[jlspeed29]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

Honestly, in today's economy she's lucky she got a raise instead of a pink slip. That includes you too. Instead of complaining, hold onto your jobs like gold until the economy gets back on its feet. You're both inexperienced - you need at least 5-7 real world years to start pulling in the real money. That's the problem with younger workers these days. You have no patience. Everything has to happen now... and instantly. It's called "paying your dues"... and that's why your gf is wearing a lot of hats. Senior Managers and Executives are trained to "interview" younger canidates this way because most younger workers are too damanding just after one-year on the job. I NEVER hire college kids. Anyway, the crap economy will only be a few years. Once that happens, hop to another job and expect a much bigger increase in pay that'll make up six-fold the 3.7% raise your gf got.

I admit I did make us sound ungreatful and entitled, however it's a little discouraging to hit a grand slam in your review and then get an average increase.
Granted, we dont know what goes up "up there" in those corner offices. They may or may not have bigger plans for the company.
We make pretty decent money combined for being one year out of college (120k) combined not to shabby, we're not cart pushers.

I definitely understand "paying your dues"

thanks laszlo for your advice, its nice to hear what a "higher up" thinks!
Much appreciated!

[mpimping]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

Honestly, in today's economy she's lucky she got a raise instead of a pink slip. That includes you too. Instead of complaining, hold onto your jobs like gold until the economy gets back on its feet. You're both inexperienced - you need at least 5-7 real world years to start pulling in the real money. That's the problem with younger workers these days. You have no patience. Everything has to happen now... and instantly. It's called "paying your dues"... and that's why your gf is wearing a lot of hats. Senior Managers and Executives are trained to "interview" younger canidates this way because most younger workers are too damanding just after one-year on the job. I NEVER hire college kids. Anyway, the crap economy will only be a few years. Once that happens, hop to another job and expect a much bigger increase in pay that'll make up six-fold the 3.7% raise your gf got.

what he said... unless you can find a better job of course... being that you are in cali why don't you have a garden to supplement your income?

[jlspeed29]

Originally Posted by mpimping

what he said... unless you can find a better job of course... being that you are in cali why don't you have a garden to supplement your income?

lol a garden?
you mean like growing my own vegetables?

[mpimping]

Originally Posted by jlspeed29

lol a garden?
you mean like growing my own vegetables?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/cumbria/content...allery.shtml?7
yeah kind of... lol like 6-99 of them at a time...

[karliejai]

Originally Posted by MadDog

+1. You can always bring a better offer back to the first company and see if they'll match it.

+1

[TurboFan]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

Honestly, in today's economy she's lucky she got a raise instead of a pink slip. That includes you too. Instead of complaining, hold onto your jobs like gold until the economy gets back on its feet. You're both inexperienced - you need at least 5-7 real world years to start pulling in the real money. That's the problem with younger workers these days. You have no patience. Everything has to happen now... and instantly. It's called "paying your dues"... and that's why your gf is wearing a lot of hats. Senior Managers and Executives are trained to "interview" younger canidates this way because most younger workers are too damanding just after one-year on the job. I NEVER hire college kids. Anyway, the crap economy will only be a few years. Once that happens, hop to another job and expect a much bigger increase in pay that'll make up six-fold the 3.7% raise your gf got.

+1.

It's pretty easy to tell the experienced hiring managers from the noobs in the work force on this thread.

[TurboFan]

Originally Posted by jlspeed29

I admit I did make us sound ungreatful and entitled, however it's a little discouraging to hit a grand slam in your review and then get an average increase.
Granted, we dont know what goes up "up there" in those corner offices. They may or may not have bigger plans for the company.
We make pretty decent money combined for being one year out of college (120k) combined not to shabby, we're not cart pushers.

I definitely understand "paying your dues"

thanks laszlo for your advice, its nice to hear what a "higher up" thinks!
Much appreciated!

Hit a few grand slams, you'll see a return. In this economy, the inexperienced workers are among the first to be cut. Hang on for the experience, becuase when the economy turns around, you or she will be able to make a big jump, with the current company or another. When growth takes off, you need people with experience. Right now we're (management)all just trying to make do with what we have, control cost while we search for and exploit a market advantage. Those that do it well will grow immensley in a turn-around.

[dimisa1977]

Originally Posted by ///Mantis

say sorry your raise is incompetent, i have to search for another job (after receiving offers)

to be honest (as a boss), the economy is real tough for business owners these days. the fact you got a raise, albiet measly, is still a decent show of compassion and care.

if you like your work environment, stay.


if you're ithcing for a change, CHANGE!

[Couch]

Originally Posted by dimisa1977

to be honest (as a boss), the economy is real tough for business owners these days. the fact you got a raise, albiet measly, is still a decent show of compassion and care.

if you like your work environment, stay.


if you're ithcing for a change, CHANGE!

However, when you're company is a multi-billion dollar a year company, there's no need for measly raises of 5%. Just saying.

