Q: In my company, the only way to get a decent raise is to be
promoted, so I decided to apply for a management job. I expected to
receive the same salary as my friend, who has a similar position
with another team.
Q:
In my company, the only way to get a decent raise is to be promoted, so I decided to apply for a management job. I expected to receive the same salary as my friend, who has a similar position with another team.
When I got the promotion, my new boss didn’t say how much my raise would be. However, he asked me to commit to staying in his department. I told him that I would stay as long as the money was right.
It turns out that I not only make less than my friend, but I also work about 50 percent more hours. This promotion has been bad for my health, my family, and the quality of my work.
At this point, even a huge raise would not make me happy. I want to transfer to a different department, but am not sure how to go about it.
A:
In a family business, the unfortunate reality is that family always trumps fairness. Relatives and “outsiders” are in two separate categories.
Your boss is the owner, so it’s her money. She’s free to give as much as she likes to her child, even if that child is a slacker. But since she fudged the pay figure, she at least seems to recognize the inequity.
Despite the unfairness, you’re smart to keep your mouth shut. Any criticism of her offspring will make your boss feel like both a bad mother and a bad manager. She’s not likely to appreciate the feedback.
The good news is that the daughter might not be there for long. Mom probably forced her into this position, so goofing off is her revenge. Eventually, rebellion may cause her to quit.
Since you previously enjoyed your job, wait awhile to see how this plays out. For now, just try to accept the situation and view this child’s inflated salary as a very large allowance.
Q:
I need to know if it’s time to quit my job. I am completely burned out and not motivated to do my work or support my customers. Because of some performance issues, my boss no longer respects me.
Due to all the stress, I am often sick and have anxiety attacks. I keep thinking about quitting, but I can’t afford to leave.
A:
Perhaps you can’t afford to leave, but you also can’t afford to continue this way. The health problems are a sign that you’ve reached your limit. And performance issues may have already put your job at risk.
Although a quick fix is unlikely, you’ll feel better once you take steps toward a more hopeful future. Start by determining the cause of your burnout. Are you in the wrong type of work? Stuck in a toxic organization? Or simply in need of a change?
If leaving seems to be the right solution, polish up your resume and start making networking contacts. But don’t quit until you have another job. And while you’re in this one, you must deliver the results expected of you.
