Interim higher level job opportunity, but no increase in pay

[thestrangebrew1]

So my city manager is finally retiring in December, and the City Council is asking if I would be interim CM until they recruit someone, the contract only being 6 months (Jan-June of next year). But the City can't afford a pay increase. I'd be doing my current duties plus the CM job for the six months.

On one hand, obviously doing both jobs would suck, when I'm actually busy doing my original duties. Current duties I'm pretty slow since our town isn't growing so I'm not processing land use applications. I have some things coming up on the horizon, but that's only in the next few months and don't foresee a whole lot coming down the pipe during my interim tenure. And then the whole no pay increase.

But as a benefit, I can put it on my resume and I'd learn about the position enough to decide if it's something I'd want to throw my hat in later. So what say you oh wise ATOTers? My wife is of the mindset that doing both with no pay increase whatsoever would be a big no for her.

 

[lxskllr]

So, two jobs, one paycheck? If so, fuck that noise. Tell them to check the couch cushions for money.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

So, two jobs, one paycheck? If so, fuck that noise. Tell them to check the couch cushions for money.

Yea I should've added, we're f'in broke. Like probably going to have to lay a bunch of people off broke soon. Hence the no pay increase.

 

[lxskllr]

Dunno. I guess it depends on how much you believe in the mission, and/or how fun it is. I feel like they should offer you /something/ beyond a "learning experience". Might not be money, but they should come up with something to compensate you for time that'll be lost forever.

 

[nakedfrog]

So if he wasn't retiring, they wouldn't have had money to pay him? And they can afford to pay his replacement, but not you?

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Dunno. I guess it depends on how much you believe in the mission, and/or how fun it is. I feel like they should offer you /something/ beyond a "learning experience". Might not be money, but they should come up with something to compensate you for time that'll be lost forever.

The work is fun and I believe we're doing things to make the city better. Not sure what I would ask for if not monetary. A 6 month stint in local government isn't very long lol. Maybe ask for an increase in management hours or something.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

So if he wasn't retiring, they wouldn't have had money to pay him? And they can afford to pay his replacement, but not you?

He'd be paid, but his contract is up end of the year so he'd probably be asked to take a pay cut if renewed tbh.

 

[nakedfrog]

The work is fun and I believe we're doing things to make the city better. Not sure what I would ask for if not monetary. A 6 month stint in local government isn't very long lol. Maybe ask for an increase in management hours or something.

Name a street after you?

 

[lxskllr]

Groundskeepers take care of your property? Of course, that starts to smell a little like corruption. Money isn't everything. In fact, I'd call it almost nothing. It's the least interesting reason to do anything. Sometimes doing the right thing doesn't bring you riches. Don't let them them take advantage of you though. Go in with your eyes open.

 

[sdifox]

LoL no. Unless you got the balls to give yourself a raise while you are your own boss.

 

[Greenman]

Would you have to put in extra hours to handle both jobs? If not, do it. Being known as the guy that gets shit done is a good reputation to have.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Would you have to put in extra hours to handle both jobs? If not, do it. Being known as the guy that gets shit done is a good reputation to have.

Nah. Maybe some calls/texts after hours, but I already get those anyways. Otherwise, council meetings, which I have to go to anyways as well. I'm going to see if I can at least get a 3% for the 6 months. It's not much, which is a good thing in this case, but it's something.

Thing is, I love my job, the people I work with, and my commute is crazy awesome at 4 mins down the road on bike or driving. Taking the job might actually be a job security move in the event we have to layoff or eliminate positions.

 

[Brainonska511]

Why couldn't they use some of the money that would pay a city manager to bump your salary while you cover the CM position?

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Why couldn't they use some of the money that would pay a city manager to bump your salary while you cover the CM position?

This is how I'm going to ask them to cover the 3% I'm asking for.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Thing is, I love my job, the people I work with, and my commute is crazy awesome at 4 mins down the road on bike or driving. Taking the job might actually be a job security move in the event we have to layoff or eliminate positions.

How can you say no when your job could be on the line?
As you note, you become the guy who will step it up, do a great job, so when the chopping comes, they hopefully spare you.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Yeah I wouldn't take it for no pay increase. More responsibility for no real gain.

They say they have no money yet they will gladly pay a consultant 500k to do a feasibility study to see if they should repaint a park bench though.

 

[KLin]

I vote no.

 

[bba_tcg]

So my city manager is finally retiring in December, and the City Council is asking if I would be interim CM until they recruit someone, the contract only being 6 months (Jan-June of next year). But the City can't afford a pay increase. I'd be doing my current duties plus the CM job for the six months.

On one hand, obviously doing both jobs would suck, when I'm actually busy doing my original duties. Current duties I'm pretty slow since our town isn't growing so I'm not processing land use applications. I have some things coming up on the horizon, but that's only in the next few months and don't foresee a whole lot coming down the pipe during my interim tenure. And then the whole no pay increase.

But as a benefit, I can put it on my resume and I'd learn about the position enough to decide if it's something I'd want to throw my hat in later. So what say you oh wise ATOTers? My wife is of the mindset that doing both with no pay increase whatsoever would be a big no for her.

Are they paying the outgoing CM the same thing they're currently paying you?

 

[jpiniero]

Personally I wouldn't do it unless you're planning on trying to run for Mayor somewhere.

 

[nakedfrog]

Personally I wouldn't do it unless you're planning on trying to run for Mayor somewhere.

He's gonna clean up this town!

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Are they paying the outgoing CM the same thing they're currently paying you?

No they wouldn't pay me the same thing. Never been CM before, so no reason to pay me what he's making. If they were to pay me the entry level salary for a CM, I definitely wouldn't take it. That'd be like a $30k annual pay cut lol. Just pay me what I'm currently making. I'm about 2 steps below what he's currently making.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

He's gonna clean up this town!

This is hilarious lol

 

[sdifox]

No they wouldn't pay me the same thing. Never been CM before, so no reason to pay me what he's making. If they were to pay me the entry level salary for a CM, I definitely wouldn't take it. That'd be like a $30k annual pay cut lol. Just pay me what I'm currently making. I'm about 2 steps below what he's currently making.

That is not how secondments work

 

[bba_tcg]

No they wouldn't pay me the same thing. Never been CM before, so no reason to pay me what he's making. If they were to pay me the entry level salary for a CM, I definitely wouldn't take it. That'd be like a $30k annual pay cut lol. Just pay me what I'm currently making. I'm about 2 steps below what he's currently making.

Then they definitely have some latitude for negotiation. Even so, turning it down could have unintended / unwanted consequences, depending upon how petty they chose to be - which I'm sure you've considered.