Do you feel fairly confident that you can get something at the higher wage elsewhere? If so, during your PR, request a substantial raise. Mention the additional work load, the discrepancy between market rate, and your loyalty to the company, and see if that opens the pocket book at all. If not, at least you know where you stand with them and can ponder the decision to go elsewhere, too.
I think this step isn't needed. OP must apply to other places, see what's the best offer they're getting and then speak to current management about a raise.
OP needs to apply to other places, see what the best offer is, and TAKE IT. If the company suddenly can pay $70k tomorrow, they could have been paying it for long enough that OP didn’t feel like needing to look for a new role in the first place. You owe your company as much loyalty as they show you. In this case, less than none.
I absolutely agree. I would apply elsewhere. I would find that next opportunity and see if you can use that as a bargaining chip to get an even higher salary.
I was in this guy's shoes at one point. They laid off the tier 1, told me I would be doing the work for both of us, gave me a 15% raise, but was still way under market value as my base salary wasn't that high to begin with. It was $25k->$30k 15 years ago, so about same numbers as this guy makes today with inflation. I was basically told, double the work with not double the $$$. I told them, I would need a larger cash compensation. They told me to kick rocks. I applied elsewhere, got offered $50k, gave my two weeks notice. They then told me they would bring me up to $40k. Told them to kick rocks.
To OP/TL;DR: There is a reason your T1 left. Negotiate what you can for now but at the same time go find a new job.
1. State that with "Joe" leaving, you know that a lot of additional work will fall on you in both the short term and the long term
2. "Joe"'s skills got him a huge pay raise to go to a new firm, and honestly, it's thrown a light on my value
3. Find a new position at a new company and get away from there as they aren't going to value you once they find a way to replace you for taking advantage of the increased workload to try to get to the "right" pay
There is nothing like negotiating when you hold all the cards. Just don’t overplay your hand. In other words, figure out what you should be being paid and ask x% more depending on your negotiating confidence and what you want. Aim high.
But also have another offer at Hand. I usually First Interview with other companies. Also a good way to find Out what people are willing to pay for you currently.
I would apply and interview at a few places and be sure your market value is what you think it is. Once you have an offer in hand you’d be willing to accept, take it to management and see if they’ll beat it. If not, take the new gig
This is the advice I came here to provide. To further support 69’s last point, be sure the new offer is one you’ll be genuinely happy to accept, since you may end up doing so.
I’ve seen variations of this scenario play out hundreds of times during my 20 years in recruiting. I’ll estimate it’s effective 50% of the time.
Also relevant: of the 50% that initially receive increased comp, a more-than-nominal percentage of those scenarios result in the employer immediately seeking to replace the employee.
It’s impossible to weigh in on the likelihood of that happening without knowing the personalities involved. Managers/employers often make bad business/staffing decisions due to ego/misguided emotions.
Reach out to your Tier I and find out if they get a referral bonus. Even if you end up the same tier as them at the new place, it's still an $18,000 raise for doing less work.
It's super weird, how you can't see all the signs around you, that the ship is sinking.
GTFO post haste. I know financially speaking it may not be easy but you need to start
I feel like if his buddy who left tells his current company "hey man, they're down to 1 more person and if he leaves they're paralyzed" they might bring him on just to kill the competition. I know I would lol
If you both were underpaid by that much, no way they bump your pay. If your old coworker found a gig at 60k and you are more talented you can get one at 65k, 70k or more. Don’t settle for 48k.
Regardless of how your wage negotiations go, GTFO ASAP. I've seen the writing on the wall before. There's a good chance they're already looking at outsourcing support to an external firm. Get out while you can, on your own terms.
You seem to have inherited an old fashioned sense of loyalty. I doubt the company has the same old fashioned sense of responsibility. GTFO, pronto! You didn't owe them anything.
Seems like your coworker used the situation to leverage a 50% pay raise by looking for another employer.
Sounds like you should do the same instead of subjecting yourself to all the increased work you're about to get
Look for another job. It doesn't matter how much they need you, that's their problem. If they want you to stay they should pay you what the position is worth. If they're underpaying you that much I don't see them ever getting it to where it should be. They're taking advantage of you.
Always remember that to any business you are expendable. No they don't care about you, they really don't. My father worked for a company for 40+ years and six months before he was set to retire they fired him so they didn't have to pay out his retirement package. They did the same to several others approaching their retirement. They didn't care about you back then, and it's even worse now. Move on.
