Bosses at work pissin me off...

[jimbob200521]

Ok, a little back story first: I work at a local (relatively large) computer company as a PC tech. I also do outside service calls and other things like that. I have been here for just over a year, and aren't making nearly enough.

Come almost, but not quite, 2 months ago, one admin pulls me aside at the end of the day, and tells me that they are so happy with how I have been doing and the direction I am going that they would like to give me a $1.00/hr raise. The only condition is that I have to wait until my probation period is over which was March 23. He said he would like to give it to me right now, but that I would have to wait. I understood, graciously accept, thanked him, and got back to work.

That was about 3 or so weeks ago. According to my calender, the raise should have taken effect on this current paycheck, but did not. I brought it up this morning and asked him why I hadn't gotten it, figuring it was a simple internal error (no surprise here). Well, his story has now changed; apparently they are wanting to review me now and discuss my raise. He then said that he would like to meet with me and discuss this, making it sound like he would do it today.

I later sent him a message, asking him what time he would like to meet. He replied by saying that he didn't say it would be today, he would get back to me. I, in trying to keep good spirit, replied:

"Just as long as it's not another 3 weeks ;-)

Also, I have several tech-related issues that I would like to discuss, would that be an appropriate time to bring them up?"

He then came back and told me that I should concern myself with whether or not I have earned a raise, not 3 weeks. At this point I'm not too happy, and am wondering if I could get some advise on how to handle this. I don't want to reply back and tell him to "fvck off", but I don't want to let it go, either.

Maybe something along the lines of, but a little toned down:

"I don't think it matters whether or not I believe that I have earned one, but the fact that you and other admin believe I have enough to tell me that I was going to get one is what should matter. I guess all of the compliments about how happy the store is with me and how you wish you could have given me the raise sooner just confused me."

Any advise or help would be appreciated...

-Ryan

 

[UberNeuman]

Maybe you should let it go instead of spoiling for a fight....

 

[lightpants]

Did you slack off after they told you that you would be getting a raise?

 

[Kelemvor]

I'd start looking for a new job on the side. Then when they decide to screw you over in 3 weeks you can get them back by saying "In that case, here's my 2 week notice".

 

[slsmnaz]

Always CYA by getting it in writing

 

[BoomerD]

Originally posted by: Kelemvor
I'd start looking for a new job on the side. Then when they decide to screw you over in 3 weeks you can get them back by saying "In that case, here's my 2 week notice".

MIGHT be your best choice. Not sure how long you've worked in the field, or what education or training you have, but it sounds like they're stringing you along...

 

[Bryophyte]

Has there been a change in the quality of your work in the past two months? Did the admin who promised you the raise overstep his authority when he did so and is now trying to cover his own ass because he'll get in trouble for it?

 

[jdini76]

It sounds like it was and is a test to me. It's $1 more an hr. To me its not a huge raise. I would just continue working as if nothing happened.

Don't get me wrong a raise in pay is a great thing no matter how much, but pick your battles. You could be whining over $1 when this meeting could be about giving you a $5 raise.

Keep your head low for now, and keep doing the good work.

 

[Vegitto]

If you're not getting the raise they promised you, start looking around for a new job.

(And thanks for quoting me. )

 

[Bryophyte]

Originally posted by: Kelemvor
I'd start looking for a new job on the side. Then when they decide to screw you over in 3 weeks you can get them back by saying "In that case, here's my 2 week notice".

Nah, he should say "Well, in that case, you'll understand why I'm not going to give you the courtesy of two weeks' notice" and quit on the spot.

 

[OutHouse]

sounds like the admin spoke too soon. raises sould not be discussed or promised before any review, its bad business and unprofessional your case is a prime example of it.

 

[Vegitto]

Originally posted by: jdini76
It sounds like it was and is a test to me. It's $1 more an hr. To me its not a huge raise. I would just continue working as if nothing happened.

Don't get me wrong a raise in pay is a great thing no matter how much, but pick your battles. You could be whining over $1 when this meeting could be about giving you a $5 raise.

Keep your head low, and keep doing the good work.

I'm thinking that $1/hr is a big deal.. At least, if you're making minimum wage, that is.. Damn, I can't really understand why people are whining about the minimum wage in the US. Where I live, the minimum wage is ?3,22/hr, and that's what I make. Things are lot more expensive over here, too.

 

[Zysoclaplem]

I wouldn't worry about it. And I would not write him back. Sounds like he promised you something he couldn't deliver. Sorry.

