4 ms·

Wow... to be honest, it sounds like they think you might be a fool. Here's how my instincts tell me to respond: "Only a fool would accept increased responsib

by pzxc 12y ago

Wow... to be honest, it sounds like they think you might be a fool. Here's how my instincts tell me to respond: "Only a fool would accept increased responsibilities and the addition of being on call without more compensation. If you honestly can't afford to increase pay at all, I'd prefer to stay in my current position and continue to do the bang-up job I've been doing. If you can afford something, let's talk." But my instincts usually get me into trouble, so I wouldn't actually say that without taking the time to think things through. Thinking things through a bit more, I can only come to one likely conclusion. Honestly, they already think you are a fool... and are just trying to get more work out of you. What rational person would go from 40 hours a week to 40+?? hours a week (if you don't think being on-call is working extra hours, you've never done it) plus new jobs like training other people, and no additional pay? I'd be scared if I were you. Either they are entirely stupid (possible), or they just flat out don't need you at all and consider you expendable/replaceable with the next coder that walks down the street, or they would never even ask something ridiculous. Or you've demonstrated them in the past that you were willing to accept ridiculous things, I dunno. Are you sure they need you? If so, you have some room to be polite and not burn any bridges but stand firm that more responsibility will only be accepted with more compensation. If they don't need you, they are playing you and you should keep your mouth shut while looking for a new place to work. (and not accept the promo in as few words as possible) Personally, I'd probably confront them about the absurdity of their proposal, but I tend to be direct like that, everyone knows where I stand when I work with them and I'm not afraid to say unpopular things. It's gotten me into trouble plenty of times; I don't necessarily recommend it. Do what YOU think you should do, not what some stranger on the internet says. (Though sometimes I agree it's useful to hear a variety of opinions to see if you've missed any angles) EDIT: Okay maybe I wouldn't confront them. At least not for a few days, I'd let myself cool for a while and think about it. Please don't read my post and go confront them and get fired, if you need the job that is. But don't voluntarily agree to make yourself miserable with more work for no additional benefit.

grecy 12y ago
Thanks for the honest thoughts, I appreciate it. Absolutely, I need to do what I think is right, I guess I'm asking for other opinions because I don't know if I'm the one being unreasonable, or if they are, and it's nice to get a few other perspectives. I just spoke to a good friend at work here who I trust, and he said the same as you. They're treating me like a fool, and there is no way I should take it. There is a little history - I'm an immigrant, they helped me get Permanent Residency, and I've always been underpaid. The company has a chronic history of underpaying and undervaluing tech people. They need me, no doubt about it, but they're also letting a lot of very, very good people across the company walk out. Three friends in the last three months have stood their ground and eventually just walked out, the company didn't try to offer them anything to stay on, even though they're doing the work of 10 people and are basically irreplaceable. I think I'll go for the polite yet firm "It's not reasonable to ask me to take on increased word, responsibilities AND be on call with any extra compensation at all. No thanks".
- pzxc 12y ago
  I like it. Short and to the point. Hang in there; not all employers suck like that. And you can always be your own boss if you're persistent enough ;-) But do what you have to do to protect yourself and what you've worked hard for.
- devindotcom 12y ago
  I would add only that it isn't polite to call them unreasonable - just that the offer is not realistic. It's a fact that increased responsibilities demand higher compensation, and you shouldn't have to explain that to them. Make a counter-offer: "Considering the added responsibilities and my extensive experience in the field and within the company, I'll be happy to take the position for $AMOUNT."
- karuneshkaushal 12y ago
  > I'm an immigrant, they helped me get Permanent Residency, and I've always been underpaid. The company has a chronic history of underpaying and undervaluing tech people. Whatever you are considering at this time, please please please do not think in terms of gratitude for this company. They brought you to your current job because of your utility. They are NOT in the business of helping immigrants. At worst, if you leave, another immigrant will get their chance at a Permanent Residency. > Three friends in the last three months have stood their ground and eventually just walked out, the company didn't try to offer them anything to stay on, even though they're doing the work of 10 people and are basically irreplaceable. I would start looking for other options EVEN IF they offer me better compensation/benefits etc. Any time someone more can leave, leaving you with like double or triple the work. We can be almost sure there are no stock options etc. in your company for tech people. You can't go on negotiating pay every few months. It is hard, and makes you look very selfish: "the company is in a constant 'crisis', and this guy just wants increased comp/benefits." (No matter how self-made the crisis is)

by pzxc 12y ago

grecy 12y ago

Thanks for the honest thoughts, I appreciate it. Absolutely, I need to do what I think is right, I guess I'm asking for other opinions because I don't know if I'm the one being unreasonable, or if they are, and it's nice to get a few other perspectives. I just spoke to a good friend at work here who I trust, and he said the same as you. They're treating me like a fool, and there is no way I should take it. There is a little history - I'm an immigrant, they helped me get Permanent Residency, and I've always been underpaid. The company has a chronic history of underpaying and undervaluing tech people. They need me, no doubt about it, but they're also letting a lot of very, very good people across the company walk out. Three friends in the last three months have stood their ground and eventually just walked out, the company didn't try to offer them anything to stay on, even though they're doing the work of 10 people and are basically irreplaceable. I think I'll go for the polite yet firm "It's not reasonable to ask me to take on increased word, responsibilities AND be on call with any extra compensation at all. No thanks".

pzxc 12y ago
I like it. Short and to the point. Hang in there; not all employers suck like that. And you can always be your own boss if you're persistent enough ;-) But do what you have to do to protect yourself and what you've worked hard for.
devindotcom 12y ago
I would add only that it isn't polite to call them unreasonable - just that the offer is not realistic. It's a fact that increased responsibilities demand higher compensation, and you shouldn't have to explain that to them. Make a counter-offer: "Considering the added responsibilities and my extensive experience in the field and within the company, I'll be happy to take the position for $AMOUNT."
karuneshkaushal 12y ago
> I'm an immigrant, they helped me get Permanent Residency, and I've always been underpaid. The company has a chronic history of underpaying and undervaluing tech people. Whatever you are considering at this time, please please please do not think in terms of gratitude for this company. They brought you to your current job because of your utility. They are NOT in the business of helping immigrants. At worst, if you leave, another immigrant will get their chance at a Permanent Residency. > Three friends in the last three months have stood their ground and eventually just walked out, the company didn't try to offer them anything to stay on, even though they're doing the work of 10 people and are basically irreplaceable. I would start looking for other options EVEN IF they offer me better compensation/benefits etc. Any time someone more can leave, leaving you with like double or triple the work. We can be almost sure there are no stock options etc. in your company for tech people. You can't go on negotiating pay every few months. It is hard, and makes you look very selfish: "the company is in a constant 'crisis', and this guy just wants increased comp/benefits." (No matter how self-made the crisis is)