Renegotiation after employment?

Question

Hi,
I accepted a job offer with a company and a salary offer too low for the industry i work in. I accepted the offer because I was losing hope of finding job after 5 months of search. My salary right now isnt even enough for me to even rent a nice apartment of my own after paying my current bills including student loans. I made a mistake in being afraid to ask for more. The company carries out yearly reviews and I started work with them in December, 2006. I need a pay at least $8,000 to $10,000 more than what I'm getting. this is the beginning salary level for someone in the tech industry. Do you think I should speak with HR and my boss for this or should I look for another job. I have pretty good skills and experience before I joined the company and I'm doing pretty well in the company. Advice please because the pay is killing me. Transportation to work, a month alone is close to $250 and it's not worth it for me. What is the avg % increase range during reviews and what do I do?

Answer 1

My opinion is that you might be stuck on this one. Every company I've worked in (1) only offers a competitive salary in the first place (doesn't undercut) and (2) if raises are not enough to keep a job salary competitive, they will adjust. However, I can't imagine (2) is the case because you just started working there 6 months ago.

However, there is no harm in asking. The worst thing they can do is say "no". And if that is the case, you might be looking for another job anyway, right?

I know that my company's hands are tied about raises unless it is that time of year. You cannot adjust (without one heck of a good reason) without it being review-time.

Typically raises range (in my industry, which is high tech) 2% for standard workers (meets expectations) to 4% for exceeds expectations to 7-10% for those who get promotions.

Answer 2

II can understand your loosing hope after five months of searching and making yourself more attractive by not asking for what you are worth just to get your foot in the door. We all do it at some time. I don't think you will be able to get the 8-10k that you need waiting for your yearly review. Now that you are working, send out your resume to other companies and put the salary which you desire right up front when you send it over to an employer. This way, low ballers won't waste your time. It is best to look for a job when you have a job. Good Luck to you.

Answer 3

I am with Pam.

They will not renegotiate before your review, they would risk discrimation suits from other employees if they did that.

The same goes with what you get during the review process, it is not going to exceed the companies norm or they could have legal troubles.

You did accept this pay, they did not sneak it on you.

You can look for a job now, but unless you have a steller resume you will look like a flake quiting this soon. It costs companies a lot of $ to hire and get a new employee up to speed. You will look pretty high risk.

Answer 4

I am in a similar situation. I took a job with lousy pay and benefits because I was out of work for awhile and needed something. I was hoping that after I proved myself I would be rewarded more fairly, but this didn't happen.

It can't hurt to ask for a raise, but if they weren't willing to pay you a fair salary in the beginning, they probably won't give you a raise. I would try to cut costs to save on your expenses and look for another job. I would suggest being more selective this time in looking for another job, and make sure you are paid a more reasonable salary (and make sure the benefits are decent also).