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lululu
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 9511 total posts
Name:
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Employment Dilemma
I have worked as a consultant for the same company for a little over 4 years now. I decided to take this job when my youngest started Kindergarten basically to avoid boredom. We did not need the money and the job was pitched to me as 10-15 hours per week and my pay is at an hourly rate of about 25% of what I would make if I had a real job in my industry. I will also add that I work in an industry where people are highly overpaid. I also have decent flexibility as far as getting my work done, I am not very client facing so my end responsibility is low, and my position is fully remote (which was a big plus pre pandemic but is now the norm). The reality of my job is that it is really only about 5-10 hours per week, with some busier weeks here and there. I am able to travel extensively without missing a beat and I enjoy what I do.
Fast forward four years I have not really gotten a raise. This year my boss scheduled my annual review after the date that I would typically receive my bonus so leading up to my review I was under the impression he wasn’t giving me one. Which is strange because most of my review discussed how he wants me to take on more responsibility and that he will compensate me for it. I had to point out that I haven’t gotten a raise in four years and he even snubbed me come bonus time. He agreed to give me a little more for my bonus this year than prior years. It amounts to a 5% raise. So one 5% raise, which is not even a COLA for this year. I should also mention I just took on another client and was told that my compensation will be decided when we see how much additional work it is and I will be paid in arrears. So basically,I don’t even know what I am making.
I am at a crossroads. I don’t need this job financially. Frankly the fact that I am considered self employed combined with getting taxed at my husbands tax rate makes the compensation pretty low in the grand scheme of things. However, I like what I do, and I like having a resume that is current in case for whatever reason I decided I wanted to go back to work full time. If you’ve gotten this far, do I suck it up and just accept whatever my boss is willing to pay me because it’s an easy job that I like. Or do I demand more money? Look for a similar position (except o feel like the devil you know….)? Or just quit and put this behind me?
I do also do some real estate investments on the side so I could focus more time on that, but that involves risk. And I like that with my job I get a paycheck without having to take any risks.
Anyway, WWYD?
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Posted 2/11/22 10:20 PM  |
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Dreamer27
LIF Zygote
Member since 6/18 46 total posts
Name:
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Re: Employment Dilemma
You have every advantage in this situation . Four years is a long gig for a consultant, so they clearly they like your work and rely on you, though they may be just starting to take you for granted with under payment. It sounds like this is about respect more than money for you in many ways, so this new client is the perfect opportunity to draw a clear boundary. If you like the work and wouldn’t mind the new responsibility, figure out a price that makes it worth your while and proactively tell your boss what your rate would be to take that on. I bet they pay up. If not you’ll either continue in the current deal or be prompted to see what other fun, flexible gigs are out there in your field.
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| Posted 2/11/22 11:46 PM |
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LuckyStar
LIF Adult
Member since 7/14 7274 total posts
Name:
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Employment Dilemma
It is apparent that you do not consider this a “real job.” If YOU don’t consider it a real job, why would you be compensated as if it were? It sounds like this is more of a hobby than anything else. You took on a project without getting clarification as to what you would be paid. That alone is just bananas to me.
I think you need to decide whether or not you want to work. But if you decide you do, please understand that whether or not you NEED to work is irrelevant. You should be paid what you’re worth. Period. No qualifiers. No freebies.
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| Posted 2/12/22 8:54 AM |
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CookiePuss
Cake from Outer Space!
Member since 5/05 14021 total posts
Name:
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Re: Employment Dilemma
I think the ball is in your court and you can push for more money and a higher bonus.
As you stated, money is not the only reason to work.
I would sit down and really complete your "dream" board for consulting with the company. Get together a list of what you have accomplished and brought to the table. Then schedule a meeting. I couldn't really tell if you waited for your review or you pushed for it but start forcing the face to face about your consulting with them. You are not going to get what you don't ask for.
As far as income - shovel if away in a retirement account so you can take it out of your earned income. One can never have enough money saved.
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| Posted 2/12/22 10:30 AM |
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JennP
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 3986 total posts
Name:
Jenn
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Re: Employment Dilemma
Sounds like a pretty ideal situation although I understand that it's frustrating to feel like you aren't paid what you are worth. Companies do that all the time especially to women and it's not cool.