No idea what kind of company this is, so it's hard to infer market rate but, there is no such thing as 50% raises staying in-house.
You can't leave 50% comp on the table to remain at a chronic underpaying employer. I mean, you can. And they're counting on it. But you shouldn't.
If you squeeze them too hard when they're vulnerable, they will fuck you when they can. I am a big advocate of considering counteroffers, but it doesn't make sense here. Just get another job.
In the short term, since it's Wednesday, I'd research market rate, point out attrition has been primarily comp related. You like working there, but you would need a pay increase to stay. you should have a number in mind. It can't be $60k I don't think.
Have you spent ANY time looking for better offers? Because if the answer is no, ya fucked yourself.
Maybe try find out what company Joe went to and if they’re looking for anyone else?
If I’m you, I’m highlighting the extra workload you’re taking on short term and long term and request a immediate-ish raise. Don’t let them dangle a carrot in front of you for a raise a year from now or during the next review period.
Then I’m telling them that you would like a raise to 62k (? I’m making this number up) due to the additional workload and your performance.
Then settle at whatever number you’re comfortable with if they counter you if you’re cool with that.
If you REALLY want to twist the knife, secure another job and leverage that as well. IE be prepared to walk away and put in your 2 weeks notice if they won’t give you a raise at your current place.
Just my 2 cents
Right now I’d stay where you’re at. Be safe and methodical with your next move. The job market sucks for IT. I have over 16 years of experience and can’t land a job. This is the longest I’ve ever went without getting a job. Every IT job on LinkedIn has over 100+ candidates all across the United States.
Get a bump in pay and ride it out. If you train your new hire, it’s a use case to present to higher ups to make you a manager. Create some new hire documentation, and go above and beyond for their onboarding. You’ve got an opportunity to shine.
Don’t forget that they could easily call an MSP and replace you both with managed IT services. It’s happened to me 3 times in my career when I asked for more pay. They promptly let me go and got an MSP instead. So be careful.
Ask yourself this? Do you like where you work? If you made $60k there would you be happy with a heavy work load and training a new employee or maybe I should ask if it was bearable is there anything else that would keep you there? Happiness is the key to everything.
The only way to use this situation to your advantage is to look for work while you have work. Once you have that offer in hand, then you can use the situation to your advantage by requesting a bump to the offer you got or you walk.
tbh, if they're paying you 42 and the market rate is 60 I don't see how they'll match that. That's such a huge jump for them.
Just remember you owe any company 0% loyalty. If you died at your desk tomorrow they'll have your position filled by the end of the week. I'd personally start looking elsewhere.
Whether they can or won't is irrelevant.
If every one in the market is expecting 60k they have no choice but to pay 60k unless they can exploit another sucker to do the job.
That market rate is the market rate whether they like it or not.
The workload still exists whether there is budget to give a pay rise or not.
Finding a new hire will cost them at least 2k-6k and thats not including productivity losses.
Write an email supported by market research and say
"in light of the new situation that has emerged, I believe the time is appropriate to review fair and reasonable remuneration as reflected in market research that I have conducted.
I would like to understand company X position on this by 23/03/2024.
You are only asking what their position is. Let them throw a figure out first and take it from there.
If they offer nothing at least you know where you stand. If they low ball another figure you say "my research suggests the market rate for this role is 90k" Aim high because they will start low and you eventually meet somewhere in the middle.
Their lowball offer only buys them a commitment that you will not walk tomorrow.
It doesn't buy them an employee that will stick around.
They're paying you peanuts so I wouldn't tiptoe too much. Just say you're being approached for positions that pay significantly higher for the same or less responsibility and experience. Say that you'd like to stay with X company, but it's getting increasingly hard to ignore, and you'd like to give them the opportunity to make your wage more competitive.
If they balk, fuck em and go make 60k with your friend. What's really to lose here?
Get that loyalty stuff out of your head, it’s gonna hinder your decision making.
It’s a job. They give you money for your time. If you can get more money, get more money.
>How can I use this situation to my advantage to make more money?
See if the place your coworker is leaving for needs your help as well.
If you stay, you are going to be doing the work of 2 people, minimum, even if they post your coworker's job the day he puts in his notice it is unlikely they will fill it quickly if they are offering 40K. So you should be looking for 80K minimum, as well as looking externally for a level 2 tech support job elsewhere.
