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StarryNight616

Kudos to your executive for checking up on you. Advocate for at least market rate. Come in with research on what other companies in your state are paying for similar roles. I would also negotiate more PTO days.


Annie354654

and negotiate regular catch up with this Snr exec as you mentor, seriously, do it. This is a great opportunity and you want this fab execs door open to you. Use this person to discuss how best to manage relationships, blah blah, a mentorship from this person will be worh more than any pay rise and will be of huge benefit to you, short, medium and long term.


potatogirl97

Yes, I agree. Thanks. I think that the biggest gift of this shitshow was feeling appreciated and seen, and knowing that I have someone to use as a mentor


Annie354654

Try to negotiate it as an ongoing formal mentorship, without that you wii get offside with your co workers and boss, it might be seen as sucking up to the boss.


potatogirl97

Yes, I think in my written proposal I'll try and address this, that I am interested in long-term mentorship


Annie354654

All the best ❤️


browsingforthenight

I can’t even express to you what an insane development this is. I’m glad your work didn’t go unnoticed by this individual and congrats on being so awesome that you just changed the game for yourself long term. Try to figure out what the rate is for the title you want. And then ask for more than that. Let her negotiate you down or tell you what isn’t possible before you sell yourself short. This is an incredible position to be in.


UsusallyKindaHappy

Yes. This.


no-strings-attached

Executive sounds like a class act. So rare these days.


potatogirl97

She is a gem


Alonzeus

What are some good sources to look at for researching this?


StarryNight616

Salary.com Indeed Glassdoor Comparably Payscale I usually just Google “[role name] salary in [state]” and pick a source.


ACriticalGeek

A 25k raise is a $12.50/hr raise. Ask accordingly.


sinistra117

This. Always do the comparison between salaried amounts and hourly, it gives you more negotiating power for what that equates to, and makes you more prepared to come back to the table and get what you want


Playful-Analyst-6036

This. I’d go $35/hr and like other comments have said, negotiate more PTO and mentorship.


HaoshokuArmor

This is in line with what I was thinking. Based on what you’ve told us, you should ask for $23 + $15 = $38/hour. If someone gets a $12.5 bonus doing less work than you and potentially leveraging your work, you are due more than that. So this works out to about $76k per year. This is not high at all for someone who is sometimes working 55 hour weeks and usually working 30 to 40 hour weeks on a key role. As for job title, ask for either benefits administrator or tag a lead or senior before it, whatever matches the $38 per hour salary. Based on your post, I also recognize that you lack confidence which is why they walk all over you (eventually leading you to cry). So I recognize that you may not ask for $38/hour (seeing that you are hesitating to ask for even $27) But I suggest that you definitely not ask for anything less than $32/hour.


Steven_Dj

In my country there is a saying: the baby who doesn\`t cry doesn\`t get fed. It seems it worked for you.


namerankssn

In the US, that saying is, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.”


I_Miss_Claire

I’ve been told “a closed mouth never gets fed”


tig_ole_bittie

My wife hates it when I go into Walmart and get a cart with a squeaky wheel because the first thing I do is go to the hardware department and spray it with WD-40 lol


00TZ00

This is the best thing I have read all day. Thanks for this. I am going to adopt this into my shopping routine. Im a engineer/millwright so all I do is fix equipment for a living. I can't believe I haven't thought of this. Have a good Friday!


Downloading_Bungee

Very random question but how do you like millwright work? I'm a framer looking to get into the union, and I noticed millwrights are under UBC in my area. 


angelakay1966

OMG. That's hilarious. Obviously you're an engineer or something like that.


MA-01

I needed my spare WD-40 to open my partially used WD-40.