I am confused about the new client - you said you are being paid at an hourly rate but then later you said that compensation for the new client is TBD. If it's an hourly rate, I don't understand what the unknown is. Putting that aside for a sec, I would not be ok with my pay being a question mark and then being paid in arrears.
I would list every possible outcome and see how you feel in your gut about it.
Push for more money and get it: Will you feel happy/fulfilled?
Push for more money, don't get it, stay: Will you feel happy/fulfilled?
Push for more money, don't get it, leave: What else would you do with your time?
Change nothing: Not what you seem to want otherwise you wouldn't have posted.
I know that if I didn't have to work at all I would volunteer/consult in my field, volunteer for a few different organizations that I don't feel like I have the time for now, and increase my political activism so for me I could fill the time. I would think about your hobbies and what you could turn them into. My friend just retired and fosters rescue puppies. There are tons of places you could donate your time to, if you like. If you are looking for a sense of professional accomplishment you could even end up running or organizing something in a volunteer capacity.
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| Posted 2/12/22 11:38 AM |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Employment Dilemma
If it's an easy job that you like doing and gives you the flexibility to pursue other things, I wouldn't care too much about the raise. He is increasing your bonus. If it is bothering you this much though, I would just look for something else because you'll start to resent the work your doing.
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| Posted 2/12/22 2:18 PM |
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lululu
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 9511 total posts
Name:
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Re: Employment Dilemma
Posted by JennP
Sounds like a pretty ideal situation although I understand that it's frustrating to feel like you aren't paid what you are worth. Companies do that all the time especially to women and it's not cool.
I am confused about the new client - you said you are being paid at an hourly rate but then later you said that compensation for the new client is TBD. If it's an hourly rate, I don't understand what the unknown is. Putting that aside for a sec, I would not be ok with my pay being a question mark and then being paid in arrears.
I would list every possible outcome and see how you feel in your gut about it.
Push for more money and get it: Will you feel happy/fulfilled?
Push for more money, don't get it, stay: Will you feel happy/fulfilled?
Push for more money, don't get it, leave: What else would you do with your time?
Change nothing: Not what you seem to want otherwise you wouldn't have posted.
I know that if I didn't have to work at all I would volunteer/consult in my field, volunteer for a few different organizations that I don't feel like I have the time for now, and increase my political activism so for me I could fill the time. I would think about your hobbies and what you could turn them into. My friend just retired and fosters rescue puppies. There are tons of places you could donate your time to, if you like. If you are looking for a sense of professional accomplishment you could even end up running or organizing something in a volunteer capacity.
I do not get paid hourly, I am salaried. But if you work out my hourly rate it’s about 25% of what I would normally make. So it’s a little less clear cut.
As far as volunteering I do already volunteer but my profession is very specialized in the hedge fund industry so there are no real volunteer opportunities that would serve the purpose of keeping my resume current.
Good idea about listing the outcomes and how I will feel. Thank you!
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| Posted 2/12/22 2:47 PM |
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lululu
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 9511 total posts
Name:
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Re: Employment Dilemma
Posted by LuckyStar
It is apparent that you do not consider this a “real job.” If YOU don’t consider it a real job, why would you be compensated as if it were? It sounds like this is more of a hobby than anything else. You took on a project without getting clarification as to what you would be paid. That alone is just bananas to me.
I think you need to decide whether or not you want to work. But if you decide you do, please understand that whether or not you NEED to work is irrelevant. You should be paid what you’re worth. Period. No qualifiers. No freebies.
I consider it a real job and it definitely is a real job. I consider my compensation to be somewhat laughable compared to what I could make if I went back to work full time but again considering I have so much flexibility and so few hours it’s a good trade off.
You are right. I should be paid what I am worth. I think I’m always afraid to rock the boat for fear of losing a good gig.
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| Posted 2/12/22 2:49 PM |
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lululu
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 9511 total posts
Name:
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Re: Employment Dilemma
Posted by KarenK122
If it's an easy job that you like doing and gives you the flexibility to pursue other things, I wouldn't care too much about the raise. He is increasing your bonus. If it is bothering you this much though, I would just look for something else because you'll start to resent the work your doing.