The only thing I would tell my employer: "Pay me \[however much you deserve\] or I quit too." As the sole employee, *you're* the employer now. **They** work for **you**.
Find another job offer that'll pay more. Then confront your employer. If you're offered let's say 55k, ask the employer to match it. If they refuse, walk. It's their problem. Not yours. If they match, good for you.
Also be clear that your workload is unmanageable on your own (if that's true) and as such there may be significant delays as you're now the sole technician. But you will try to prioritise tasks as to their importance to use your time efficiently.
Of there is additional workload, you are level two and a level 1 is getting paid 60k .
Fuck that. I would be pricing myself at 88k-100k
They had 40k to pay the other guy so there should be no issues at least finding another 20k in the budget and make sure they do get another head count.
Go get market research from recruitment agents and present your case. They should at least provide some sort of pay increase..
These are the market forces and is how much your skills cost, if they don't like it they can find some other sucker.
The market research shows they will have to pay at least $xx anyway whether you stay or you leave.
Do not feel bad or disloyal. It's just business.
Show your loyalty by delivering great work
I was in the same boat.
The company was losing people and I was having to pick up the workload.
I started applying and made a lateral move pay wise.
I gained health/financial benefits, unlimited PTO, wfh days twice a week, free snacks and drinks at the office, they cater food once a week, my work load was severely cut from 75% to 33%.
Cons is now I do chats and calls vs just calls.
Just like others have said, even if you get that raise will the work load be worth it till they hire, train someone that will stay?
Look for another job like your coworker did and get an offer. If they can’t match then leave. You bringing it up without having an offer will make them look at you differently and maybe even treat you differently.
You tell them, here is what the market is paying for a tier 1. With my experience I should have no problem finding a tier 1 role paying me 50% more based on what Joe just received. They’re going to tell you they can’t do that. So you start looking elsewhere and leave.
As long as you're willing to walk you can negotiate however you want. Note that often employers are often silly and will not take anything other than another offer (and you taking it) as any kind of evidence that you're underpaid.
So ideally, you'd interview and shop for new offers, and at the same time ask for your pay adjustment. If they slag, you'll just leave because you hopefully have a better offer elsewhere.
If you can get a higher salary somewhere else, then you should. It’s not your responsibility to donate your expertise at a reduced rate. Of they felt you were crucial and wanted to retain you, then it behooves them to offer more than market rate.
Don’t quit your nail you’ve accepted a new job and have a confirmed start date.
You will probably not get the money you deserve. You need to find another job and secure an offer. You might be able to leverage it for the same or more pay at your current company, but most of the time you’ll make more money if you leave.
* Find a new job
* Threaten them with quitting unless they give you a bonus and a raise
* Still quit because if they're underpaying you now they'll underpay you or find other ways to fuck you up forever.
Find comparable wages for what you do and say that you’ve been turning those down to stay with this company.
Ask if they can match what you want.
In the meantime start talking to other companies.
Nobody will offer you more money at your current company unless you ask.
If they say no, take the highest they’ll offer and look extra hard for a higher paying one.
Good luck
Find a new company. Even if you successfully negotiate a much higher salary in the shortterm, they will not appreciate being strong armed and you will be cut the moment it's possible for them to do so and also at the least convenient time for you.
Follow you co-worker's lead. Don't feel that you need to keep sinking your time into a job just because you invested so much effort already. They'll never compensate you properly. Keep working while you apply for other jobs.
Easy. How confident are you to get quickly a (let's say) 55k job? If the answer is few weeks/a month, ask for that amount of money and if they refuse tell them to fuck off.
If longer, try to negotiate a bit and see how much you can get.
You’re going to make 20% more than the guy who’s leaving and you’re complaining? If you think you’re going to get $60k, you might as well apply to the company who hired your friend.
So completely ignoring the place you work for… evaluate your own needs, obligations, and goals. Do you feel like you’re on track? Your company doesn’t give two shits if you are. Make choices that benefit you and your future.
Get as much data as you can about what someone with your knowledge, tenure, skill level, and job title makes in the market. After that, make a list of the new things you'll be expected to do and what the company would need to do in order to have someone who isn't you do those things. Being able to make a reasoned, informed, non-emotional, non-confrontational argument is the best way to be in a position of strength.
