I am so angry about my job!! Vent--need advice

I have been at my dental job for 4 years, I do practically everyone's job when asked. We dont' have any computer programs so everything is written, appts, ins forms. I call ins companies all the time I do people's dental instruments, I sometimes even do the laundry. Last week one of the girls was out so I had to work 6 days straight with crazy hours, I then learned how to develop xrays and refill items that were missing (that normally the assistants do), oh and even had to clean the office because the person responsible for this was out, hence i didn't get compensated for doing this person's paid job. This is great that I am very diversified!

The point being they give me a two dollar raise last december. I figured wow I am doing a good job because everyone else only got a dollar raise (it's a small office so you know everyone else's business). Now I feel like an idiot, because, about a month ago they hired a new receptionist part time. I found out through the grapevine that she is making 4 DOLLARS MORE than ME!!! She doesn't know anything, she is being trained, and she makes more money than me!! She doesn't call the ins companies yet, she doesn't do the instruments, she doesn't do the bills either. All she does is the main paperwork, that's fine, she's a sweetheart. My point is does someone who is new in the business only working PART TIME deserve 4 dollars more than someone who has been there for 4 years and knows the place by the back of her hand!!!???? I know now that they felt sorry for me because I was probably at the bottom of the totem poll so they decided to give me a two dollar raise last year, what a fool I feel like.

So now i need to ask for a raise, I pay 40 bucks a week for my ins, and I barely end up with any money for the week. I am in the middle of buying a house, by time I am done with the closing my whole savings account will be wiped out. I am living payment to payment literally now. I have never been like this in the past. I am planning to leave this job next year when I get married, am i still intitled to this raise and if so how much and how do I ask for it????
Thanks and sorry so long

Message edited 8/15/2005 6:47:18 PM.

Re: I am so angry about my job!! Vent--need advice

Sorry, definitely sounds like you deserve more for all that you do. It can't hurt to ask for a raise, the worst that could happen is they say no. I would ask for three and maybe they'll counter with two, just tell them you think you deserve more for all you do. Good Luck!!

Re: I am so angry about my job!! Vent--need advice

thanks for your reply, i see everyone reading it but noone replying, i was about to make it shorter, thanks again!

Re: I am so angry about my job!! Vent--need advice

I agree that you should ask for more, but also be sure of your facts - do you know for CERTAIN that she makes more?

If so, maybe she doesn't get benefits and that's why there's a difference?

I know it stinks and makes you mad, but if you do go into talk to your boss, make sure not to bring the other girls' salary up - just focus on your input and hard work - comparing yourself to her will just make you seem petty in their eyes.

Go in with a strong argument for why YOU deserve more (you made some good points here!!) and like the poster above said, the worst they can say is no and you can start looking for a better job, knowing that they don't value you.

Good luck!!

Re: I am so angry about my job!! Vent--need advice

Re: I am so angry about my job!! Vent--need advice

Right I was about to say the same thing about the benefits. I too work in the dental field- Im a hygienist and I can tell you first hand that not everyone gets paid the same and yup the newbies get paid more! for some reason it is easier to start at a higher wage than to get raises. Listen I know of a temp agency in Plainview where if you tempted as a receptionist you would make 20 an hour- and they place you too- meaning find you a job- that is their moto- cause if they do they get 1k for it!!! the temp office is in plainview but you can send you anywhere- nassau, queens , suffolk , westchester- everywhere!! I use them. Let me know if you need the name and number!

Re: I am so angry about my job!! Vent--need advice

i think i might know of the place, there are people in our office who use them. although it does sound great to temp i dont' know if i could do it, i don't like to travel and i'm a nervous person i don't like change, it's something to consider though esp the pay, thanks!

Re: I am so angry about my job!! Vent--need advice

Posted by leighla

I agree that you should ask for more, but also be sure of your facts - do you know for CERTAIN that she makes more?

If so, maybe she doesn't get benefits and that's why there's a difference?

I know it stinks and makes you mad, but if you do go into talk to your boss, make sure not to bring the other girls' salary up - just focus on your input and hard work - comparing yourself to her will just make you seem petty in their eyes.

Go in with a strong argument for why YOU deserve more (you made some good points here!!) and like the poster above said, the worst they can say is no and you can start looking for a better job, knowing that they don't value you.

Good luck!!

Re: I am so angry about my job!! Vent--need advice

Def, I asked for one at every anniversary date-

Re: I am so angry about my job!! Vent--need advice

Re: I am so angry about my job!! Vent--need advice

Message edited 8/16/2005 12:42:06 PM.

Re: I am so angry about my job!! Vent--need advice

yeah defintely i am the strong one there, i think if i were to leave anytime soon they will be in big trouble to put it lightly. I know everything about the ins, almost everything, more than I'm sure anyone knows in that office. i was trained by the girl who worked for 12 years before me, and i basically learned from then on. she has now left, so of course i'm in charge of all the ins work. It took me practically three years to learn all the ins, and i started part time so it's going to probably take the new girl just as long.
How much more do you think assistants should get paid to receptionists? I believe about 2 dollars more do you agree? The other assistant is making the same amount of money as me, that's sad.

Re: I am so angry about my job!! Vent--need advice

Welp thats a hard one b/c I think the work upfront is equally challenging if not more crazy! the assistants make 17 in my office and I believe the receptionist are making 19. so yes your dead on point with the 2 dollar thing, but they NEED you so go in strong and ask for a 2 to 3 dollar raise whats the worse they can say- No - at least you then know just how much they value you. you do the insurance so you know pretty much whats coming into the office dollar wise. if the office is doing well I dont see why they cant afford to do that but if they arent and patients arent coming in and or the insurance companys pay outs are small then I wouldnt expect too much but I would still ask. Just prove your worth to them- ah that sounds funny.

Re: I am so angry about my job!! Vent--need advice

well my boss is really cool, so it's totally worth the shot, and while i'm at it i'll ask them to pay my health insurance too since i pay for that out of pocket. hehe
thanks for all your help!

Re: I am so angry about my job!! Vent--need advice

Don't bring up other people's salaries. Write out all of the things that you do that make you overdue for a big raise. Tell her how much you're worth. This tactic has gotten me $20,000 - $30,000 raises in the past. If all else fails, move on. You don't deserve to be pooped on. Good luck!

Re: I am so angry about my job!! Vent--need advice

Posted by jandt2006

well my boss is really cool, so it's totally worth the shot, and while i'm at it i'll ask them to pay my health insurance too since i pay for that out of pocket. hehe
thanks for all your help!

Re: I am so angry about my job!! Vent--need advice

Posted by Susan

Don't bring up other people's salaries. Write out all of the things that you do that make you overdue for a big raise. Tell her how much you're worth. This tactic has gotten me $20,000 - $30,000 raises in the past. If all else fails, move on. You don't deserve to be pooped on. Good luck!

Re: I am so angry about my job!! Vent--need advice

do u work in nassau or suffolk if you don't mind me asking?

Re: I am so angry about my job!! Vent--need advice