Typhoid's Advice Column

[Typhoid]

Dear Strangler:

I think it all comes down to how confident you are in your ability to do your job better than others, how long you've been working there, and how well you get along with your boss. Personally, I don't think money is everything - however if you already love the job you have and are underpaid, then I suppose there is no harm in asking for extra money if extra money is due. I would say the best course of action is just to level with your boss. Tell him the situation. Practically tell him the post you said here. Tell him you have a kid on the way, tell him you dont want to leave but "will if you have to" (occasionally empty threats like this work if nobody can do your job better than you can, so long as you don't act like a dick when you say it). Tell him you feel a little under appreciated and, bring up the fact you make under the average salary for your position/compared to other employees.

As for the second part, I would say no. If you have a kid on the way don't put yourself in a position to possibly have no income. If you're set on making more money than you are now and don't end up getting a raise, just look for jobs, or opportunities while still employed. Just never remove yourself from employment when you're expecting a kid, because you won't be saving any money if you have no job.

[Professor S]

Originally Posted by Typhoid

As for the second part, I would say no. If you have a kid on the way don't put yourself in a position to possibly have no income. If you're set on making more money than you are now and don't end up getting a raise, just look for jobs, or opportunities while still employed. Just never remove yourself from employment when you're expecting a kid, because you won't be saving any money if you have no job.

Sorry for the confusion. I never meant to imply I would resign before getting another job. Thats insane (yet people still do it). My concerns are switching jobs, which is a far less stable position to be in because you are not established and the company does not depend on you yet.

Overall, good advice, but I'll bow out of the "i'll be forced to leave" bit. I tried that years ago with another company... not good.

[TheSlyMoogle]

Originally Posted by Professor S

Sorry for the confusion. I never meant to imply I would resign before getting another job. Thats insane (yet people still do it). My concerns are switching jobs, which is a far less stable position to be in because you are not established and the company does not depend on you yet.

Overall, good advice, but I'll bow out of the "i'll be forced to leave" bit. I tried that years ago with another company... not good.

Hey and don't forget unless you're the sole source of income for the household, 50k a year isn't all that bad. If you are the sole support, 50k a year still isn't all that bad.

[Professor S]

Originally Posted by TheSlyMoogle

Hey and don't forget unless you're the sole source of income for the household, 50k a year isn't all that bad. If you are the sole support, 50k a year still isn't all that bad.

I agree, but my mortgage doesn't. If we depended on my salary alone we'd probably have to sell the house, and in this market that is a dicey situation.