How to get a raise
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Is it just me or does it seem like the only way to get a sizeable raise is to change who you work for? I get the max raise provided by the company, which is usually just under inflation. But, I don't get a merit raise unless I quite and go to work somewhere else. Does anyone else find this to be true? If it is, what is required to change this? I hear people in different careers talk about the same thing so it isn't just my profession.
The company I work for has (for the last few years) been quite generous in annual raises (inflation + 1-2%) - probably helps that our results are going in the right way (and also, I think our CEO is reasonably sympathetic). We do also have Performance Related Pay, which is awarded when you go above & beyond the call of duty, whether technically or in terms of effort. And yes, it exists, I've benefited from it fairly well :-) However, it's not unlimited - if you hit the maximum salary for your grade, you are encouraged to aim for the next grade up.
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Actually, it's the fourth. I've got one on the go about consuming Amazon web services using WCF and another one in the planning stage about extending Visual Studio using VSX. *Sigh* I wish I could turn out articles as clearly written as Sacha or Josh in the same timescale that they do. Oh well - I'd better buckle down and do it. One thought though - this probably should be a series of articles. There's just so much to cover in running your business that one article wouldn't do it justice.
Deja View - the feeling that you've seen this post before.
:sigh: I know what you mean. I've started 3 articles and that's not including the articles that were supposed to be a follow up to my first article and the syllabus I promise Chris ages ago. I'm so behind and my only excuse is the exhausting amount of work that I have to deal with along with an expectant mother and studying for my Masters degree.
"Every time Lotus Notes starts up, somewhere a puppy, a kitten, a lamb, and a baby seal are killed. Lotus Notes is a conspiracy by the forces of Satan to drive us over the brink into madness. The CRC-32 for each file in the installation includes the numbers 666." Gary Wheeler "The secret to a long and healthy life is simple. Don't get ill and don't die." Pete O'Hanlon, courtesy of Rama "I realised that all of my best anecdotes started with "So there we were, pissed". Pete O'Hanlon
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Wow! :omg: Where do I send you my CV? I'll pay for relocation myself!
"Every time Lotus Notes starts up, somewhere a puppy, a kitten, a lamb, and a baby seal are killed. Lotus Notes is a conspiracy by the forces of Satan to drive us over the brink into madness. The CRC-32 for each file in the installation includes the numbers 666." Gary Wheeler "The secret to a long and healthy life is simple. Don't get ill and don't die." Pete O'Hanlon, courtesy of Rama "I realised that all of my best anecdotes started with "So there we were, pissed". Pete O'Hanlon
Actually - you do raise a good point. Next time I'm looking to hire a developer, I think I'll target CP rather than paying agency fees.
Deja View - the feeling that you've seen this post before.
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:sigh: I know what you mean. I've started 3 articles and that's not including the articles that were supposed to be a follow up to my first article and the syllabus I promise Chris ages ago. I'm so behind and my only excuse is the exhausting amount of work that I have to deal with along with an expectant mother and studying for my Masters degree.
"Every time Lotus Notes starts up, somewhere a puppy, a kitten, a lamb, and a baby seal are killed. Lotus Notes is a conspiracy by the forces of Satan to drive us over the brink into madness. The CRC-32 for each file in the installation includes the numbers 666." Gary Wheeler "The secret to a long and healthy life is simple. Don't get ill and don't die." Pete O'Hanlon, courtesy of Rama "I realised that all of my best anecdotes started with "So there we were, pissed". Pete O'Hanlon
How about I continue with the regex stuff in my blog? That might be a way to get it out without having to go all the way through writing and revising an article.
Deja View - the feeling that you've seen this post before.
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How about I continue with the regex stuff in my blog? That might be a way to get it out without having to go all the way through writing and revising an article.
Deja View - the feeling that you've seen this post before.
That should be fine. I'd love to see that one finished.