[Revlis]

Originally Posted by achien

If you want to get real salary/bonus increase, it's not how well you do your job but how much $$$ you bring in to the company.

From the description you provided below, it looks like your gf may be working on the "cost center" side of the business. If you want to get real salary/bonus increase, move to the "revenue generation" side of the business (i.e. sales, external consulting for the company).

Otherwise, it doesn't matter how hard you work, you are only a "cost center" to the company.

Amen, Bring in an extra 10-12mil all on your own... You get compensated, every time... Or you walk.

[Revlis]

Originally Posted by jlspeed29

lol..are you kidding me? 3.7% is hardly a cost of living increase give me a break

I'm one year out and got 15%+commissions


like I always say

conformity breeds content

Right but selling major appliances is different than actually working in an office.

And remember bro, 15% of a $35k base still isn't much...


He he, Just Fuggin with ya...

[TurboFan]

Originally Posted by Couch

However, when you're company is a multi-billion dollar a year company, there's no need for measly raises of 5%. Just saying.

BS. Size doesn't matter. A large company has as many or more challenges. A 5% payroll increase is a problem for any company.

[TurboFan]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

This thread turned into a really constructive conversation. It's great to hear both perspectives, from younger and older workforce professionals.

Even if one works for a multi-billion dollar a year company, it doesn't necessarily mean they have massive cash flow. Every challenge the consumer is facing right now is also affecting companies, large and small. We're in for a rough ride. Operating costs are skyrocketing.

When I was out of college, I rolled into the early 90s recession. I was living in NYC at that time and at one point I remember having a job as a foot messenger just to pay the bills. And being 20 in NYC isn't easy. I worked in restaurants as a bar back and finally moved into floor management.

By 1992 things started to shape up a tiny bit, and I was lucky enough through an amazing connection to land a job at Sony Corp. And I worked my butt of there, was so proud to have a job, and not working in some restaurant or delivering video commercials to billion dollar ad agencies.

I did everything required and never complained. I went the extra mile and built relationships with everyone. Eventually, it led to a really great career and I stayed with Sony Corp until I was 30. I owe a lot to that company; just the name alone on my resume has opened up amazing doors.

Anyway, hang in there and be grateful to have a job... you’re both hard workers and remember to always have a positive attitude. You don’t have much leverage now, but in a few years you will. Go beyond 110% - always! Even when you make the big time. Also, a great tip that was given to me when I was 22. Find your inside Rabbi who is outside of your department/division who you don't report to. One that has influence OVER your manager. But don't let your manager catch on, do it organically... quiet... and strategically. This person will be your threshold guardian who'll create a path for you that'll turn very lucrative down the road. Your protector.

Bond and build a relationship with a Senior Executive/Manager, and being young is the key to using this as leverage. Because Executives have worked so hard, and paid their dues, when they see a young man/woman working their butts off… showing their passion and gratefulness, they tend to take them under their wing. And that’ll open up doors for you like you wouldn’t believe. Over and over again. Find your Rabbi. And remember, they are the ones who are in those real big decision meetings, from restructuring, jobs cuts, promotions etc... who say, "You should promote so-and-so because they're... etc. etc." and "You're nuts to lay that guy/gal off, have you ever seen how hard they work?" This is key becaues in those big meetings, most upper management only see names on a page and what they're making and know nothing about them professionally or personally. Trust me, I've been there... combing through all those names, trying to figure out who to cut and lay off.

And that is the key to moving up the corporate ladder. Rabbi’s are vital to your growth! But do it now, because when you get older, you only find yourself competing more and more with peers and upper management.

What he said. Exactly what he said. I've had a couple "Rabbi's" over the years, although I'm not Jewish One followed me to my current company!

[uhaulball]

Originally Posted by mpimping

tell her to quit

just made me wanna watch that movie all over again.

[jlspeed29]

Originally Posted by Revlis

Right but selling major appliances is different than actually working in an office.

And remember bro, 15% of a $35k base still isn't much...


He he, Just Fuggin with ya...

haha nooo i dont sell major appliances! funny tho!



thanks to everyone for contributing to this thread!
I rate it 5 stars!

[dimisa1977]

Originally Posted by TurboFan

BS. Size doesn't matter. A large company has as many or more challenges. A 5% payroll increase is a problem for any company.

agreed, although the company has a huge staff, that only means higher overhead, etc.

it's all relative...

NOW, if you see your company bringing on NEW people, then yes...you are getting bucked! If not, then I can see how a 3.5% raise would be acceptable (in some fashion)

[Couch]

Dimisa, yes they are constantly bring in new people. A number of which who had no experience other than college (like myself) and were immediately placed in positions I had already discussed about being moved into. As I had already been here for over a year.

I'm not going to disagree with yall at all. I know that billions don't mean they can just throw money around. While I always will support capitalism, one problem I have is companies throwing these bogus "employee appreciation" breakfasts.

