I was just looking around on my company's shared drive and I noticed an excel salary sheet. Being a nosey person, I opened it. The thing I noticed was that I'm getting paid as much as the boss's son. This wouldn't be a problem except for the fact that I'm a degreed engineer working as the lead consultant on multiple projects and he was hired to do administrative and computer assistance work. This seems wrong to me. I know I've been underpaid for a while now, but this really brought it to my attention. I also know I probably should not have opened that file. Should I ask for a pay raise? Any advice? Thanks in advance!
2007-11-01 06:10:52 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Other - Careers & Employment
I think that you can't compare your salary to that of the boss's son. How does your salary compare to everyone else?
2007-11-01 06:19:16 · answer #1 · answered by Mark S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't have access to that information. Even though you now know what other people are making that is not cause for you to ask for a raise. You have now put yourself in a sticky situation.
For instance, what would you say when they asked you "What makes you feel you are entitled to more money?" You have no valid answer because you were fine with your salary until you saw the report.
I would just prove to your managers that you are doing your job well and when you are reviewed again for a salary increase note to your manager that you have met all your goals, or done something above and beyond the position requirements, etc. This is the only viable way for you to get an increase.
You should forget that you ever saw the spreadsheet and not use it to make demands for more money. There is a reason why everyone's salary is what it is, and that reason is none of your business.
2007-11-01 06:19:56 · answer #2 · answered by SMY 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't bring up the fact that you saw the salary sheet, but if you're underpaid, accumulate all the reasons why you should make more money and ask for a raise. Make sure you have evidence to back up why you're worth the amount you're requesting. If you're turned down, find a job where you'll get paid what you deserve.
2007-11-01 06:19:03 · answer #3 · answered by xK 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, the company has issues if they are not locking the salary sheet from prying eyes such as yours ;) I totally did the same thing and I just fessed up and used it as an intro to clarify what I saw. I just admitted that I happened across it and said that I wanted to be honest and let my boss know that I saw what I saw. It ended up being a good discussion and I didn't "get in trouble" for it either. You could always let your boss know that you saw the salary sheet and wanted to know if just anyone could view your salary so you opened it up. Let him know you were in awe that it opened and got caught up and realized you shouldn't have seen the info, but you did. That way, you win...you are bringing up a breech in sensitive information that really should be kept better (remember others can see your salary openly too!!!) and you can let them know in the most professional manner possible, you know you're getting screwed and you want what you're worth! Turn a negative into a positive =)
2007-11-01 19:00:30 · answer #4 · answered by _ME_ 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can ask for a raise, if you're lucky you're gonna get it, but just don't talk about the bosse's son, don't bring up the fact that you opened the salary sheet, but keep in mind that the other guy is the bosse's son. I know it's not fair, but what would you do if your son would be working in your company?
2007-11-01 06:16:50 · answer #5 · answered by elmosgirl82 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on your area's job market, I'd say to start sending feelers out there. Obviously nepotism is at it's best in the firm you're currently working at, so why bother putting up with it?
Also, I must say, any company that puts their salary sheet on a shared drive for anyone to access, leads me to question where their security is at (identity theft and all).
2007-11-01 06:16:29 · answer #6 · answered by Tom C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely not a fair situation. Ask for a pay raise. Without mentioning what you saw. Most companies have policies about making sure pay is confidential. So knowing what you know could get you fired. But if you deserve a higher wage, then you have every right to ask for one. Do some research on what you're worth first. That way you start off with the ball in your court.
http://career-advice.monster.com/salary-negotiation/What-Am-I-Worth/home.aspx
http://www.employmentspot.com/job-question-answer/how-much-am-i-worth-on-the-job-market/
2007-11-01 06:29:45 · answer #7 · answered by Ella Viaja 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would say if you are underpaid to ask for the raise. If his son is just that overpaid you shouldn't really ask. Maybe shop around at other companies and research online to see if you could make more elsewhere.
2007-11-01 06:16:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say it's time to move on. Since you are an engineer, you shouldn't have problems finding another job at a different company.
2007-11-01 07:32:51 · answer #9 · answered by Dr S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the bosses son! What do you expect? But sure, ask for a raise, the worst that he can say is no.
2007-11-01 06:14:49 · answer #10 · answered by mrmanseven 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