"Every time Lotus Notes starts up, somewhere a puppy, a kitten, a lamb, and a baby seal are killed. Lotus Notes is a conspiracy by the forces of Satan to drive us over the brink into madness. The CRC-32 for each file in the installation includes the numbers 666." Gary Wheeler "The secret to a long and healthy life is simple. Don't get ill and don't die." Pete O'Hanlon, courtesy of Rama "I realised that all of my best anecdotes started with "So there we were, pissed". Pete O'Hanlon
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I must admit that I have given some thought to writing an article on the "softer side". In other words, dealing with clients, winning work, that type of thing.
Deja View - the feeling that you've seen this post before.
Not a bad idea - I've got loads of ISO/Six-Sigma/ITL/Process babble floating around the noggin I could impart, if only there were a section a bit more specific than Development Lifecycle for such an article.
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Actually - you do raise a good point. Next time I'm looking to hire a developer, I think I'll target CP rather than paying agency fees.
Deja View - the feeling that you've seen this post before.
Have you considered outsourcing?
"Every time Lotus Notes starts up, somewhere a puppy, a kitten, a lamb, and a baby seal are killed. Lotus Notes is a conspiracy by the forces of Satan to drive us over the brink into madness. The CRC-32 for each file in the installation includes the numbers 666." Gary Wheeler "The secret to a long and healthy life is simple. Don't get ill and don't die." Pete O'Hanlon, courtesy of Rama "I realised that all of my best anecdotes started with "So there we were, pissed". Pete O'Hanlon
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Not a bad idea - I've got loads of ISO/Six-Sigma/ITL/Process babble floating around the noggin I could impart, if only there were a section a bit more specific than Development Lifecycle for such an article.
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Have you considered outsourcing?
"Every time Lotus Notes starts up, somewhere a puppy, a kitten, a lamb, and a baby seal are killed. Lotus Notes is a conspiracy by the forces of Satan to drive us over the brink into madness. The CRC-32 for each file in the installation includes the numbers 666." Gary Wheeler "The secret to a long and healthy life is simple. Don't get ill and don't die." Pete O'Hanlon, courtesy of Rama "I realised that all of my best anecdotes started with "So there we were, pissed". Pete O'Hanlon
Don't. The amount of crap I get in my inbox from Indian companies offering to handle all my development needs. Come on FFS - developing is what my company does. We don't need some substandard coding chopshop churning out below par code which we then have to rewrite because somebody doesn't understand the requirements - more importantly, I don't want to see somebody posting a question on a CP forum asking how to do something that we are paying them to do.
Deja View - the feeling that you've seen this post before.
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Don't. The amount of crap I get in my inbox from Indian companies offering to handle all my development needs. Come on FFS - developing is what my company does. We don't need some substandard coding chopshop churning out below par code which we then have to rewrite because somebody doesn't understand the requirements - more importantly, I don't want to see somebody posting a question on a CP forum asking how to do something that we are paying them to do.
Deja View - the feeling that you've seen this post before.
Pete O'Hanlon wrote:
more importantly, I don't want to see somebody posting a question on a CP forum asking how to do something that we are paying them to do.
:laugh::laugh: That's a 5! :D
"Every time Lotus Notes starts up, somewhere a puppy, a kitten, a lamb, and a baby seal are killed. Lotus Notes is a conspiracy by the forces of Satan to drive us over the brink into madness. The CRC-32 for each file in the installation includes the numbers 666." Gary Wheeler "The secret to a long and healthy life is simple. Don't get ill and don't die." Pete O'Hanlon, courtesy of Rama "I realised that all of my best anecdotes started with "So there we were, pissed". Pete O'Hanlon
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Is it just me or does it seem like the only way to get a sizeable raise is to change who you work for? I get the max raise provided by the company, which is usually just under inflation. But, I don't get a merit raise unless I quite and go to work somewhere else. Does anyone else find this to be true? If it is, what is required to change this? I hear people in different careers talk about the same thing so it isn't just my profession.
ramhog wrote:
Is it just me or does it seem like the only way to get a sizeable raise is to change who you work for? I get the max raise provided by the company, which is usually just under inflation. But, I don't get a merit raise unless I quite and go to work somewhere else. Does anyone else find this to be true? If it is, what is required to change this? I hear people in different careers talk about the same thing so it isn't just my profession.
