Very Nervous - pay raise discussion with boss

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SSWaspie
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03 Mar 2014, 8:10 am

Back at the beginning of February, my boss pulled me aside to tell me that the other intern will be signing her contract soon and when that happens my pay will be going from 27k annually, to 35k annually. Wonderful news.

It's now march and that hasn't happened. He never said when and I froze when he pulled me aside and told me that so I didn't ask and then he was gone. I will not know when she signs her contract, why would I be told that?

I'm very anal, I have to know when things will happen.

Well now I need to ask him, but I'm so friggin nervous.... How do I start that conversation without seeming annoying or rude for asking?

Is it wrong to ask? I'm at a loss of what's socially acceptable, or more so professionally acceptable to do.

Prior to me starting this internship there was a lot of worry administration wise that I wouldn't meet the qualifications, when I questioned as to how the process was going (ie, whether I met the qualifications with the gov) I was given a odd look and asked why... And then I said because I haven't heard anything, then the response was "why would we tell you? Why would you feel you should know?!".... Well it's my career and further, my financial situation at hand.... Should I have not known?

You can probably see why I'm so nervous now.



zer0netgain
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03 Mar 2014, 10:02 am

I would talk to either the boss or someone at HR.

Bring up the prior conversation and simply ask if there was a date when what he mentioned would come to pass so you can know when to look for it.



yournamehere
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03 Mar 2014, 10:43 am

There is a very good reason why you should ask. MONEY. It goes like this. Money money money, money money, and more money money. If anyone asks you why you would ask that, just say money. NT's understand the language of money. You could always ask the other intern if she signed her contract. Especially because your interested in money, and that is why you have a job. Or just ask your boss and say " hey boss, what is up with that money thing you were talking about earlier". "I need a facial, and a new pair of shoes, and I really want more money so I can look prittier". Just a suggestion.



Vacant_Entity
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03 Mar 2014, 10:57 am

So I have no experience, but I would go with asking wether or not the intern has signed the contract, or ask the intern your self (as mentioned by the previous poster). However, I would avoid comin across as it being just about the money, as some people don't like it when you are focused just on money (not sure why).


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DaveBacon
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03 Mar 2014, 11:31 am

I would just be direct and straightforward. Ask the person who said you would be getting the payrise when it will be happening. There's nothing wrong with asking for it and if it wasn't going to happen, they shouldn't have mentioned it in the first place.

Just be clear, direct and professional. Don't seem timid in asking or annoyed if it's not happening immediately. And rehearse in your mind as many scenarios as you can for why they will say to you and how you will respond. If you know exactly what you would say in any given situation then you will find your nerves will go, and you will seem more confident in asking.

Good luck!



trick70
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03 Mar 2014, 1:18 pm

I am a boss and I have these discussions. The advice to be direct and professional is the best. If you feel uncomfortable just talking about the raise, bring up the discussion in a way that shows you are just following up on what he said earlier. In particular, you want to know if the raise will require you to take on new responsibilities, because, if it does, you want to be prepared. This way you are asking about the raise and showing your boss you are invested in providing value to your role. Good luck.



SSWaspie
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03 Mar 2014, 1:20 pm

So it worked out that the boss man wasn't around this morning so I asked the business manager if he's mentioned anything to her, she said no but added that the contract for the other intern hasn't come in yet so that might be why. She inadvertedly answered my full question.

Hopefully that contract does come in soon because mama really does need new shoes.



SSWaspie
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03 Mar 2014, 1:29 pm

The level of productivity I bring to my role is unparalleled in our office. I work above and beyond what my role states I should be doing, and far beyond my wage. This raise would simply be matching the amount of work I do, if that.

I definitely wouldn't approach the matter in a "money money money" kind of way. We are a non for profit organization and if I'm looking for money then I would probably be quickly shown the door. There's no real money in our work, just value and love for what we do.



yournamehere
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03 Mar 2014, 11:19 pm

O.k. maybe the money thing was a bad idea. Next time I think that way, I will fill my shoe with sand. Sorry, I am making myself laugh. Hope I made you smile.

A serious life is a tragic one.



yournamehere
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04 Mar 2014, 3:11 am

trick70 wrote:
I am a boss and I have these discussions. The advice to be direct and professional is the best. If you feel uncomfortable just talking about the raise, bring up the discussion in a way that shows you are just following up on what he said earlier. In particular, you want to know if the raise will require you to take on new responsibilities, because, if it does, you want to be prepared. This way you are asking about the raise and showing your boss you are invested in providing value to your role. Good luck.


Yes, that is what I said. Direct, professional, new responsibilities, invested value. That means money. I understand you're a boss and all that, but that stuff isn't free, and it doesn't come without more money, unless your an idiot. If your an idiot that would be the equivalent of a job loss, or a demotion. Who wants an employee like that? :lol:

I have been the boss and I don't like it. I quit. I fire my bosses too, because I said so. Now I have no job because wrong is right.

I'll be dammned if I am going to boss me around!! !

Have a great day.