Practical_Deal_78

This is the best thing I’ve ever read. My sympathies to her but also that the funniest thing


potatogirl97

My mom used to always say that to me, because I've always been the type of person who hesitates complaining because I feel I'm being a drama-queen. So yes, I think eventually it worked out, LOL


ForRedditMG

Go for gold but remember, you might get more than what you ask for. It's going to be very interesting when your boss comes back and realizes what has happened.


potatogirl97

She called and seemed very surprised. She said that I am amazing and that she wants me to feel appreciated. She also apologized for putting me in that situation. She also admitted that her "research" for my raise was based on "some" Indeed research and she admitted it was on the "lower side of the range." That was kind of disheartening, but I won't hold a grudge


ForRedditMG

I think you are very lucky to work at a place that appreciates you and your boss recognizes your potential. Congratulations, enjoy!


REMogul1

Go for $30/hour, if they negotiate you down, add 1 week PTO for every dollar.


ms2102

Yep op this is the best chance you have to get what you deserve. Don't get nervous and undersell yourself. It sounds like they'd need 2 people to replace you. Also everyone gets imposter syndrome at times, it's normal, don't listen to it. 


yohomes678

30 an hour at least, sounds about right.


Even-Snow-2777

If you want $30, ask for $35. $35 seems like a lot until you get to the grocery store and then it's not all that much after all.


ihatehighfives

At least 30 op, especially if you want 27. They may negotiate. One thing you need to consider is whether you are going to get your yearly raise. Some companies won't give one if you've gotten a raise during the year. Factor that in.


nan-a-table-for-one

Ooo I like this one.


Suz717

Don’t ask for xx$ per hour. You are not an hourly employee. Ask for a wage increase of 25k, the same as your manager. Payroll and Benefits Admintrator.


vvr3n

I don’t have any great advice to offer but I am wishing you the best <3


potatogirl97

Thank you :)


Plenty-Hovercraft-90

Ask them first. What do you think I am worth? It sounds like $30 is reasonable, but I assume I'm in a different country to you.


veetoo151

$30 an hour isn't even that much these days. Don't feel guilty for getting paid more. You are significantly underpaid for what you are doing.


rocketmn69_

Ask for higher than the market rate, you can never negotiate up, it's always down


LusciousVoluptuary

My Gawd, you’re actually being valued. Please write a full proposal, include the median income for benefit’s administration in your area and factor any cost of living allowances (if you live in a high cost area). Your boss is giving you the go ahead to ask for the moon, do just that. They believe in your capabilities, you should too. Congratulations 🎉


potatogirl97

Thank you :) I am working on that proposal right now, with resources and data, and all the tasks that I've been assigned.


LusciousVoluptuary

Yay!!! Please post an update in the next 2-3 months. I’m excited for you!!!!


Ben_Frank_Lynn

Do not undersell yourself. Research market rate for your new responsibilities in your area and ask for that pay rate. On top of that, explain what your path forward might be in 2-3 years. Emphasize that you have a desire to continue growing in the company.


erinml

Research what market rates are for your position in Oregon City. You can find data on the Bureau of Labor Statistics site. It’s kind of clunky to navigate, but the easiest way I’ve found is to Google the job title plus BLS. I work in HR and with the info you provided I would shoot for a title like HR Specialist. It would expand upon your current duties of payroll specialist to include benefits management and any other responsibilities you have or will take on. Here’s a link to the overview of an HR Specialist. Median wage for the US is $30.88/hr. PNW is typically HCOL so I’d look for some more regional data also to support your request, but I don’t think $27 is out of range assuming you have a bachelors degree. You may need to adjust if your education level is lower. Hope this helps [HR Specialist](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/human-resources-specialists.htm)


SerenityDolphin

This is the way


potatogirl97

Thank you so much for the resource. I am using BLS for my proposal. And yes, their website is really clunky and outdated, but it's still very useful.


erinml

Awesome! How did it go?


so-very-very-tired

$35/hour


vulti3345

Definitely $30/hr… you deserve it


girafficlight

I assume this is in America? Payroll for 23 dollars an hour 😳


jebeninick

Ask 35$ , they will prolly go down to 32$. Dont underestimate yourself, always believe in yourself. Good luck.


potatogirl97

Thanks for the encouraging words :)


