"I Want A Raise" - Help!

[MrsFuchs09]

I've been working for the same company for nine months. Every six months, you are eligible for a raise. I haven't asked for one because my step father works there and told me he'd help me with getting a "good" one, meaning more than 25 cents. My boss basically depends on him too, being that our company is web-based and he's the webmaster and always has the right answer for everything.

I'm young and I'm making about 15 dollars less than the average worker who has my "title" (video editor). It's a small company. I'm the only video editor there now.

My boss knows I'm getting married, moving out on my own and has even thanked me numerous times for the work I've done, the videos I've edited, etc. She's a "famous" hairstylists (She worked for Vidal Sassoon when she was just starting out.) and is the founder of the business. She's even doing my hair the day of the wedding and is going to my bridal shower my mom planned and is going to the wedding itself. Our small company is like a family.

She once told me, when it was just her and me at the office one morning, that "you don't get what you don't ask for." I have a feeling she saw my video editing log that I've kept so I can show her when I eventually do ask her for a raise (I left it on my desk; it has the time frames of my editing, so its show how many videos I edit a week, on average.). My step father told me to keep the log so I can prove to her how much I help her business. I've also kept all my old notes and have a list of what I've done to benefit the company. My stepfather even said she was reluctant to give him a raise, he had to persuade her to point of insanity.

Now, her assistant, I just found out, got offered a job that would pay her BIG...much bigger than she's getting now (She just turned 20 and she's told me how much she makes even though I wouldn't tell her my salary. I don't like sharing that information. Although, I must say...she's not making much more than me.)

So, basically, I'm effed. She's either going to drop her job now and take the new one or tell our boss she wants a raise. How am I supposed to ask for a raise with that?!

My boss has money, lots of it. But the company doesn't make all the money in the world.

Any advice? I'm young, this is my first real job (not including Wal*Mart and a nursing home I worked at when I was 14, making a quarter over minimum wage, while I made beds and served food trays to residents.) and it's the first job I've ever had in my chosen field, which is Film Production.

[amisteratwisterandme]

I have found myself in situations like this plenty of times. First off, you can't be ticked for finding out someone else's pay. You probably should have stopped her from telling you (I have had this happen too, and it is hard not to get angry)

I personally have never been able to ask for a raise. Part of me has wanted to, but part of me thinks it is in bad taste, and you shouldn't HAVE to ask for a raise (I do realize that the real world doesn't work that way though)

If you want to go through with it, I would ask her for a minute of her time, show her your weekly average and remind her that you are the only editor on staff and you want a raise. And do not bring up the other persons' wages.

I would think of all the repercussions first though. If she says no, are you planning on still working there? Are you going to have bitter feelings towards her? Is this going to mess up your relationship with her? Would she still do your hair for your wedding? Will she get mad at you? Are you willing to quit if she says no way?

Just like anything, decide if asking is worth the risk, and if what ever the outcome is if it justifies it.

Good luck, let me know what you decide.

[f77g4]

I have found myself in situations like this plenty of times. First off, you can't be ticked for finding out someone else's pay. You probably should have stopped her from telling you (I have had this happen too, and it is hard not to get angry)

I personally have never been able to ask for a raise. Part of me has wanted to, but part of me thinks it is in bad taste, and you shouldn't HAVE to ask for a raise (I do realize that the real world doesn't work that way though)

If you want to go through with it, I would ask her for a minute of her time, show her your weekly average and remind her that you are the only editor on staff and you want a raise. And do not bring up the other persons' wages.

I would think of all the repercussions first though. If she says no, are you planning on still working there? Are you going to have bitter feelings towards her? Is this going to mess up your relationship with her? Would she still do your hair for your wedding? Will she get mad at you? Are you willing to quit if she says no way?

Just like anything, decide if asking is worth the risk, and if what ever the outcome is if it justifies it.

Good luck, let me know what you decide.

Very well said Jannalynn!

I agree - I've never asked for a raise before. They've always been given to me when it has been felt that one was warranted. I don't think I would have the guts to do something like that for fear of being canned.

And I agree with Jannalynn to think about the repercussions if you don't get what you want. I just think with the economy the way it is that maybe this isn't the best timing and whatnot.

Good luck with whatever you decide.