Well, I am not sure I can help since every job is different. But unless it is a REALLY bad year for my work's customer, there is usually a pool of raises that start at just under inflation and go up based on merit. I have usually cleared the top of that pool every year. But I stay late as required, I work weekends as required. When the customer needs something I am willing to go that extra mile (sometimes literally) to get what the customer wants. I talk with the customers and provide direct input into the software to make sure what I write is exactly what the customer wants. There are very few of our customers who dislike my work, so there is a constant flow of letters of appreciation about me. Because I am willing to save the customer's bacon, they tend to be appreciative. That doesn't mean that everyone doesn't work as hard, and I make sure and tell the customer when someone else has helped because I am the only face they see. I don't steal credit, and offer it up readily to the company and others. I support the customer from design through testing to make sure everything is top-notch. My documentation is above required levels. My biggest problem is that I am too honest. When there is a real problem, they keep me away from the customer because I won't lie to cover it up. I am an over-grown boyscout, which is fitting since I was a boy-scout leader about 8 years ago. :laugh: Basically I take everything that you would expect someone to do as "just part of the job" and I go beyond it at every single step.
_________________________ Asu no koto o ieba, tenjo de nezumi ga warau. Talk about things of tomorrow and the mice in the ceiling laugh. (Japanese Proverb)
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It is in my experience that a company will NEVER give you more than the least they feel they can get by with. In other words, if they think they can give you 3 or 4% and you'll "be ok with it", then that's exactly what they are going to do. If you feel you've gone above and beyond, then you need to make a case for the salary increase; don't just say "I'm worth it". Why are you worth it? Did the last project you worked on net the company millions? Save the company millions? Does the industry pay someone with your skill level MORE? If so, how much more? Etc... Also, if you're going to do this, be proactive and also point out any flaws; don't leave it up to your boss to go find them ... if you present all the pros/cons and have an honest case, it will be far more difficult for them to turn you down. My two cents.
:..::. Douglas H. Troy ::..
Bad Astronomy |VCF|wxWidgets|WTLDouglas Troy wrote:
It is in my experience that a company will NEVER give you more than the least they feel they can get by with. In other words, if they think they can give you 3 or 4% and you'll "be ok with it", then that's exactly what they are going to do.
this is very true. One reason I casually admit to contacts across the USA and in multiple industries. Then tend to keep the number high because they are afraid to loose me. It doesn't help that a few of the customers have wished to take me away. :-D
_________________________ Asu no koto o ieba, tenjo de nezumi ga warau. Talk about things of tomorrow and the mice in the ceiling laugh. (Japanese Proverb)
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MrPlankton wrote:
Get a govi job. Doesn't matter which country, they all get yearly raises.
No amount of money is worth the mind-numbing, skill-atrophying, technologically stagnant, backstabbing Hell that is government employment. I'm just glad I got out with most of my sanity and enough remaining skills to still be employable.
Sunrise Wallpaper Project | The StartPage Randomizer | The Windows Cheerleader
Yes, I have seen newbe govi's report for thier badges at govi badge dispensing facilities. I hear when they pick up thier badge they get the ice pick through the eye sockets and are then issued sun glasses. They are much more maliable after the procedure. I have also noticed when I am in a govi facility with a govi and they have been working there awhile they have this yellow pasty patina, whites, blacks, doesn't matter they still have this patina... strange, and a goofy smile with a vacant look. However they do have a savant intelligense about them in that they can tell you the years, days, hours and minutes to the day they retire... it's amazing! I have heard rumars that some govi programmers can do the most amazing ASCII art on the daisy wheel printer using nothing but a FORTRAN 77 compiler, IBM 360 and a Dec writer. Astounding!