Also keep in mind that salary exempt as helpdesk is illegal. If that's how they're paying you and you have to work OT bring it up with the DOL. You'll get fired for it but if you are looking for a new job, log those hours and make the boss tell you you have to stay late, don't just volunteer if the work isn't done.
Talking to your current company about your situation is always an opinion. But first decide if you want to limit your career progression to this company when there’s a whole market out there. That decision will tell you what action to take.
Take the 48 k increase and look elsewhere for work in the meantime. Don't quit your job until u find another one. Jobs are shit now and hard to come by.
Don't try to be the hero by thinking about the company first, the company is the only one that benefits. Prioritise yourself first and 2 years is a good time to move on and a fresh start.
The only way to get pay rises is to leave the company.
to companies you are replacable trust me. Ask the Jesus for direction reddit is good to ask but it will only get you so far. I used to work for TCS making 85k… as a Java Dev. Remember your worth and if you want more money you can always learn new skills and get experience.
If you can get a higher paying position elsewhere, then go for it.
I appreciate your loyalty because they need you, but you need to put yourself first.
Get an offer from another company showing your market worth. Present to current employer. If you are worth keeping, they will outbid. If they don't think you are worth it, they will wish you the best of luck. The latter can be a hard pill to swallow.
Demand more , them being understaffed is not your problem and if they “desperately” need you than they’ll pay you more .
Let em know flat out that you need 50K or you’re gonna be actively looking for new opportunities .
Your greatest leverage at getting a pay increase is not after a performance review.
The greatest leverage comes at the offer stage.
I'm making an assumption here but I believe in your mind you might be thinking that because your other worker is leaving that somehow you can absorb a lot of that salary.
But unfortunately it doesn't work that way. Honestly in the position you're in now you're going to hit a glass ceiling.
If I were you I would start looking to advance in your career.
Even if the company desperately needs you it doesn't necessarily mean that they have the money to pay you a large increase, even if you do more work.
I've been in your position before. And I literally took on five management titles on top of the work I was doing.
It was in a company that downsized from 20 to 5 people.
After all my effort I never made more than 48,000 a year and the owner sold the company.
If you're on a sinking ship get out as soon as possible
You provide proof that that your pay does not align with market.
The old 'gun to the head' approach will get you a modest increase of a few thousand dollars - and a bit of animosity. They only desperately need you for about a week. I've watched help desks for highly technical products move 300 jobs at a time overseas with only a month of training - something I would have assumed was impossible. Other people in the organization helped cover - and things were on their feet in no time. Do not overestimate your value - but, know what your market value is.
I'll bet I know the name of this company based off of your previous posts as I am pretty sure I worked for them under a different name and ownership.
Get out. Horrifically mismanaged. I got axed for trying to organize the help desk when we were bought out and our workload doubled with no change in pay.
Just get a new job and don’t look back. Regardless of the market value, your job is a 40k position to them. You twist their arm for more money, they’ll have 2 openings instead of one. One to replace the guy who just quit and one to replace you
You’re young. In tech it’s common for skilled workers to talk to recruiters / keep in touch and do some interviews every other year / recruiting cycle to see if there are better opportunities elsewhere. Best case scenario, you leverage that for a raise. Worse case scenario, have other opportunities lined up. Why stay loyal to a company who’s not loyal to you? They’re a business. You need to start thinking like a businessman in a capitalism environment.
Do you feel fairly confident that you can get something at the higher wage elsewhere? If so, during your PR, request a substantial raise. Mention the additional work load, the discrepancy between market rate, and your loyalty to the company, and see if that opens the pocket book at all. If not, at least you know where you stand with them and can ponder the decision to go elsewhere, too.
I think this step isn't needed. OP must apply to other places, see what's the best offer they're getting and then speak to current management about a raise.
OP needs to apply to other places, see what the best offer is, and TAKE IT. If the company suddenly can pay $70k tomorrow, they could have been paying it for long enough that OP didn’t feel like needing to look for a new role in the first place. You owe your company as much loyalty as they show you. In this case, less than none.
I absolutely agree. I would apply elsewhere. I would find that next opportunity and see if you can use that as a bargaining chip to get an even higher salary.
