Being nickled and dimed, or am I just oversensitive?

Here's the situation, I've worked at my job for almost a year and came in making very little (30k) since it was a startup doing a lot more work than 30k worth. Staying late during implementation, offering remote support, driving across the country for sometimes 16 hours a day and staying out for a month or two at a time. So during implementation, they put us all on salary and worked us nights and weekends (sometimes up to 90 hrs) so that, as the COO said, "we don't have to pay overtime".

4 months into it I get a promotion but no raise...I had to ask them for my raise like a kid asking daddy for an allowance. My boss went up to the CEO and asked them to bump me up to 40k, to which the CEO says "we will give him 35K now, then the rest in Feb/March". It's now April and they have a supposed "raise freeze" even though they bring in new developers, admins, etc.

I received another promotion in February into IT for "doing so well", which moved me out of the hardware department all together and landed me as Jr Linux/Server Admin. I asked my new boss if I was going to get the rest of my raise for this second promotion to which he replies: "Well, not we can't do anything for at least 6 months, you'll be at 35K until then, oh any by the way we will need you on weekends for demo and remote support"

I mean, I feel like i've been pretty reliable and dedicated to this company, but I can't help but feel nicked and dime'd along the way. From the info i've given you, should I just be happy for the experience or do I have a legitimate suspicion that i'm being screwed?

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YuckTheFankees

erpadmin wrote: »

LMAO!!! Man I needed a laugh...

Forgive me, you probably didn't intend for that to be a joke. However, I could not help but to laugh at this. If this guy had three years under his belt, then yeah, you would be 100% correct. But not even a year in his job, and he's already expecting [warning...intentional exaggeration...] $90k from $35k just because "he feels he is being 'screwed' "

You have highlighted the problem I see with folks wanting to get in this field, something I've griped about longer than I've been a member on this forum, and I'm sure I will continue to gripe about it, so long as there is someone like the OP (though he appears to be playing ball for the moment) who expects six-figure salary after being on the job for like a week. (Again...exagerration, but this time, I'm not too far off.)

I definitely understand where you are coming from but the OP isn't asking for anything crazy, just the 5K that his company said they would do but now they're backing off. From the work he is doing, it doesn't sound like the typical helpdesk role, so I think the OP is definitely under compensated.

**But I will say the work experience the OP is getting is PRICELESS. Add another year at his current job, he could possibly get a Linux admin position (which I hear is good money).

Drovor

Zartanasaurus wrote: »

A lot of people keep saying to suck it up and $35K is good for a first IT job. I agree in most cases. It's not good first IT job where you are working nights and weekends up to 90 hours and driving 16 hours across the country. Especially if you are being illegally classified as exempt to not pay overtime.

I don't know if that's still the case in his new role, but the old role is very suspect.

He could always file a complaint with the labor board like I am doing

YuckTheFankees

Drovor wrote: »

He could always file a complaint with the labor board like I am doing

I have no idea how "wage complaint's" work but when his company finds out..wouldn't that cause a pretty hostile work environment? I'm totally for the OP getting what he deserves but how would that not rub your company the wrong way?

Drovor

YuckTheFankees wrote: »

I have no idea how "wage complaint's" work but when his company finds out..wouldn't that cause a pretty hostile work environment? I'm totally for the OP getting what he deserves but how would that not rub your company the wrong way?

The complaint will be that he is being wrongly classified as an exempt employee. I am not sure if it still applies to his current position though. Yes I am sure it will rub them the wrong way but in my case HR is all talk. There is always the chance that they could try to get rid of employees but there are protections for those filing complaints.

YuckTheFankees

Drovor wrote: »

The complaint will be that he is being wrongly classified as an exempt employee. I am not sure if it still applies to his current position though. Yes I am sure it will rub them the wrong way but in my case HR is all talk. There is always the chance that they could try to get rid of employees but there are protections for those filing complaints.

Thanks for the additional information.

Drovor

YuckTheFankees wrote: »

Thanks for the additional information.

Welcome. I am no expert though, I am just going through the process for the first time waiting to hear back from the labor board.

NetworkVeteran

so long as there is someone like the OP (though he appears to be playing ball for the moment) who expects six-figure salary after being on the job for like a week.

I expect and receive a healthy six-figure salary because I have a proven track-record of producing results.

erpadmin wrote: »

If this guy had three years under his belt, then yeah, you would be 100% correct. But not even a year in his job, and he's already expecting [warning...intentional exaggeration...] $90k from $35k just because "he feels he is being 'screwed' "

What I say applies, whether one has three months or three years under their belt--determining one's fair-market value is often as simple as putting one's resume out there and seeing whether a similar competitor is willing to offer more. I object to the idea that he's being screwed but should remain. Only one of those should be true. If his boss is offering him fair compensation, by definition he's not being screwed. If his boss isn't offering him fair compensation, he should demand more or go to work for a competitor. His role is not so unusual that his employer should be the only option in his locale and sector.

