Co-worker with no experience comes on board at same salary.?

Question

I am a legal assistant who has 20 years experience and am relied upon to handle a myriad of responsibilities, follow up and even write pleadings. The most challenging is keeping the business base happy and growing by knowing how to listen and respond in a meaningful way.. which by the way helps the lawyers from having to have the contact with the public. I just found out that the recent hiree is making almost as much as I am and was given health benefits.. which were not offered to me and I am a divorced mother. To make matters worse, the other employee has an attitude about pulling her weight and is indignant when anyone asks her to do something. My boss is unapproachable. Time to move on or let it roll off my back?

Answer 1

They way you typed that, you sound more jealous than you are concerned, and if you reflect that attitude at the office, it is you that is going to look like is indignant andhas the problem.

First of all, the other employee's salary & benefits are none of your business. So for you to even say anything would be extremely out of line.

When hiring someone, the salary they are given is based on previous emplyment. Her salary is either matched or higher than what she made prior. Also, more than likely, she had medical benefits at her previous job, and was savvy enough to request benefits as a condition of hire.

Ditch the attitude about the new, and I'll assume, younger, hire...and focus on your own job. If you can't do that, then yes, find another job.

Answer 2

Girlfriend, its time to explore your options. I went through something similar. You need to get your experience translated into other marketable skills, by a professional resume builder. You can always go the free route by seeking assistance from your local unemployment office career counselor. But put yourself out there if you are dissatisfied with your position. If you are truly a valued staff member and your current employer offers you something better after you've submitted your two week notice, that will put you in a good place to negotiate some benefits and a salary raise. If not, then FORGET THEM! But until that day comes stay on this job and look for another.

Answer 3

That's a tough one. First of all, I would begin quietly looking for another job. Secondly, if you both truly do have the same credentials, you may want to look at sex discrimination if the other person is a male, age discrimination if you are over 40 and the other person is younger, and equal pay discrimination, since that person was offered benefits. Lastly, there's a great book out there called Crucial Conversations that would help give you the skills to talk to your boss. In the end, if your boss really wants to keep you, he/she would take better care of you, and THAT my dear, is why you should find an employer that cares about its employees. They ARE out there, and I'm living proof of it, but you gotta keep drudging through to find them.

Answer 4

20 years means something -- if you can't talk to your boss - talk to HR rep. Bring up the health insurance in particular.

Is the other person a male? I think you could also indicate sexual discrimination. Remember it doesn't have to be overt or intentional - but sounds like you may have a case.

Regarding salary - if you can't approach your boss- well then you need to assess that relationship - because if they don't buy into you well then you can't move forward. Start a quiet job search. Don't negotiate or discuss until you have another offer.

Good luck!

Answer 5

I'd write a letter to unapproachable boss and tell him/her your disappointment at the situation and that you are concerned that this lack of appreciation or value for your services may lead to resentment.

If he responds with a meeting or salary offer, you may have just been taken for granted, work with him.

If he does nothing, move on.