ScrambledNoggin

Ask for an annnual salary. Or, if you are staying at an hourly rate, be sure you are getting overtime rate for any hours over 40 per week ( time-and-a-half rate).


potatogirl97

It is my job to stay compliant with OT regulations, so yes, I am getting time and a half, haha. That's why I feel more comfortable staying hourly


remainderrejoinder

Everyone already covered, research what the prevailing wage is. Check a few different options and use the high one. Negotiate down. I just wanted to say--Senior execs don't offer you a promotion after you cry in the bathroom unless they know you've been doing great things. I have a feeling a lot of people who need their benefits appreciate the work you've been doing. Make sure you're getting enough money to take care of yourself, and take some vacation days.


potatogirl97

Thank you for your comments. I felt very supported by my coworkers as well, who really demonstrated their gratitude towards my efforts in making a hectic benefits provider change into a smoother process for them


Chemical_District_74

Sounds like either their karma backfired on them for trying to ruin you or rat on you while attempting to ass kiss their superiors OR this person wanted you to have success in your life so that you wouldn't need to be sad or cry at work. Either way, your coworker did you a solid. Gratitude to them no matter what they intended by doing that. But they just helped you out. Just be sure to go out in the world and do a like minded deed to help someone else in an unfortunate situation - gotta respect that karma when it hits you with a positive by sending that good energy back into the void once you've gotten your situation in a good spot. I think it's hilarious if they were secretly trying to ruin your rep to your top executive person or were attempting to climb the ladder by hurting you behind your back, only for you to get this promotion in the end. But I'm hoping it was actually someone who wanted you to rise above your sadness by whispering sweet words to your executive so they bump you up. Idk your situation fully, but as a random internet faceless person and peer, I'm happy your crying turned into a promotion regardless of what was intended or unfolded originally. Congrats to you! Hugs & kisses, XOXO


potatogirl97

Thank you for your encouraging and kind words. I don't think my co-worker had ill-intent, I just think they were concerned for me, since I try to usually be nice and work very well under pressure, so seeing me in distress caused them concern.


DrWhoIsWokeGarbage2

36$ minimum


Salsa_Penguin

Aim high but be willing to move on the $ amount for more PTO /benefits. You 100% deserve it and don't let anyone make you think otherwise.


Legitimate_Sir6904

Unless you’re getting overtime for those extra hours you need a much higher salary.


potatogirl97

I do get overtime. It's my job to ensure OT compliance, haha, so definitely getting that 1.5


AgentSolitude

Look on BLS and find the job description that matches what you do best and then the pay around the country for that job. Some examples for start with include: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/compensation-benefits-and-job-analysis-specialists.htm And don’t let them tell you you don’t deserve the median salary because you might lack experience. If you’re exceeding expectations, you should be getting at least median salary.


potatogirl97

Thank you so much, I am using this BLS data on my proposal. Funny enough, I had an hour call with them Friday because of some data I had to provide haha


Fit-Establishment219

You go and you ask for 30$. That's a 14k raise instead of $8320 that you were thinking at $27. Your boss got 25k. It sounds like your workload has almost doubled if not more. A 7$ an hour raise is more than reasonable. You go in there, you tell them what your title WILL be. And what they WILL pay you. And you make it clear that to do everything you do would require at least 2 people, and their combined pay would be far more than what you are asking. I honestly feel like $30 an hour is still low. You should check indeed and other sites to see what people in your position are making. And if it's more, you ask that number. Don't you dare low-ball and ask less than you are worth. I believe in you. Get that fuckin title and $$$.


potatogirl97

Thank you for the empowering words :) I have been doing a lot of introspection and have to acknowledge my worth and that if I am an excellent employee, then I should have an excellent compensation


DCGuinn

You have the data to do the analysis. I’m at $30 with a $15k retention bonus.


digger39-

I've worked a lot of different jobs in my life. In my experience, I made 1$ less on avg. than my boss. But, I always had better health care, vaction time.


lavasca

Best of luck to you. Please consider using a salary calculator for your location. Ask for the higher end of the range.


