ATOT: I need your advice re: raise & promotion.

[Zeze]

So I'm a contractor on W2. I was hired for a PM role 5 months ago. Let's say I make $50/hr.

I worked my ass off and they gave me a HUGE upward movement in my position. I am now a lead managing 5 PMs, 5 BAs, 4 BSAs- essentially in charge of my entire room/pod/workstream.

I probably mentioned this few weeks ago here, and now I'm officially in the lead role since past Friday.

The stress is tremendous.

I'm literally thrown into the fire- all senior mgmt is looking at me and they expect me to learn the lead role, put in a god damn new process, AND put out all the fire in the room.

So my vendor (contracting firm) confirmed me of this 'promotion' today in a private meeting. I asked him if my rate is going up. He said no because I'm hired on the annual contract basis and my rate is 'locked in'. He said the best he can do is give up his margin, so I'm expecting few bucks increase.

I don't think he's BSing (or maybe he is to pocket the difference), but how is this justified? I was CONTRACTED for the original 'PM' role where I can go home and forget about work. Now I'm managing an entire room & constantly worrying about crap even at off hours. Shouldn't I be appropriately compensated for the market rate of mgmt role?

If I'm making $50/hr now, I'm at least expecting $70-80/hr. (Sr PMs in the market easily make $95-100/hr)

What are your thoughts? Is he lying? Both the company and my vendor need me badly- I can leverage this and ask for my desire amount, yes?

Please provide your wisdom.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Theres no "locked in " about it. The contractor doesn't want to pay you more period. Tell him either renegotiate or get someone else. The job changed so the contract changes.

 

[AreaCode707]

Are you managing employees or other contractors?

Overall, should have asked about a change in comp when you accepted the increase in responsibilities. As a contractor you'll have a hard time re-negotiating now. Your only real choice, since you've already asked about this to your vendor, is to issue an ultimatum. How much do you want the job?

 

[SSSnail]

You can pay me to manage your situation for you, this project seems manageable.

 

[Printer Bandit]

I love PMs. They think they're the center of the universe and everyone revolves around them.

 

[eldorado99]

I love PMs. They think they're the center of the universe and everyone revolves around them.

Ah, so you are one of those "My 'stuff' don't stink" types eh?

 

[notposting]

So, did they change the terms of the contract?

 

[kranky]

I don't know what a "contractor on W2" is, but I don't understand why the existing contract can't be modified to accommodate an increase.

I would work like crazy to get some immediate improvements you can document, then bring up the need to renegotiate. Your improvements would give them a basis for justifying it even if it happens not to be "their policy".

 

[rudeguy]

2 options: Pay me more now or make up for it in a one time bonus in 7 months.
$800/week * 4 weeks/month * 7 months= roughly $33k bonus in November.


Either way, get the the shit in writing.

 

[Insomniator]

How long until the $50/hour contract is up?

Also, its odd the contracting firm would allow them to 'overuse' you so much, they should push the company to pay them more so your rate and their profit can go up.

 

[darkxshade]

I asked him if my rate is going up. He said no because I'm hired on the annual contract basis and my rate is 'locked in'.

You should've start questioning this when he said it. How is this a promotion? Why is my rate locked in but not the level of service I'm contracted to provide?