YuckTheFankees wrote: »

I will say the work experience the OP is getting is PRICELESS.

Experience can be an incredibly valuable form of compensation, as in "Underpaid but not undercompensated."

erpadmin

NetworkVeteran wrote: »

I object to the idea that he's being screwed but should remain. Only one of those should be true. If his boss is offering his fair-market value, by definition he's not being screwed. If his boss isn't offering his fair-market value, he should demand more or go to work for a competitor. His role is not so unusual that his employer should be the only option in his sector.

If the OP can find an employer that will pay him what he wants based on his skillset and length of experience, then hey God Bless. Realistically though, in a competitive market, he would probably lose out to those who are more experienced than him, and those experienced folks would accept a reasonable salary to boot. Also, while he may feel "screwed" someone else in his EXACT situation would feel "elated and blessed" to have the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience with Linux and other IT. Especially in his job market...(Birmingham, Alabama--Location does matter.)

NetworkVeteran wrote: »

Experience can be an incredibly valuable form of compensation.

On this issue & thread, this is the only thing we can agree on. In fact, that's the basis for the reason why many of us are telling the OP to stick with his current employer for at least one more year.

MentholMoose

You are working up to 90 hours per week for $35K? That is not being "nickel and dimed", that is being fleeced. Working 90 hours for $673 means you're making approximately minimum wage. $35K is fine for an entry level IT position, and it sounds like you're getting good experience for the resume, but such long hours aren't reasonable. If the hours can't be reduced I'd start looking for a new job.

Lenniusce wrote: »

Here's the situation, I've worked at my job for almost a year and came in making very little (30k) since it was a startup doing a lot more work than 30k worth.

Startups are supposed to pay more to compensate for the high risk and demands of the job. Do they at least give you equity to justify the long hours? If they are instituting a pay freeze it is a bad sign and layoffs or even bankruptcy may be next.

networker050184

Find a new job man. I don't care what kind of experience I'm getting, working 90 hours a week for $35k is almost slavery!

NetworkVeteran

MentholMoose wrote: »

You are working up to 90 hours per week for $35K? That is not being "nickel and dimed", that is being fleeced.

erpadmin wrote:

If the OP can find an employer that will pay him what he wants based on his skillset and length of experience, then hey God Bless. Realistically though, in a competitive market, he would probably lose out

And that is why I advise putting his resume out there. If he discovers he's already well-compensated for his skillset, he'll know that his boss is not screwing him, and that he's lucky to have even the role he has. If he discovers that a competitor is willing to offer better compensation for his skillset, he'll be working fewer hours and/or making better money. It's a win, however it ends up.

Startups are supposed to pay more to compensate for the high risk and demands of the job.

+1 : Unless you are a founder, a startup generally pays more than a more established company.

tpatt100

Yeah if it's a start up for like Google back in the day and they offered you stock before the initial IPO well .....

eansdad

They are breaking the law plain and simple. Report them, Alabama has laws against retaliation so after the Dept of Labor gets done with them if they do decide to retaliate then you can sue. It is a bad situation to be in but if no one stands up then they will continue to smack you down. Alabama is also a right to work state so they can't fire you either with out cause.

onesaint

So...

1. List your resume and see if you get any bites. search job boards for your skill and see requirements. Go for an interview. Realistically, you're only worth what someone is willing to pay you. See what that is.

2. Keep plugging away and try to pick up all the experience you can. You don't have time for certs, but experience is the most valuable thing next to ambition.

3. 35k is great for a first IT job. Especially, when you can't get another job and you're getting invaluable Linux SA experience. I know a kid who worked at a local college making close to the same as a Linux support rep. After 3 years he's making 80K at a new company. So, it happens.

4. Take a look at things from the company's perspective. Sans the crazy hours, think about what your doing for the company, what they need done, and how much your costing them to do the tasks you do. It might be an eye opener.

You've got no degree in a technical related field, entry level certs, and less than a years experience at this point. The experience is your primary selling point. That is the most valuable thing you have going at the moment. Until you have more experience, a degree, or better certs, you're going to have to work to gain more experience, be it at this company or another.

powerfool

Yeah... for reelz guyz...

I wuz makin $25g and then I grew and became a bit more mature and dedicated myself to being professional and beyond proficient.

It's year one. Welcome to adulthood...

And it sounds like some other folks out to visit the neighborhood, as well.