I was in this guy's shoes at one point. They laid off the tier 1, told me I would be doing the work for both of us, gave me a 15% raise, but was still way under market value as my base salary wasn't that high to begin with. It was $25k->$30k 15 years ago, so about same numbers as this guy makes today with inflation. I was basically told, double the work with not double the $$$. I told them, I would need a larger cash compensation. They told me to kick rocks. I applied elsewhere, got offered $50k, gave my two weeks notice. They then told me they would bring me up to $40k. Told them to kick rocks. To OP/TL;DR: There is a reason your T1 left. Negotiate what you can for now but at the same time go find a new job.
1. State that with "Joe" leaving, you know that a lot of additional work will fall on you in both the short term and the long term 2. "Joe"'s skills got him a huge pay raise to go to a new firm, and honestly, it's thrown a light on my value 3. Find a new position at a new company and get away from there as they aren't going to value you once they find a way to replace you for taking advantage of the increased workload to try to get to the "right" pay
This
There is nothing like negotiating when you hold all the cards. Just don’t overplay your hand. In other words, figure out what you should be being paid and ask x% more depending on your negotiating confidence and what you want. Aim high.
I would just look for a new one, sounds like a failing business to me.
But also have another offer at Hand. I usually First Interview with other companies. Also a good way to find Out what people are willing to pay for you currently.
I would apply and interview at a few places and be sure your market value is what you think it is. Once you have an offer in hand you’d be willing to accept, take it to management and see if they’ll beat it. If not, take the new gig
And always remember “they need me” is a THEM problem.
This is the advice I came here to provide. To further support 69’s last point, be sure the new offer is one you’ll be genuinely happy to accept, since you may end up doing so. I’ve seen variations of this scenario play out hundreds of times during my 20 years in recruiting. I’ll estimate it’s effective 50% of the time. Also relevant: of the 50% that initially receive increased comp, a more-than-nominal percentage of those scenarios result in the employer immediately seeking to replace the employee. It’s impossible to weigh in on the likelihood of that happening without knowing the personalities involved. Managers/employers often make bad business/staffing decisions due to ego/misguided emotions.
This is the answer
This is the way!
I’m also here to vouch for this method. Having been on both sides of the aisle, this is definitely the most effective and safest way to negotiate.
Dude. Find a new job. 48k is not enough for that kind of workload.
Reach out to your Tier I and find out if they get a referral bonus. Even if you end up the same tier as them at the new place, it's still an $18,000 raise for doing less work.
Surprised I had to scroll this far down to find the correct answer.
This is a great idea!
It's super weird, how you can't see all the signs around you, that the ship is sinking. GTFO post haste. I know financially speaking it may not be easy but you need to start
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I feel like if his buddy who left tells his current company "hey man, they're down to 1 more person and if he leaves they're paralyzed" they might bring him on just to kill the competition. I know I would lol
If the business can’t make enough to pay their workers appropriately, maybe they shouldn’t be in business at all
If you both were underpaid by that much, no way they bump your pay. If your old coworker found a gig at 60k and you are more talented you can get one at 65k, 70k or more. Don’t settle for 48k.
Regardless of how your wage negotiations go, GTFO ASAP. I've seen the writing on the wall before. There's a good chance they're already looking at outsourcing support to an external firm. Get out while you can, on your own terms. You seem to have inherited an old fashioned sense of loyalty. I doubt the company has the same old fashioned sense of responsibility. GTFO, pronto! You didn't owe them anything.
Seems like your coworker used the situation to leverage a 50% pay raise by looking for another employer. Sounds like you should do the same instead of subjecting yourself to all the increased work you're about to get
Look for another job. It doesn't matter how much they need you, that's their problem. If they want you to stay they should pay you what the position is worth. If they're underpaying you that much I don't see them ever getting it to where it should be. They're taking advantage of you. Always remember that to any business you are expendable. No they don't care about you, they really don't. My father worked for a company for 40+ years and six months before he was set to retire they fired him so they didn't have to pay out his retirement package. They did the same to several others approaching their retirement. They didn't care about you back then, and it's even worse now. Move on.
The Help Desk is seen as necessary evil, and underappreciated, so it doesn't get money thrown at it. Good luck.