 

[gwrober]

I think everyone has it right - drop it (this time) and keep your eyes open for other opportunities. Keep working hard. :thumbsup:

 

[jimbob200521]

Originally posted by: lightpants
Did you slack off after they told you that you would be getting a raise?

No. If anything, I have worked harder since then. I have been more proactive in fixing computers and doing better with follow ups with customers.

 

[Vegitto]

Originally posted by: jimbob200521

Originally posted by: lightpants
Did you slack off after they told you that you would be getting a raise?

No. If anything, I have worked harder since then. I have been more proactive in fixing computers and doing better with follow ups with customers.

Well, start looking for a job on the side anyway.

 

[jdini76]

Originally posted by: Vegitto

Originally posted by: jdini76
It sounds like it was and is a test to me. It's $1 more an hr. To me its not a huge raise. I would just continue working as if nothing happened.

Don't get me wrong a raise in pay is a great thing no matter how much, but pick your battles. You could be whining over $1 when this meeting could be about giving you a $5 raise.

Keep your head low, and keep doing the good work.

I'm thinking that $1/hr is a big deal.. At least, if you're making minimum wage, that is.. Damn, I can't really understand why people are whining about the minimum wage in the US. Where I live, the minimum wage is ?3,22/hr, and that's what I make. Things are lot more expensive over here, too.

You are right. $1 is a lot for someone making minimum wage. But in my experience they don't put you on 'probation" period if you are working minimum wage. I guess its not unheard of, but its not common practice as far as I know.

 

[deerslayer]

He then came back and told me that I should concern myself with whether or not I have earned a raise, not 3 weeks.

No. If anything, I have worked harder since then. I have been more proactive in fixing computers and doing better with follow ups with customers.

I would drop it, however, if you do reply, tell him you aren't concerned with whether or not you have earned the raise because you are confident in the quality of your work and the effort you have put forth.

 

[Vegitto]

Originally posted by: jdini76

Originally posted by: Vegitto

Originally posted by: jdini76
It sounds like it was and is a test to me. It's $1 more an hr. To me its not a huge raise. I would just continue working as if nothing happened.

Don't get me wrong a raise in pay is a great thing no matter how much, but pick your battles. You could be whining over $1 when this meeting could be about giving you a $5 raise.

Keep your head low, and keep doing the good work.

I'm thinking that $1/hr is a big deal.. At least, if you're making minimum wage, that is.. Damn, I can't really understand why people are whining about the minimum wage in the US. Where I live, the minimum wage is ?3,22/hr, and that's what I make. Things are lot more expensive over here, too.

You are right. $1 is a lot for someone making minimum wage. But in my experience they don't put you on 'probation" period if you are working minimum wage. I guess its not unheard of, but its not common practice as far as I know.

Heh, I'm still on probation, too..
But I can't really help you here, I don't know how things like this work in the US. Also, sorry if I was threadjacking .

 

[radioouman]

$1 an hour isn't worth a fight over.

That's an extra $80 per two weeks, minus taxes... Maybe $55 extra per two weeks?

Sure, you'd like to have that money, but it isn't worth picking a fight unless you have a fall back plan. Chances are that you won't win this fight either.

 

[PeeluckyDuckee]

Giving two weeks notice? In cases like these I wouldn't even consider giving them that courtesy.

Your boss doesn't seem very professional, for giving you his word then taking it back and leave you in the loop.

 

[Firebot]

Sounds like your boss took offense to your 3 week comment, and I don't see a reason why he shouldn't. His comment would be said by most bosses who don't like to have an action thrown back at them, especially one meant to benefit you. It's perfectly fine to remind them of the raise talk that happened, but commenting about the 3 weeks even in jest is inappropriate, especially if it's something that's out of their control.

 

[Mxylplyx]

Originally posted by: jimbob200521
Ok, a little back story first: I work at a local (relatively large) computer company as a PC tech. I also do outside service calls and other things like that. I have been here for just over a year, and aren't making nearly enough.

Might want to re-evaluate that. PC Tech's are a dime a dozen.

 

[PepePeru]

Originally posted by: slsmnaz
Always CYA by getting it in writing

thats a hard lesson ive had to learn over the past year.

100% correct. dont accept a performance review, promise of a raise etc from a supervisor without getting it in writing.

 

[ScottFern]

Your boss is giving you a little double talk it seems. The way you explained it he is being confusing and going back on his word!