Do I have fuel for a raise? And if so, how much?

[vi edit]

When I got hired at the position that I'm at now, it was with the understanding that I'd only be supporting when I was in the office (40 hours a week), or, basically, 9-5 M-F.

Well, about 3 months into the job, that hasn't been the case. I've been in the office on the weekends to support users, I've been called at home on the nights to support users that are having problems after hours.

Also, my biggest gripe is that I'm going to be going on vacation at the end of the month to see the girlfriends parents out in the Black Hills, SD, and they want me to wear a pager the whole time.

Just this past labor day, I was in fixing a problem that was user inflicted, and even on my days off I have to come in to fix a problem every now and then.

I guess I don't even feel like I'm truely on "vacation" because I'm constantly on standby.

I know that people at my old place of employment got paid on a per call basis if they were paged after hours, and I know that doctors and such get a flat fee when they carry a pager after hours.

I guess my question is, is it part of my responsiblility as the sole computer guy, or is my company starting to take advantage of me? Or, is it a little of both?

I guess if you were in my shoes, what would you consider a reasonable increase in pay/compensation if you were me.

I'm pretty young and haven't had a lot of experience negotiating salaries, so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Midnight Rambler]

I would definitely make a case with your direct supervisor, but do it tactfully. Perhaps by dropping hints that you have been putting in a lot of time from home, and that while you don't mind the occasional work from home, you didn't enter in to this job with the understanding that this was a regular requirement.

At the very least I would request an interruption-free vacation. Sounds like you have more than earned at least that much consideration, and that is what I would tell them. If your employer thinks otherwise, I think they are taking advantage of you and you should start looking for another job. There are so many companies in need of good tech support people that it shouldn't be too hard to find somewhere where you are better appreciated.

Good luck.

 

[Shazam]

Do the old "send email at 9:00pm" bit. Worked wonders for me. Nothing like a 100% raise in 4 months

 

[Moonbeam]

One thing I'm wondering is if you know if you want more money or your free time free. I don't need to know, but you should.