I've been taking on more responsibilities and leading a 6-member team in a high-performing engineering group, consistently bringing in new business—last year, I generated $100k more than before. After a change in management, my current boss may not fully understand the impact of my work, leading to a surprising 'B' rating and no raise, even though my salary is below market value and lower than some of the people I manage. I want to align my compensation with my role. I'm thinking of creating a summary of my contributions to share with my manager and other key stakeholders. Is this a good strategy, and what advice can you offer?
5 Answers
It sounds like you were caught off guard by that B rating. In future performance reviews, it’s vital to be prepared. If you find yourself in a similar situation, defend your achievements right then and there! Consider meeting with your new boss to highlight your successes. Alternatively, if you're feeling undervalued, testing the job market could also be a smart move.
If you really feel undervalued, establish that with HR—ask for a raise first. If they say no, start looking for something that appreciates your work more. Why settle for less?
If your current boss doesn't see your value like your previous one did, finding a new position may be wise. It’s tough, but you deserve better recognition for your contributions.
If you're as successful as you say, don't hesitate to bring up the compensation discussion with HR directly. If they deny your request, it might be time to look elsewhere. Remember, companies won't hesitate to let you go if it's financially convenient for them. Changing jobs is often the best way to get a significant raise.
It feels tricky, though. I like the team and my work culture. But compliments alone won’t pay the bills, right?
Definitely ask for a raise! If you don’t get it, consider looking for a new job that matches your worth. Have you thought about going to your boss directly with a clear case of what you’ve achieved? Sometimes a straightforward approach is what it takes to get their attention.
What if I approach him more directly? I thought about showing my value but maybe a more upfront request would work better.
I totally get that frustration. I hit my targets too, and yet the feedback didn’t reflect that. It feels disheartening!