They spend 10's of thousands of dollars for a 3 hour breakfast where all we do is listen to them talk about their vacation homes and "teamwork". The same theme every year. Employees appreciate more money, not a 3 hour breakfast not even being able to mingle amoungst one another. No one ever appreciates going to them nor feels appreciated. After the one we had a few weeks ago, it's the same thing every year. We get back to the office and EVERYONE trash talks the whole event and doesn't feel motivated and just wants more money. I find it hard to believe that our vocal opinions don't make it to the top ranks.

It's really hard to understand where I'm coming from since no one's in my position. I'm fed up with where I'm at anyway, and looking for a smaller company. I've gotten my feet wet out of college, and it's time for a change.

[Hawkeye]

I think it depends on the profession. 3% is average where I work. But that is not including my exam raises or promotions.

With that (no promotions this year) I only got about a 6% raise.

What do you do Mantis because besides sales I don't see raise increases like that anywhere close to here.

[jaiman]

I agree with what Laszlo and TurboFan have said generally. My comments would be that the economy does suck in the US right now but it will get better and what you need to do now is make sure that you position yourself to take advantage when it does turn.

To the OP, for your GF, this means taking all these experiences that are being thrown at her, documenting them and putting them on the resume when things get better. At that point the additional experience should allow her to make a big jump in comp. She'll be able to show her value to a prospective employer by laying out what she accomplished and the rev/cost savings she generated.

Personally, I've never asked for a raise. I've always done top-notch work and have been rewarded for it (average raise over the past 5 years has been >30%). That said, I also make sure I know what my market value is, and that my boss is aware that I know what I'm worth.

[par4bmw]

Originally Posted by jaiman

I agree with what Laszlo and TurboFan have said generally. My comments would be that the economy does suck in the US right now but it will get better and what you need to do now is make sure that you position yourself to take advantage when it does turn.

To the OP, for your GF, this means taking all these experiences that are being thrown at her, documenting them and putting them on the resume when things get better. At that point the additional experience should allow her to make a big jump in comp. She'll be able to show her value to a prospective employer by laying out what she accomplished and the rev/cost savings she generated.

Personally, I've never asked for a raise. I've always done top-notch work and have been rewarded for it (average raise over the past 5 years has been >30%). That said, I also make sure I know what my market value is, and that my boss is aware that I know what I'm worth.

That is an incredible run you have had and most people should not expect that much fortune. Starting at $100K and 5 yrs of 30% raise would have a salary of $371K. Being a straight salary (which a raise is based on versus commissions or bonuses added in) with that type of increase deserves congratulations. Congrats!

For the OP: Without a promotion or job change, a 5% or slightly less average per year is normal but would be low for a performer. If the gf truly performs better than her co-workers and the company is doing well, she should expect more. It is a tough economy right now for most companies and thus negatively affects their ability to reward employees. As soon as you are not adding to your worth, whether through compensation or skills/knowledge, it is time to move on to something new.

[dimisa1977]

Originally Posted by Couch

Dimisa, yes they are constantly bring in new people. A number of which who had no experience other than college (like myself) and were immediately placed in positions I had already discussed about being moved into. As I had already been here for over a year.

I'm not going to disagree with yall at all. I know that billions don't mean they can just throw money around. While I always will support capitalism, one problem I have is companies throwing these bogus "employee appreciation" breakfasts.

They spend 10's of thousands of dollars for a 3 hour breakfast where all we do is listen to them talk about their vacation homes and "teamwork". The same theme every year. Employees appreciate more money, not a 3 hour breakfast not even being able to mingle amoungst one another. No one ever appreciates going to them nor feels appreciated. After the one we had a few weeks ago, it's the same thing every year. We get back to the office and EVERYONE trash talks the whole event and doesn't feel motivated and just wants more money. I find it hard to believe that our vocal opinions don't make it to the top ranks.

It's really hard to understand where I'm coming from since no one's in my position. I'm fed up with where I'm at anyway, and looking for a smaller company. I've gotten my feet wet out of college, and it's time for a change.

you sound smart enough and driven enough to not only make the change, but make the change and be successful as well.

i'd do it!

as far as those lame breakfasts, the problem is the older folks don't get "it."

the don't realize that the younger team members want "green" not "eggs!"

[Couch]

Originally Posted by dimisa1977

you sound smart enough and driven enough to not only make the change, but make the change and be successful as well.

i'd do it!

as far as those lame breakfasts, the problem is the older folks don't get "it."

the don't realize that the younger team members want "green" not "eggs!"

Thanks for the compliment. I'm updating my resume right now, and will be sending it out in hopefully no later than 2 weeks once I have a list of a few places.

Actually the people I always see bitching out loud are older and have been here for more years than I have. One of the ladies I work with get's pissed everytime these things come around. She wishes they would show appreciation to hourly employees (such as myself) and give them nice bonuses. It's really quite the spectacle.