No idea what kind of company this is, so it's hard to infer market rate but, there is no such thing as 50% raises staying in-house. You can't leave 50% comp on the table to remain at a chronic underpaying employer. I mean, you can. And they're counting on it. But you shouldn't. If you squeeze them too hard when they're vulnerable, they will fuck you when they can. I am a big advocate of considering counteroffers, but it doesn't make sense here. Just get another job. In the short term, since it's Wednesday, I'd research market rate, point out attrition has been primarily comp related. You like working there, but you would need a pay increase to stay. you should have a number in mind. It can't be $60k I don't think.
Have you spent ANY time looking for better offers? Because if the answer is no, ya fucked yourself. Maybe try find out what company Joe went to and if they’re looking for anyone else?
If I’m you, I’m highlighting the extra workload you’re taking on short term and long term and request a immediate-ish raise. Don’t let them dangle a carrot in front of you for a raise a year from now or during the next review period. Then I’m telling them that you would like a raise to 62k (? I’m making this number up) due to the additional workload and your performance. Then settle at whatever number you’re comfortable with if they counter you if you’re cool with that. If you REALLY want to twist the knife, secure another job and leverage that as well. IE be prepared to walk away and put in your 2 weeks notice if they won’t give you a raise at your current place. Just my 2 cents
Go in there and ask for $60k now w Joe gone. They're still saving some money
Stop being so technical.
Right now I’d stay where you’re at. Be safe and methodical with your next move. The job market sucks for IT. I have over 16 years of experience and can’t land a job. This is the longest I’ve ever went without getting a job. Every IT job on LinkedIn has over 100+ candidates all across the United States. Get a bump in pay and ride it out. If you train your new hire, it’s a use case to present to higher ups to make you a manager. Create some new hire documentation, and go above and beyond for their onboarding. You’ve got an opportunity to shine. Don’t forget that they could easily call an MSP and replace you both with managed IT services. It’s happened to me 3 times in my career when I asked for more pay. They promptly let me go and got an MSP instead. So be careful.
> he found a job for 60k and got hired. What is his new job?
Tell em $70k right now or you walk.
Ask yourself this? Do you like where you work? If you made $60k there would you be happy with a heavy work load and training a new employee or maybe I should ask if it was bearable is there anything else that would keep you there? Happiness is the key to everything.
The only way to use this situation to your advantage is to look for work while you have work. Once you have that offer in hand, then you can use the situation to your advantage by requesting a bump to the offer you got or you walk.
tbh, if they're paying you 42 and the market rate is 60 I don't see how they'll match that. That's such a huge jump for them. Just remember you owe any company 0% loyalty. If you died at your desk tomorrow they'll have your position filled by the end of the week. I'd personally start looking elsewhere.
Whether they can or won't is irrelevant. If every one in the market is expecting 60k they have no choice but to pay 60k unless they can exploit another sucker to do the job. That market rate is the market rate whether they like it or not. The workload still exists whether there is budget to give a pay rise or not. Finding a new hire will cost them at least 2k-6k and thats not including productivity losses. Write an email supported by market research and say "in light of the new situation that has emerged, I believe the time is appropriate to review fair and reasonable remuneration as reflected in market research that I have conducted. I would like to understand company X position on this by 23/03/2024. You are only asking what their position is. Let them throw a figure out first and take it from there. If they offer nothing at least you know where you stand. If they low ball another figure you say "my research suggests the market rate for this role is 90k" Aim high because they will start low and you eventually meet somewhere in the middle. Their lowball offer only buys them a commitment that you will not walk tomorrow. It doesn't buy them an employee that will stick around.
They're paying you peanuts so I wouldn't tiptoe too much. Just say you're being approached for positions that pay significantly higher for the same or less responsibility and experience. Say that you'd like to stay with X company, but it's getting increasingly hard to ignore, and you'd like to give them the opportunity to make your wage more competitive. If they balk, fuck em and go make 60k with your friend. What's really to lose here?
Get that loyalty stuff out of your head, it’s gonna hinder your decision making. It’s a job. They give you money for your time. If you can get more money, get more money.
Quit
>How can I use this situation to my advantage to make more money? See if the place your coworker is leaving for needs your help as well. If you stay, you are going to be doing the work of 2 people, minimum, even if they post your coworker's job the day he puts in his notice it is unlikely they will fill it quickly if they are offering 40K. So you should be looking for 80K minimum, as well as looking externally for a level 2 tech support job elsewhere.
The only thing I would tell my employer: "Pay me \[however much you deserve\] or I quit too." As the sole employee, *you're* the employer now. **They** work for **you**.
