when the evaluation come and you have good reason for a raise.

Answer 2

Your integrity and your friendship should mean more than the difference you are missing.

However, it is reasonable to expect equitable pay and if all things else in the work environment are equal, here is an equitable way of handling the question and issue you pose.

Leave your friend's salary out of it, if that was given you in confidence, keep that confident.

IF you are concerned about equity, instead of asking the specific question of why you make 3K less than the last person, schedule a meeting with your manager, let him know in advance that you are looking to do your best for both yourself and the employer and would like their advise on performance management criteria.

What does it take to be successful here?
What are some examples of how they applied that skill?
How do you feel I am performing?

Open the dialogue to understand why the conditions might exist before trying to open a dialogue about why you are underpaid.

Hope this helops.

For more tips and strategies, you can check out the A-Z Career Guide at http://helpingfriendscareernetwork.com/a-z.html

Dawn

Answer 3

Unfortunately, the time has passed for you to negotiate your salary. The appropriate time is during the job offer. Since you agreed to take your position for the salary you received, you don't have a case for an increase--you made what you thought was a fair deal at the that time, and you have not been treated unfairly as long as your salary is within the range for your position. It is common practice for companies to hire talented people for the lowest salary they are willing to accept.

If you'd like to earn more, ask your boss what additional duties you might take on that would warrant a salary increase.

Read about negotiating salaries for next time. It may feel uncomfortable, but it avoids the kind of situation you're in now.

Answer 4

Education and experience are valuable, but moreso is the matter of how you perform. Is your work product identical as well? Everything accurate, on time, organized? Get along with people, proactive. take on tasks without being asked to? There's also the fact that you are two people, same position, different timeframe. The salary she left most certainly isn't the salary she entered with. What you should be looking at is the rate of increase for the same time on the job. Also, maybe she got more, but had she reached a cap and able to get anymore increases?

There is MUCH more that goes into setting a salary than the number itself. I don't think you should be saying anything about it at all.

Answer 5

No, you shouldn't complain. You were offered the job and accepted the salary offered. The time to negotiate would have been during the hiring process.

You don't say how long you've been on the job, so it's hard to say if you should ask for a raised based on your merits rather than on what your predecesor made. If you have been there long enough and have contributed in a meaningful way that would justify an increase, make your case. If you've only been there a few months, you should keep your mouth shut, work hard, and build your argument for a raise at your next performance review.

Good luck.

Answer 6

well you should never mention the other person's salary. And try to understand that salary is all a matter of negotiation. Maybe the person before you was a better negotiator or perhaps there was some other reason for a higher pay to her. You should realize that businesses have the prime aim of maximizing profit....which means minimizing costs so they will always try to sell you as low a salary as possible. If you want a raise, just ask for it directly. If you are in good terms with your manager, he/she will surely approve it. Go ahead and try that.

Answer 7

You have to learn from the reality of life, of knowing your value and learn how to negotiate your salary, anything life.

The previous employee may have earned this salary through raises. So you have to see it as a possible process of them making this lasting salary.

Being that you desire more money, sure approach your manager as a professional. Express what benefits you've brought to the team and the company. It's just like a presentation, why do you deserve more money? It's up to you prove this and proof is not a previous employee's salary.

So walk this line with professionalism to make sure you keep the relationship between you and your manager positive.

I hope you've found some value in what I've shared. I wish you well.

Peace,
C.F. Jackson
http://www.WontBeDenied.com
Won't Be Denied! Because What I Want MATTERS

Answer 8

Don't complain, instead, persuade. Put a summary together of your qualifications, your daily tasks, projects, etc. and include feedback from your customers. Present the information to your employer and explain to them that you feel you are entitled to more pay. If you have worked in the same position for at least 6 months and can show improvements in the areas under your direct control, there is no reason for an employer to deny your request. Be polite. Be professional. Be courteous.

If it works, you'll be happily receiving a larger paycheck. If it doesn't work, you haven't burned any bridges and remain in a position to possibly earn more at a later date, now that your feelings are known.

Good luck.

Answer 9

Was the other person with the company longer? That will also make a difference. New people are rarely brought in at what the previous person was making.

You should never complain. If you were happy with what you were making before you found out something that you are not supposed to know, leave it alone.

Answer 10

particular, they have an actual. even with the undeniable fact that, in the journey that they do this is purely jealousy in my opinion. they would not be complaining in the journey that they were interior a similar position. this is particular those who purchase tickets who imagine because they bought a seat they could say such issues. properly, they could stay at living house in the journey that they don't favor to contribute to the insanity and end watching the video games on television as well. yet there's a reason those men receives a fee what they do, this is because this is the going cost for entertainers of their calibur. in the journey that they don't get the money then who does? the owner? the money has to flow someplace and that i imagine it really is going to the right human beings, those who get accessible and bust their butts on the sector.