Give myself a raise?

Here's a work situation that has nothing to do with Marjorie.

I am underpaid for my position. In our overall organization, there are approximately 7 people who have the same "rank" as I. I am next to lowest paid. Some of the top earners make about 75% more than I do.

I am in charge of a larger group than most. I have a broader range of responsibility and accountability. I came up with and encouraged from my staff innovative solutions to keep our group going through some very difficult budget situations. I got our staff more engaged in their work than any of my predecessors. I am "selling" our group to the overall organization like no one else ever has.

I have the ability to give myself a raise. I can do it legally, easily. I just have to tell Marjorie to change the numbers in the system, and I am legally authorized to make spending decisions.

Sure, somewhere along the line someone might question the decision based on the fact that I'm approving it for myself. I wouldn't raise it to a level anywhere near my peers. For example, I'd raise it 10% or so, and still be well behind most of the others.

But still....I'm reluctant to do it. It just doesn't feel right to work the system that way. I met with my boss--who has many other responsibilities and relies on me to run the group--to talk to him about some financial decisions. He said I have his blessing to spend however I need/want to spend.

Between the lines, I believe it was a tacit hint.

Still....I'm reluctant to do it. I am 98% sure he's going to be replaced within the next couple months, and I have no idea who his successor will be. It would make sense to take advantage of his benign neglect now while I can.

But I just can't pull the trigger on it. :confused:

Comments

If you're underpaid, have the ability to unilaterally change it and don't do it then you lose all bitching privileges.
 
You have tacit approval, but I'd still go back and say to him, "Listen Jim, I feel I am underpaid and feel like I desesrve a 20% raise. I know I have the authority to do this, but I'd feel better with your written approval." (Every person in the business should be having annual performance evaluations. This would be the time to get your raise. If your business does not conduct these evals on a regular basis, personally, I'd not want to work there. And even IF you have the ability and authority to initiate your own raise.... it just looks bad, no matter what your salary is.)

If what you say is true about peer salaries being 75% higher and you've been such a vital part of success this year.... you should try to get closer to their salaries. Serioiusly. Your company may not be able to afford a full 75% raise but 10% is too low. Double your initial thoughts on a raise at a minimum...
 
The more I think about this blog, the more I think about the business who get in trouble b/c of unilateral decisions that should never be made by the person receiving the benefit. (Unless of course, you are the owner of a sole propriertorship.) In any other case, there should never be an instance where one person can unilaterally "give themself a raise." Get your boss to do his job.
 
Betty_Cocker;bt112230 said:
The more I think about this blog, the more I think about the business who get in trouble b/c of unilateral decisions that should never be made by the person receiving the benefit. (Unless of course, you are the owner of a sole propriertorship.) In any other case, there should never be an instance where one person can unilaterally "give themself a raise." Get your boss to do his job.

You know what? You're right. I shouldn't even be thinking about doing it. Well--thinking about it is one thing. Actually doing it is another.

It's a weird situation, that's for sure. Objectively, it's crazy that someone would have the ability to do it. Unless, as you stated, it's a sole proprietorship. And it is one way people get in to lots of trouble, especially where I work.

You're right. I can't do it. I'll approach the boss more directly. The last time we spoke, I gave him the run-down on our latest expenditures, and said we had more to consider. He said, 'make your own decisions and if anyone wants to yell about it they can yell at me.'
 

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