UnixGuy

Now you are a Jr. Linux/Server admin. Forget the 5K+ you are pondering about right now. Think what kind of salary can you make with 3-5 yrs experience in Linux administration? do a job search and see the salary ranges (and see the experience requirements as well!)

At your work place, in addition to the technical expertise you're gaining, you are also building softskills and you are learning how to work under pressure. Do your best in your current job, make new friends and professional contacts, and be patient. Learn everything you can, and get involved in all kinds of work -if you can. I say, don't move before 2+ yrs (but If I were you I'd wait even more). Linux administration jobs ideally require 5+ yrs of experience, and the salaries are rewarding. You will make up for this 5k in the first month of your new job. Make sure you get lab-based certs like RHCE/CCIE...

Be patient.

Zartanasaurus

eansdad wrote: »

Alabama is also a right to work state so they can't fire you either with out cause.

You're mixing your terminology here.

Right to work states mean you can work at union shops without being forced to join the union or pay union does.
If Alabama is an employment-at-will state (probably) that means either side can break the employer/employee relationship w/o cause. There are some restrictions on the employer based on protected classes, anti-whistleblowing laws and such, but that's generally the case.

Forsaken_GA

Zartanasaurus wrote: »

You're mixing your terminology here.

Right to work states mean you can work at union shops without being forced to join the union or pay union does.
If Alabama is an employment-at-will state (probably) that means either side can break the employer/employee relationship w/o cause. There are some restrictions on the employer based on protected classes, anti-whistleblowing laws and such, but that's generally the case.

And it is - straight from Alabama's Dept. of Labor FAQ:

Does Alabama have any Hiring & Firing Laws?
The State of Alabama is an Employment-at-Will State and does not have any laws on the books pertaining to the hiring and firing of an employee. The employer can hire anybody he wants and fire anybody he wants as long as he does not discriminate against the employee. Discrimination is based on the age, sex, race, religion, national origin, color or disability of the individual. You can contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at their website “www.eeoc.gov”.

keenon

sounds like you need to invent and invest.

INVENT- create time to increase skills. Like i've got alot of stuff to do this week and I can't work late example

INVEST - study, study, lab and study etc. get you some certs

then promptly hit the road running and don't look back.

Honestly sounds like you work for my old boss of many, many years ago. Which it means you need to leave asap

b321618

id move on

it_consultant

I would say that you are definitively getting screwed on your work hours and work / home life separation. Honest to goodness your salary is probably reasonable for the technical level you are at. However, no matter how green you are, you do not deserve to be abused in the way of the work hours expectations.

Put your big boy (or girl) pants on and ask to be put back on hourly or contract. With only a year in IT, you should still be hourly anyway.

eansdad

Forsaken_GA wrote: »

And it is - straight from Alabama's Dept. of Labor FAQ:

Does Alabama have any Hiring & Firing Laws?
The State of Alabama is an Employment-at-Will State and does not have any laws on the books pertaining to the hiring and firing of an employee. The employer can hire anybody he wants and fire anybody he wants as long as he does not discriminate against the employee. Discrimination is based on the age, sex, race, religion, national origin, color or disability of the individual. You can contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at their website “www.eeoc.gov”.

I was going that they can not fire due to retaliation which any lawyer should be able to show if he does call the dept of labor.

Forsaken_GA

eansdad wrote: »

I was going that they can not fire due to retaliation which any lawyer should be able to show if he does call the dept of labor.

Certainly. And I'll bet you anything that I can find cause to let someone go that doesn't look remotely like retaliation. No such animal as a perfect employee.

Lenniusce

Let me set the record straight now that I am a few months out from my original post: I regret my decision to leave. I had a great opportunity there and had a chance to learn a lot. Do not leave if you are in a position similar to mine, the experience with that job title would have been invaluable. I now sit (mostly) unemployed doing contract work for that same company. You don't know what you have until its..

networker050184

Never leave a job without having something better lined up. Lesson learned I suppose.

Lenniusce

Well, I did, but the one lined up ended up being worse

networker050184

It's always a gamble man. It didn't work out this time, but don't be fooled into being screwed over.

Akaricloud

Yep, changing companys is always a huge gamble that you don't always win. It's something that I don't take lightly and definitely wouldn't attempt without promise of a much better reward.

Lenniusce

Yeah, I ended up getting into some sort of government contractor ponzi scam as a "tech refresh contractor". Something I would advise everyone with a clearance to watch out for. Tech refresh jobs demand overnight graveyard shifts, 100% travel, and paying out of pocket for everything. there are about 100 of these micro companies which all subcontract to HP Enterprise services. Some of the shadiest work I've done.

drkat

I still dont get how $30K is "nothing to sneeze at" can someone explain this?? last I did the math $30K was just under $15/hr... i know its not $10.00 but still...