MrPlankton
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Is it just me or does it seem like the only way to get a sizeable raise is to change who you work for? I get the max raise provided by the company, which is usually just under inflation. But, I don't get a merit raise unless I quite and go to work somewhere else. Does anyone else find this to be true? If it is, what is required to change this? I hear people in different careers talk about the same thing so it isn't just my profession.
Good employers recognize valuable employees and find ways around policies to keep them happy and on staff. That said, you may just be in a situation where your employer is no good. This could be the company in general or just your direct superiors; I am not trying to pass judgment. So, if I were still in your shoes I'd do one or more of the following. A) Go Independent B) Find a new Job C) Start Your Own Self Funded company. D) Partner with others for C. E) Tell your boss you need more than they have offered to stay with the company. Many times in the past I have done E and it usually worked out. But, about four years I did B & C at the same time. About two years later I did A and began really focusing on C between contracts. Now, C pays my bills and A lets me play around with technology I like when I want. What I did may not be your 'thing' so don't run out and do anything just because I or somebody else did. But, if you want more cash you must be willing to do something.
A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects. - -Lazarus Long
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Is it just me or does it seem like the only way to get a sizeable raise is to change who you work for? I get the max raise provided by the company, which is usually just under inflation. But, I don't get a merit raise unless I quite and go to work somewhere else. Does anyone else find this to be true? If it is, what is required to change this? I hear people in different careers talk about the same thing so it isn't just my profession.
Interview with other companies. Make it known. Of course this will not work everywhere.
John
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Mustafa Ismail Mustafa wrote:
Wow! Where do I send you my CV? I'll pay for relocation myself!
You've gone solo now. You don't need me. BTW - this is the reason I have very low staff turnover.
Deja View - the feeling that you've seen this post before.
Pete O'Hanlon wrote:
BTW - this is the reason I have very low staff turnover.
That is very good. Truly happy employees have seem to want to stay and work for people :-D
"I guess it's what separates the professionals from the drag and drop, girly wirly, namby pamby, wishy washy, can't code for crap types." - Pete O'Hanlon
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I must admit that I have given some thought to writing an article on the "softer side". In other words, dealing with clients, winning work, that type of thing.
Deja View - the feeling that you've seen this post before.
Pete O'Hanlon wrote:
I have given some thought to writing an article on the "softer side". In other words, dealing with clients, winning work
That would be a great article. Write it and I'll give positive feedback on it :-D
"I guess it's what separates the professionals from the drag and drop, girly wirly, namby pamby, wishy washy, can't code for crap types." - Pete O'Hanlon
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I must admit that I have given some thought to writing an article on the "softer side". In other words, dealing with clients, winning work, that type of thing.
Deja View - the feeling that you've seen this post before.
Pete O'Hanlon wrote:
In other words, dealing with clients
WOW you must have a lot of spare time ;P
"There are three sides to every story. Yours, mine and the truth" ~ unknown "All things good to know are difficult to learn" ~ Greek Proverb "The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary" ~ Vidal Sassoon
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Is it just me or does it seem like the only way to get a sizeable raise is to change who you work for? I get the max raise provided by the company, which is usually just under inflation. But, I don't get a merit raise unless I quite and go to work somewhere else. Does anyone else find this to be true? If it is, what is required to change this? I hear people in different careers talk about the same thing so it isn't just my profession.
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Is it just me or does it seem like the only way to get a sizeable raise is to change who you work for? I get the max raise provided by the company, which is usually just under inflation. But, I don't get a merit raise unless I quite and go to work somewhere else. Does anyone else find this to be true? If it is, what is required to change this? I hear people in different careers talk about the same thing so it isn't just my profession.
I have a friend who changed jobs a few times and eventually joined one of his earlier companies. He said he had a much higher salary than some of his colleagues who had stayed on in the same company.
Regards, Nish
Nish’s thoughts on MFC, C++/CLI and .NET (my blog)
My latest book : C++/CLI in Action / Amazon.com link