Need some advice - huge difference in pay!!

[soccermama]

I've posted before about working in a male dominant office - I work in the sports industry with some of the top sports agents in the world. Awesome gig, great benefits, but took a $6K paycut to come here.

About a week and a half ago, one of the assistants that works with one of the agents put in his notice and is leaving here to go work full time as a personal trainer - basically what he was doing before he came here, but wants to open his own place, etc., So happy for him, but sad to see him go.

With that said, a position is now available to work with THE top agent in the world, have a bit of a challenge on my hands (which I'm yearning for) and so thinking that a pay increase might come along with it. Since this guy is leaving, he and I chatted briefly about his salary (something I wouldn't do otherwise because I find it very tacky). He told me that he makes $15K MORE than myself - unsure of what the other assistant makes, but he understands it's less than me and he works his BUTT off!! Anyhow, I heard this, and my heart raced. I couldn't believe it. He told them what he needed and they gave it to him. He has no prior admin experience whereas I have 7 years of it.

I guess what I'm ultimately getting at is raise time is right around the corner - at the end of April. I went through a staffing agency to find this job - they told me that I would start making $33K and I was fine with that - not that much a pay cut at the time, but when offered the position, I was offered $30K, but told that I would get back up to the $33K after about 6 months - that's what they plan to offer me at the end of April. Very happy to hear that, but a bit disturbed to hear how much the other assistant is making with zero experience AND has only been here for 6 months, whereas I've been here for 4! And they kept calling me "over qualified" when I was interviewing for the position - worried to hire me because they thought I would get bored and leave.

WWYD in my position? Would you keep your mouth shut and gladly accept the $3K raise or would you make them aware in some way without looking desperate or too eager that you would like more - compared to what so and so is making???

[_betsy_]

Any chane you can get a pay raise and take the position of the guy that's leaving?

Sounds like they are willing to pay more if you work for the top agent - and it sounds like you'd like the challenge. Any chance that you will be promoted to that position, and have the leverage of more work/greater responsiblity needing more pay?

I'd think in the current economic climate, you have to be careful pulling the "I know Joe made $XYZ money, and I want that too" card.

[soccermama]

Originally Posted by _betsy_

Any chane you can get a pay raise and take the position of the guy that's leaving?

Sounds like they are willing to pay more if you work for the top agent - and it sounds like you'd like the challenge. Any chance that you will be promoted to that position, and have the leverage of more work/greater responsiblity needing more pay?

I'd think in the current economic climate, you have to be careful pulling the "I know Joe made $XYZ money, and I want that too" card.

See that's the thing, I don't know. He's leaving next Friday and NOONE has been interviewed. I've heard talk of the agent's SO coming in and helping out until they find the right person, but who knows if that's even true. : He's mentioned my name as a possibility, but I haven't heard otherwise. I've also sort of mentioned it to my boss - one of the other agents - and he didn't really say much.

[CarrieMF]

I'd put feelers out on possibly getting the other guys job.

I would take the $3 & make sure you get the full $3.

I would NOT bring up the other guy's wage. He most likely made more money because he was working for the top agent, not because of anything else. It sounds like he had more responsibilities than you do in your job.

Now if they were to offer you his old job, then there'd better be a significant raise.

[soccermama]

Originally Posted by CarrieMF

I'd put feelers out on possibly getting the other guys job.

I would take the $3 & make sure you get the full $3.

I would NOT bring up the other guy's wage. He most likely made more money because he was working for the top agent, not because of anything else. It sounds like he had more responsibilities than you do in your job.

Now if they were to offer you his old job, then there'd better be a significant raise.

Well, they paid him what he's getting paid because he wanted to match what he was making as a personal trainer before he took this job. Responsibilities are about the same - we do the same amount of work - he's here a little more than I am, but we all have the same flexibility and I actually assist 7 guys and he has just the one.

[kimiij]

Originally Posted by CarrieMF

I'd put feelers out on possibly getting the other guys job.

I would take the $3 & make sure you get the full $3.

I would NOT bring up the other guy's wage. He most likely made more money because he was working for the top agent, not because of anything else. It sounds like he had more responsibilities than you do in your job.

Now if they were to offer you his old job, then there'd better be a significant raise.

Yup, this.

[Ellien C]

Originally Posted by CarrieMF

He most likely made more money because he was working for the top agent, not because of anything else. It sounds like he had more responsibilities than you do in your job.

THIS shit pisses me off! He makes more damn money because he's got an efffing penis! You see this happen ALL THE TIME. Just ask Lilly Ledbetter.

One of the disparities between men and women that researchers find when they look into these things is that "Women don't ask." When you say you "sort of mentioned it to the boss," do mean you kind of dropped a hint and hoped someone would encourage you to go further? See what men tend to do is come right out and say "I want that job. I really want that job. I'd be good at the job."

And once you are offered the job, be clear about what you expect, given the increased demands of the job and your success at the company so far and your years of previous experience.

In your shoes, right now, well before raise time, not in April, I would try to gather some more information about what people with your experience in similar jobs in your area are making and present that. And leave some wiggle room. If you want a 3K grand, ask for 5k. But be pro-active about this. Don't wait until April and see what comes out. Let them know what you are expecting and why you are worth it. You don't have to let on that you know his previous salary, but you can show them that you are aware of what a GOOD assistant makes in your market.