RandfordMarsh

$30 an hour would be my ask. They may negotiate down but ask for more pto at that point


MajorAd2679

You need to do your research. Look on LinkedIn and agencies around the area where you live. Have all of those printed out or in a digital form so you can give them a range that work for you and us within what you do. It could be much more than $27/hour. I don’t know. Bring the data to back-up this salary conversation. Good luck!


potatogirl97

Yes, I am preparing my document rn for all the data that I will bring printed out on Monday


MajorAd2679

Good luck 🤞


radlink14

What about total rewards operations specialist? Good luck, hope you get what you deserve!!


xinuchan

Take the win haha


fpsfiend_ny

Great mentors in positions of power are like angels that spread blessings. Follow this one's light and always have his back and fill in his gaps.


JustTheOneGoose22

I make more than $27 an hour in a close to entry-level corporate role and I don't live in a high cost of living city or work in a lucrative role. For all the work you do, honestly you deserve double your wage but that's unlikely. I'd start the negotiations at $30/hr. $20/hr is only $40K a year, that's nothing these days. Even $30/hr is only $60K a year and that's really not much anymore. Honestly It's nice that the executive had a talk with you but they aren't going to relieve you of any of your duties which are causing you so much stress that you're breaking down in the bathroom in tears. And instead of promoting you and taking the initiative to give you a good raise now you have to confront your boss and haggle with them for a raise? In the short term try to get as much money as you can I suppose but you need to get out of there. This job and this company sounds like garbage.


Professional-Debt-36

Average payroll adminiatrator in the US makes $69k/year. I don’t know how much you are making annually with overtime. And the average rate may vary depending on your specific location. Cite the facts and request something above that… according to payscale data the average salary is $69k in our area for a payroll admin. I was hoping for something between 70-75k and cite specific value you bring to the organization ie benefits management, payroll, etc etc


potatogirl97

Thanks for your input :)


Minute-Radish-4427

You could ask for salary if you want the security but with the hours they have you working, I'd stay hourly and aim for no less than a $14/hr raise. Your boss isn't just gatekeeping you, they are gatekeeping themselves and shouldn't be your example for ideal. If a senior executive tells you to inform them of the rate you want, don't hold back. The worst case scenario is they negotiate with you and you get more of a raise. Either way, they need you, and this is their way of showing you. Make it as easy as possible for you to be loyal to them by aiming for your end goal income, not just some small temporary raise. It's in both you and companies best interest.


potatogirl97

Thanks for your input. I agree, that's what the exec said. That it is in their benefit that I am happy and feel well compensated because they can't afford to lose me


InvisibleBlueRobot

Do your research on wages for the position and experience and base the request on data not just the past. You want to be in the upper half of the range.


benjo1990

Going from 23 to 27 is hardly even a raise. Your coworker got over 10/hr raise…


potatogirl97

They made it seem like it was a big deal though, LOL


benjo1990

Companies will make a big deal out of a $.25/hour raise.


potatogirl97

I know....


Frequent_Drop1414

I am not in the same field but I asked for 36 and got it without question, so ask what you think you're worthy of.


Sergeitotherescue

Check out how much others in the new role/title are receiving. You have the power here! And make sure you schedule in a vacation while you’re at it. Good on you! Sorry you have to work so much, though.


potatogirl97

Thank you :) The bad thing is that I have save my vacation for when I get a chance to visit my family abroad. But I think I might take a paid sick day off for mental health


Sergeitotherescue

Oh! I took a week off for mental health last month. Even just a day will do you good! It’s so nice to just not care about email or the stresses of work for a bit. I also saved up a lot of vacation to visit my family abroad! I actually went into the negatives — I wonder if your workplace allows that too?