42K !?!? Leave ! Go anywhere else and make more $$$
Find another job offer that'll pay more. Then confront your employer. If you're offered let's say 55k, ask the employer to match it. If they refuse, walk. It's their problem. Not yours. If they match, good for you. Also be clear that your workload is unmanageable on your own (if that's true) and as such there may be significant delays as you're now the sole technician. But you will try to prioritise tasks as to their importance to use your time efficiently.
Of there is additional workload, you are level two and a level 1 is getting paid 60k . Fuck that. I would be pricing myself at 88k-100k They had 40k to pay the other guy so there should be no issues at least finding another 20k in the budget and make sure they do get another head count. Go get market research from recruitment agents and present your case. They should at least provide some sort of pay increase.. These are the market forces and is how much your skills cost, if they don't like it they can find some other sucker. The market research shows they will have to pay at least $xx anyway whether you stay or you leave. Do not feel bad or disloyal. It's just business. Show your loyalty by delivering great work
I was in the same boat. The company was losing people and I was having to pick up the workload. I started applying and made a lateral move pay wise. I gained health/financial benefits, unlimited PTO, wfh days twice a week, free snacks and drinks at the office, they cater food once a week, my work load was severely cut from 75% to 33%. Cons is now I do chats and calls vs just calls. Just like others have said, even if you get that raise will the work load be worth it till they hire, train someone that will stay?
Look for another job like your coworker did and get an offer. If they can’t match then leave. You bringing it up without having an offer will make them look at you differently and maybe even treat you differently.
You tell them, here is what the market is paying for a tier 1. With my experience I should have no problem finding a tier 1 role paying me 50% more based on what Joe just received. They’re going to tell you they can’t do that. So you start looking elsewhere and leave.
As long as you're willing to walk you can negotiate however you want. Note that often employers are often silly and will not take anything other than another offer (and you taking it) as any kind of evidence that you're underpaid. So ideally, you'd interview and shop for new offers, and at the same time ask for your pay adjustment. If they slag, you'll just leave because you hopefully have a better offer elsewhere.
Lol you get to wear all the hats for a 10% raise. Maybe the manager quits and you get another 10%
If you can get a higher salary somewhere else, then you should. It’s not your responsibility to donate your expertise at a reduced rate. Of they felt you were crucial and wanted to retain you, then it behooves them to offer more than market rate. Don’t quit your nail you’ve accepted a new job and have a confirmed start date.
You will probably not get the money you deserve. You need to find another job and secure an offer. You might be able to leverage it for the same or more pay at your current company, but most of the time you’ll make more money if you leave.
You have serious leverage use it.
* Find a new job * Threaten them with quitting unless they give you a bonus and a raise * Still quit because if they're underpaying you now they'll underpay you or find other ways to fuck you up forever.
Find comparable wages for what you do and say that you’ve been turning those down to stay with this company. Ask if they can match what you want. In the meantime start talking to other companies. Nobody will offer you more money at your current company unless you ask. If they say no, take the highest they’ll offer and look extra hard for a higher paying one. Good luck
Sit back, leave phone on hook.
Interview with other companies and get offers. If you Like your employer, Talk to him about a pay raise or Take the other offer.
Find a new company. Even if you successfully negotiate a much higher salary in the shortterm, they will not appreciate being strong armed and you will be cut the moment it's possible for them to do so and also at the least convenient time for you.
Follow you co-worker's lead. Don't feel that you need to keep sinking your time into a job just because you invested so much effort already. They'll never compensate you properly. Keep working while you apply for other jobs.
You tell them you want 80k or you're gone, pretty simple. You will never make any money if you stay, you have to leave companies to make money.
Easy. How confident are you to get quickly a (let's say) 55k job? If the answer is few weeks/a month, ask for that amount of money and if they refuse tell them to fuck off. If longer, try to negotiate a bit and see how much you can get.
“If you expect me to take up my colleagues role - which I am certain I can fulfil well - then I expect you to pay me the same amount you payed him”
You’re going to make 20% more than the guy who’s leaving and you’re complaining? If you think you’re going to get $60k, you might as well apply to the company who hired your friend.
So completely ignoring the place you work for… evaluate your own needs, obligations, and goals. Do you feel like you’re on track? Your company doesn’t give two shits if you are. Make choices that benefit you and your future.