That’s exactly right. I get resentful when he asks me to do something that’s timely because I feel like I am not being paid enough to be at someone’s beck and call. Even though I know money is not the primary motivator in the worn place I do think it serves to show appreciation and I guess I don’t feel that I am valued and appreciated.
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| Posted 2/12/22 2:51 PM |
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soontobemommyof2
My boys...my everything <3
Member since 4/15 3635 total posts
Name:
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Re: Employment Dilemma
Posted by lululu
Posted by LuckyStar
It is apparent that you do not consider this a “real job.” If YOU don’t consider it a real job, why would you be compensated as if it were? It sounds like this is more of a hobby than anything else. You took on a project without getting clarification as to what you would be paid. That alone is just bananas to me.
I think you need to decide whether or not you want to work. But if you decide you do, please understand that whether or not you NEED to work is irrelevant. You should be paid what you’re worth. Period. No qualifiers. No freebies.
I consider it a real job and it definitely is a real job. I consider my compensation to be somewhat laughable compared to what I could make if I went back to work full time but again considering I have so much flexibility and so few hours it’s a good trade off.
You are right. I should be paid what I am worth. I think I’m always afraid to rock the boat for fear of losing a good gig.
But it’s been 4 yrs without a raise right? That along should be enough reason for the company to give u a raise. It’s not easy to find a job with the hours u want, with enough flexibility, and doing what u love so I’d def work something out to continue in this job and getting a raise, which I really don’t think u'll have a problem in getting. But I’d make sure to get into a clear agreement with the company before taking the new client, not after.
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| Posted 2/12/22 3:12 PM |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: Employment Dilemma
Posted by lululu
Posted by KarenK122
If it's an easy job that you like doing and gives you the flexibility to pursue other things, I wouldn't care too much about the raise. He is increasing your bonus. If it is bothering you this much though, I would just look for something else because you'll start to resent the work your doing.
That’s exactly right. I get resentful when he asks me to do something that’s timely because I feel like I am not being paid enough to be at someone’s beck and call. Even though I know money is not the primary motivator in the worn place I do think it serves to show appreciation and I guess I don’t feel that I am valued and appreciated.
I think then you have your answer. Life is to short to be stuck someplace that you don't feel appreciated, especially if you don't need to. I would take your talents and look for someplace else.
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| Posted 2/12/22 4:35 PM |
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lululu
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 9511 total posts
Name:
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Re: Employment Dilemma
Thank you all who have posted so far. I appreciate all of the input and it’s definitely giving me some food for thought.
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| Posted 2/12/22 5:33 PM |
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MK2010x2
LIF Infant
Member since 8/17 142 total posts
Name:
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Re: Employment Dilemma
My question would be...what do you want in 5 or 10 years? Based on the world right now, workers are able to ask for a lot more than they would....people are quitting in droves and with the way the market has gone....people are retiring in droves. I think you have the upper hand to ask for more...but if you think you would ever want to go full time, maybe it's worth sticking it out. If you like the job and the kids are bigger - I think having a foot in the door in a place you like is a great reason to stay. If you never want to increase your hours, I'd be way less inclined to compromise.
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| Posted 2/12/22 8:52 PM |
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LuckyStar
LIF Adult
Member since 7/14 7274 total posts
Name:
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Re: Employment Dilemma
Posted by lululu
Posted by LuckyStar
It is apparent that you do not consider this a “real job.” If YOU don’t consider it a real job, why would you be compensated as if it were? It sounds like this is more of a hobby than anything else. You took on a project without getting clarification as to what you would be paid. That alone is just bananas to me.
I think you need to decide whether or not you want to work. But if you decide you do, please understand that whether or not you NEED to work is irrelevant. You should be paid what you’re worth. Period. No qualifiers. No freebies.
I consider it a real job and it definitely is a real job. I consider my compensation to be somewhat laughable compared to what I could make if I went back to work full time but again considering I have so much flexibility and so few hours it’s a good trade off.
You are right. I should be paid what I am worth. I think I’m always afraid to rock the boat for fear of losing a good gig.
It’s not a good gig if you’re taking on extra projects and not being appropriately compensated.