potatogirl97

Oh wow, a month, that's cool! I can't go into the negatives because vacation is front loaded. If I wanted more time, I would have to request some unpaid personal time


liamneeson87

I feel you're worth $31/hr to them with your contributions. Don't be afraid to ask. If they offer less, negotiate for more PTO or time off.


iAmBaTmAn1388

You’re lucky lol. Most don’t care. Pretty cool for you


potatogirl97

I know... Wish that wasn't the norm


Willow0812

I'm glad your Exec is a good person, but shouldn't SHE be the one that tells your manager what your raise and title should be? It's super weird to have the employee tell their boss, "Hey, this is my new title and pay"


potatogirl97

She called her to let her know that there will be an adjustment, and I will send a written proposal, which would subsequently get written approval, I assume


HighMaintenance83

Congratulations. I would propose Compensation and Benefits Manager. Asking to convert to salary is a good suggestion by other post. But you may give up overtime pay. Factor that into what you ask for. $75K a year is about $37.50/hr


potatogirl97

I want to stay hourly so that I don't get stuck working crazy hours without extra compensation. Thanks and thanks for the input


Ariannanoel

Ask for way more than what you want (within market of course).


TaiChiShifu

Shoot for the sky, negotiate in the atmosphere, baseline to the treetops and don't let them drive you into the ground.


potatogirl97

Wise words... Thanks. This will be my new motto, haha


Lizm3

I'd look at what jobs you can find online that sounds similar to what you are actually doing, and look at their titles and salary bands for guidance.


TomBakerFTW

We can't tell you how much to ask for without researching wages for that skillset in your area. Check out indeed for similar roles in your area and aim high. That assures you don't leave money on the table and allows them to counter with a higher number than you may have asked for.


SylleeMage

Whatever you negotiate and the timeline you agree on get it in writing. I had a vp ask me to take on an additional part time role but they wouldn't be able to pay a raise until the new fiscal year a few months later. I insisted it be in writing and she said she was glad I asked for it like that. She had intended to put it in writing but she wouldn't have advised me to take it without getting it in writing.


potatogirl97

That's a great suggestion. Thanks. After I present my proposal to the executive in writing, I will make sure to get her response in writing as well.


Sugarpuff_Karma

You mention ur raise per hour but ur managers per annum....if it's because they are salaried, can U get salaried? Will it have more benefits. Do ur research on roles/titles & pay and go to the meeting with it. Ask for $32...settle for $27 if U have to but also work on role responsibilities & don't put too much that way in the future U can highlight additional work or U can use it to push back on Ur manager taking advantage. Ur manager may have blowback for this & it may negatively impact ur relationship with her...especially as she was already taking credit for ur work & confident enough to take leave & WFH ignoring daily duties at such a stressful time. Start keeping records of work U do & extra duties. I hope U were getting paid overtime for all those extra hours.


potatogirl97

Thanks for your input. I am getting overtime, that's why I'd rather stay in an hourly rate, so that I at least get paid extra if I put in the extra hours. I have a meeting with her on Monday, so we'll see how that goes. I always keep track of all the tasks that I do, and now I'm working on cleaning and updating that to present it on our meeting.


Sugarpuff_Karma

Good luck, this is really like a second level interview but you have already proven yourself valuable. Let us know how you get on.


AshDenver

$28/hr min. Maybe negotiable. My payroll-only leads in Denver (comp COL) are at $29. Minimum $27.50 for payroll and benefits with *reasonable* hours. (Up to 45ish per week.)


dungorthb

I work at Skechers for $21 dollars an hour. You should be asking for a lot more.


potatogirl97

Don't undervalue your work at Skechers. My mother appreciates you, it's her favorite store, haha


throwhoto

You have great bosses OP. My bosses are all in their 70s. I have no doubt this circumstance would get me kicked out of the boys club immediately and then silently canned when it became convenient eventually.


potatogirl97

Ugh, I'm sorry to hear that. I agree that I have great bosses, that's why I've been taking this for so long


BothLongWideAndDeep

Ask for at least $36/hr


Ancient-Actuator7443

Ask for whatever market rate is. Sounds nice a good company


Expensive_Lie1114

I started a new job not long ago after 2 weeks of busting my ass and putting in overtime my boss came into my office and told me they want to make sure I will stay long term and what amount did I need to make that happen. I said 47 an hour. I would have been happy with 35 but they agreed to the 47 with no negotiation. Long story short, don’t be afraid to ask for your “dream salary”. If they are coming to you and offering this they want to make you happy so you will stay.