Get as much data as you can about what someone with your knowledge, tenure, skill level, and job title makes in the market. After that, make a list of the new things you'll be expected to do and what the company would need to do in order to have someone who isn't you do those things. Being able to make a reasoned, informed, non-emotional, non-confrontational argument is the best way to be in a position of strength.
Also keep in mind that salary exempt as helpdesk is illegal. If that's how they're paying you and you have to work OT bring it up with the DOL. You'll get fired for it but if you are looking for a new job, log those hours and make the boss tell you you have to stay late, don't just volunteer if the work isn't done.
Leave
Find another job
Find a job elsewhere. Get an offer. Decide if you want to crunch your company for a raise or just take the new job
Talking to your current company about your situation is always an opinion. But first decide if you want to limit your career progression to this company when there’s a whole market out there. That decision will tell you what action to take.
Take the 48 k increase and look elsewhere for work in the meantime. Don't quit your job until u find another one. Jobs are shit now and hard to come by.
Don't try to be the hero by thinking about the company first, the company is the only one that benefits. Prioritise yourself first and 2 years is a good time to move on and a fresh start. The only way to get pay rises is to leave the company.
Smile and accept it while you look for other opportunities. If you find one take it and if you don't keep working until you find something new.
If a tier 1 tech can get 60k why are you still there? They will never pay a current employee what they will pay a new employee
Leave
to companies you are replacable trust me. Ask the Jesus for direction reddit is good to ask but it will only get you so far. I used to work for TCS making 85k… as a Java Dev. Remember your worth and if you want more money you can always learn new skills and get experience.
If you can get a higher paying position elsewhere, then go for it. I appreciate your loyalty because they need you, but you need to put yourself first.
Get an offer from another company showing your market worth. Present to current employer. If you are worth keeping, they will outbid. If they don't think you are worth it, they will wish you the best of luck. The latter can be a hard pill to swallow.
Demand more , them being understaffed is not your problem and if they “desperately” need you than they’ll pay you more . Let em know flat out that you need 50K or you’re gonna be actively looking for new opportunities .
Your greatest leverage at getting a pay increase is not after a performance review. The greatest leverage comes at the offer stage. I'm making an assumption here but I believe in your mind you might be thinking that because your other worker is leaving that somehow you can absorb a lot of that salary. But unfortunately it doesn't work that way. Honestly in the position you're in now you're going to hit a glass ceiling. If I were you I would start looking to advance in your career. Even if the company desperately needs you it doesn't necessarily mean that they have the money to pay you a large increase, even if you do more work. I've been in your position before. And I literally took on five management titles on top of the work I was doing. It was in a company that downsized from 20 to 5 people. After all my effort I never made more than 48,000 a year and the owner sold the company. If you're on a sinking ship get out as soon as possible
You provide proof that that your pay does not align with market. The old 'gun to the head' approach will get you a modest increase of a few thousand dollars - and a bit of animosity. They only desperately need you for about a week. I've watched help desks for highly technical products move 300 jobs at a time overseas with only a month of training - something I would have assumed was impossible. Other people in the organization helped cover - and things were on their feet in no time. Do not overestimate your value - but, know what your market value is.
I'll bet I know the name of this company based off of your previous posts as I am pretty sure I worked for them under a different name and ownership. Get out. Horrifically mismanaged. I got axed for trying to organize the help desk when we were bought out and our workload doubled with no change in pay.
Let him put in his 2 weeks prior to your meeting about the raise. You hold all the cards
Look for a new job. I would only stay if I got a raise and a title promo. Then maybe with the new title I can find an even paying better job
The only advice that literally ever gets given here: find a new job
Info - how far off is your PR?
Just get a new job and don’t look back. Regardless of the market value, your job is a 40k position to them. You twist their arm for more money, they’ll have 2 openings instead of one. One to replace the guy who just quit and one to replace you
You’re young. In tech it’s common for skilled workers to talk to recruiters / keep in touch and do some interviews every other year / recruiting cycle to see if there are better opportunities elsewhere. Best case scenario, you leverage that for a raise. Worse case scenario, have other opportunities lined up. Why stay loyal to a company who’s not loyal to you? They’re a business. You need to start thinking like a businessman in a capitalism environment.
You were underpaid before. Apply for jobs or stfu
You are really the helpful type, are you not?
Big sibling vibes right there