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Strange comment from boss, what would you do?
I have been at my company for 6 years, as an Autocad Technician, but when I took the job I was made to feel like within a year I would be moved to a Senior CAD Technician position. I know I cannot hold them to this, but it has now been 6 years, and I am in the same role. I do whatever it takes to get the job done, and am very meticulous about my work. I hear that I am their favorite draftsman! Anyway, I have spoken to my boss several times about the opportunity to move up, that I would like to take on more resposibility, but I have just been getting the run-around from them, they say it's in the works, ect, but nothing happens. I would love the opportunity to have a pay increase, but I also want the extra work and responsibility that go along with it. In speaking with my boss this morning, I said I really needed the opportunity to move up,not only because I want the added responsibility, but also for financial reasons or I might get a second job (which I guess now I shouldn't have said), and he responded to me by saying that he doesn't make much more than I do and he always has money left over each month. This was over the phone because he is in another office, but my jaw dropped... I felt this was an extremely unprofessional comment. I am now thinking that it may be time to start looking elsewhere, and I am not trying to just get more money. I want to move up the ladder in my job just like anyone else would. It just has left me feeling very uneasy, and I am not sure what to do about it. Plus, I feel in the role I am now I am already underpaid. Anyone have any suggestions? Would you just let this go?
Re: Strange comment from boss, what would you do?
Well, to be fair, it wasn't professional of you to mention your "financial reasons" or that you may need to get a 2nd job. That's none of his concern and shouldn't be a factor in their decision to promote.
And yes, start looking. They've been stringing you along for FIVE years. They know they don't have to do anything and you'll just continue doing your job.
So, look and find another job!
~Benjamin Franklin
DS dx with celiac disease 5/28/10
I agree with PP in that you should start looking for other job opportunities. It seems very clear that they have no intention of changing your role.
As for the comment by your boss, I do think it was unprofessional. However, your financial struggles have little do with your ability and reasons why you should get a pay increase. It sounds like you are very good at what you do, enjoy your work, and are eager for growth --- all qualities that will help you get hired at a new company.
Whether or not what your boss said was professional is not really relevant to your situation. If we assume that what he says is true, then in order to give you a raise the company probably has to give him a raise. And probably his boss as well....and everyone else.
So everyone is underpaid. If you want more $$ you likely have to look elsewhere.
Px
Look for a new job. I think they've made it clear to you over the last few years that there isn't really room for you to move up/get promoted, so this position isn't going to meet your career development goals now or in the future. Find something else that will!
Best of luck to you!
I have a few thoughts-
Re: getting the additional responsibility and opportunity-When you say: I do whatever it takes to get the job done, and am very meticulous about my work. I hear that I am their favorite draftsman! This has red flags all over it. No wonder they didn't promote you-you're doing the work required for the position. Doing the same work isn't going to get you promoted. You must take on, not ask for, additional responsibilities and demonstrate that you are already AT the next level. Furthermore, you're doing your level work extremely well-what's the motivation for your supervisor to lose you in that role? Nothing, because you haven't shown him/her what value and skills you bring that are better than the ones you currently provide.
Re: talking about the second job-I believe this is a valid point, if indeed it wasn't an idle threat. If you work FT, many companies restrict or forbid your ability to take on a 2nd job, and therefore should know if you're struggling financially and if salary has anything to do with that.
Re: feeling that you're underpaid-do salary comparisons, bring them to the table, and see if they bite. If they don't, you've answered your question, and it's time to move on. Good luck!