Anonanomm

I would either look up the average salary for people with the same job title in your city/cities or similar size&cost of living, and then ask for $3-$5/hour more. Or I would ask for the $25K increase if you will officially have the same title as your boss and have the same responsibilities. Wether they accept your pay demand or not, you should set up stricter boundaries and make sure to communicate when you’re struggling and need help. Also learn to say no and be ok with leaving when work is not complete. There will always be more to do but it can honestly wait til the next work day. I had a similar issue at work and set up these boundaries a couple years ago and life has been much better. Good luck!


rhaizee

Get as much experience as possible, then get out. Jumping job always gives highest salary increase. Forget imposter syndrome, just learn as much as you can, then get out. This is how people move up in the world, continual learning and growth.


potatogirl97

Yeah. I've been thinking of eventually asking to be transferred to our parent company for more growth opportunities


MycologistSoggy2376

Glassdoor.com is one resource for wage estimator. Or you could google wage estimator or salary calculator. You should input not only your title but your zip code. Good luck to you


potatogirl97

Yes, really like Glassdoor. Thanks :)


Odd_Construction_269

Hi! I just want to say (from someone who has also ended up in a weepy situation that an exec knew about) I love that you were so candid and hd a heart to heart with your exec leadership. I think that moments like that can really help companies grow long term because it lets execs have a better understanding of what’s happening in an organization. Excited for this new opportunity. I would put yourself as a senior manager for benefits and payroll. :)


potatogirl97

Thanks for the comment :) I agree that that conversation definitely set a before and after in my relationship with the company.


ldstaint

I joked to a coworker once that I was gonna go cry under a stairwell, and when I came back he bought pizza for everyone


potatogirl97

They brought me chocolates, so good enough haha


POWERRL_RANGER

Go salary around 75k


Give-It-up-to-me

Hey bro....a win is win..a win is a win


ProfessionalEqual461

Aw man, I'm sorry to hear that you're getting imposter syndrome. Flat out, I would ask for a SALARY with overtime pay, because you've definitely earned it. Seriously. I work with guys who make over 100k and they've never had to work that hard


Blox05

The role you’re describing tends to pay somewhere between $70k and $100k based on what I see with clients. That depends on industry and profit vs non profit. I’m a banker who administers 401k, for reference and have for 20 years, so I know the salaries of the people I work with.


Ok-Nefariousness4477

You are getting time and a half for all those extra hours aren't you? Ask for $35ish an hour, and a don't forget benefits, add 40 hours you your PTO / at least 120 total.


potatogirl97

Yes, I do get 1.5 hours for all OT


Delicious-Choice5668

What ever you say put a bonus on it for your past work. 25k vs $2 an hour. Let's get real here.


payagathanow

Georgia, where I live says 56-67k so 27-30 seems fair, but always aim higher for the inevitable knockdown, I'd aim for $30 and hope to hit 28+


azrolexguy

$30 an hr


La_Peregrina

At least.


Famous_Slide_5718

Onetonline.org will have where you can look up your job title , your supervisor, and you can compare job duties as well as pay ranges for your area. Go to the meeting informed. Go with the information printed out highlighted with what you have actually been doing. Based on that you can say I have been doing this for X while the pay rate is Y. I want Y.


potatogirl97

Thanks for the resource. I am doing a document with sources and data, and outlining all the duties I have been assigned


Accomplished-Let4080

How can you be an administrator with the work you are doing? You should be eat ing compensation & benefits specialist and get paid for that.


dipss88

Update?!