I overheard my boss interviewing a prospective employee. The lady asked her if she offered compensation for travel and then my boss said maybe they could work something out and since they knew I could hear them ( they were in the hallway) they started wispering. I don't get compensation for travel and this girl would be my partner on the job and drive to the same places I drive to. What should I do, let it go??? or try to find out what she might be getting??
2006-12-19 08:47:26 · 9 answers · asked by Contessa 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
First of all...don't worry about fair...worry about what you can get.
Be honest about having overheard the conversation and tell him/her that you'd like to be paid for travel expenses.
Say, "I'd like to be paid for my travel expenses" and then don't say a word until your boss responds. She who speaks first loses.
The expense is tax deductible for your company and is tax free to you. Frankly, what does it say about your company when they are short changing you on small things like this?
If this is a big company there should already be a policy on this matter.
By the way, some studies have said that one of the reasons that women make less money than men is that they don't like to negotiate and are less bold about asking for more money. People respect you more when you stand up for yourself...as long as you are polite.
If they want to keep you they will pay you what your worth.
2006-12-19 09:10:19 · answer #1 · answered by steven 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You do have my sympathies with this.
Unfortunately, she had the wherewithall to negotiate that ahead of time.
You didn't say how long you have been with your company or when your next performance review is coming up.
At this point, if you speak up, you'll let it slip that you were eavesdropping and that will look unprofessional.
I understand how you feel right now, and certainly your boss was unprofessional in speaking to a prospective employee in the hallway like that.
You shouldn't just "let it go", however. If you have a performance review coming up soon, that would be the time (assuming, of course, that you get a good review) to speak up about travel compensation. Honestly, the company should reimburse you for your travel. It's a hard lesson learned, but should you choose to find employment elsewhere, you've learned to ask for that up front.
It could be counting chickens before they hatch too.. she hasn't been hired yet, right?
No matter what, I wish you all the very best for your future, and I'm sorry you are going through this.
2006-12-19 09:00:07 · answer #2 · answered by Kallan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a "boss" I'm going to give you a different viewpoint from most of these above.
First, I don't think you should let it go. If you feel that you should be getting compensation for travel, you should ask for it. Many times, your boss doesn't know what you want or need without you bringing it to his/her attention.
Second, it doesn't matter what the prospective employee is getting. You should only care about you, and what compensation you require.
Third, when asking for any sort of additional raise or compensation, one of the worst reasons I can think of for requesting them is "because the new hire is getting them". It sounds like the reasoning a spoiled child would use. Here is the best way to get additional benefits:
Ms Smith, I would like to talk to you about having the company pay for my travel expenses. As you know, I've been a loyal employee here for XX months, I've taken the position you've given me and added responsibility in areas XXX and YYY, and much of this was done at my own expense driving my car and you know how costly that can be. I've demonstrated that I'm a valuable asset by providing the best of service, and I think that by reimbursing me for my expenses when I need to drive on behalf of our organization would be your investment in me and my commitment to the company.
Just my two cents worth...I'm sure that you'll do what is best for you!
Good Luck.
2006-12-19 09:44:12 · answer #3 · answered by xtral8 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe she has a different contract. You might wait awhile and then ask if travel can be compensated, or ask when you are up for review/raise. Not everything is equal, and she may have connections. Don't create problems. Ask as if you knew nothing about her otherwise you will be the first to go when the word cutbacks come into play!!
2006-12-19 08:52:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, make sure she actually gets the job. Secondly, do a little research and see if you state labor laws cover travel expenses--you may be legally entitled to reimbursement. Finally, talk with your boss and see if you can renegotiate your expenses. Most companies will reimburse you, but you have to keep up with your paperwork to do it.
2006-12-19 08:57:33 · answer #5 · answered by spunk113 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Carpool.
Let it go - for now. The new employee has negotiating power that you no longer have. Wait until the precedent is set, then bring it up in a non-confrontational way, and let the magic of guilt get you a tax-free raise!
2006-12-19 08:51:16 · answer #6 · answered by uknowhoo 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Can you ask for a revision of your contract? How long have you had your job? Use her as your chauffer when you go to the same places. Don't forget- you can deduct miles for work on your tax return.
2006-12-19 08:57:39 · answer #7 · answered by northville 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Speak up and tell you boss that if you are going to use your car and not a company vehicle, you expect to be reimbursed for gas/wear and tear or milage.
2006-12-19 08:50:53 · answer #8 · answered by whymewhynow 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd try to find out!
2006-12-19 08:55:35 · answer #9 · answered by §~You can't judge me!~§ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