This is a part time consulting job. It’s meant to be flexible. That’s all fluff. The bottom line is you are working more than you originally agreed and not being paid for it.
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| Posted 2/12/22 9:46 PM |
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Lucky09
2017!
Member since 1/06 7537 total posts
Name:
DW
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Re: Employment Dilemma
Posted by LuckyStar
Posted by lululu
Posted by LuckyStar
It is apparent that you do not consider this a “real job.” If YOU don’t consider it a real job, why would you be compensated as if it were? It sounds like this is more of a hobby than anything else. You took on a project without getting clarification as to what you would be paid. That alone is just bananas to me.
I think you need to decide whether or not you want to work. But if you decide you do, please understand that whether or not you NEED to work is irrelevant. You should be paid what you’re worth. Period. No qualifiers. No freebies.
I consider it a real job and it definitely is a real job. I consider my compensation to be somewhat laughable compared to what I could make if I went back to work full time but again considering I have so much flexibility and so few hours it’s a good trade off.
You are right. I should be paid what I am worth. I think I’m always afraid to rock the boat for fear of losing a good gig.
It’s not a good gig if you’re taking on extra projects and not being appropriately compensated.
This is a part time consulting job. It’s meant to be flexible. That’s all fluff. The bottom line is you are working more than you originally agreed and not being paid for it.
This. Also, the company is getting the BENEFIT of not having to pay someone for full time work if the work is not there. It doesn’t sound like they are begging you to work full time for them. If you were no longer working there, who would do your work? Your boss? Not appealing. A new employee? Good luck to them finding someone with your skill set willing to work part time for very little pay and benefits (by the sound of your description). Let that information be your personal fuel in your ask for more compensation. Don’t be afraid to rock the boat. Good luck!!!
Also, it might help to go in armed with data around what people with your experience in your industry typically earn. Have printouts with you in case they don’t believe you.
Message edited 2/13/2022 9:19:55 AM.
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| Posted 2/13/22 9:17 AM |
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LSP2005
Bunny kisses are so cute!
Member since 5/05 19458 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Employment Dilemma
Right now is an excellent time to look for a new job. I would put feelers out. You know you are being taken for granted. I would look for something else.
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| Posted 2/13/22 12:13 PM |
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lululu
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 9511 total posts
Name:
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Re: Employment Dilemma
Posted by Lucky09
Posted by LuckyStar
Posted by lululu
Posted by LuckyStar
It is apparent that you do not consider this a “real job.” If YOU don’t consider it a real job, why would you be compensated as if it were? It sounds like this is more of a hobby than anything else. You took on a project without getting clarification as to what you would be paid. That alone is just bananas to me.
I think you need to decide whether or not you want to work. But if you decide you do, please understand that whether or not you NEED to work is irrelevant. You should be paid what you’re worth. Period. No qualifiers. No freebies.
I consider it a real job and it definitely is a real job. I consider my compensation to be somewhat laughable compared to what I could make if I went back to work full time but again considering I have so much flexibility and so few hours it’s a good trade off.
You are right. I should be paid what I am worth. I think I’m always afraid to rock the boat for fear of losing a good gig.
It’s not a good gig if you’re taking on extra projects and not being appropriately compensated.
This is a part time consulting job. It’s meant to be flexible. That’s all fluff. The bottom line is you are working more than you originally agreed and not being paid for it.
This. Also, the company is getting the BENEFIT of not having to pay someone for full time work if the work is not there. It doesn’t sound like they are begging you to work full time for them. If you were no longer working there, who would do your work? Your boss? Not appealing. A new employee? Good luck to them finding someone with your skill set willing to work part time for very little pay and benefits (by the sound of your description). Let that information be your personal fuel in your ask for more compensation. Don’t be afraid to rock the boat. Good luck!!!
Also, it might help to go in armed with data around what people with your experience in your industry typically earn. Have printouts with you in case they don’t believe you.
Oh he definitely knows. I met my husband at work - he was my boss. And when we started dating I had to leave my job and get a new one (my choice), and he was my replacement. The industry I am in is very incestuous. Everyone knows everyone and he knows I am a bargain.
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| Posted 2/13/22 2:58 PM |
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