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Hello 👋 Queens 👸🏼
I’ve been at the company I’m working at for two years as an IT project manager. I didn’t negotiate my first salary offer (mistake #1) because I was thrilled about the opportunity. However, I have been their top performer and a super star the past two years where they gave me retention bonuses on top of my actual bonus as well as the top merit annual increase I can get for above achievement. However since this January, they gave me a new direct report who is a lemon (very difficult to work with) and I also got my designation. My work and performance is still the same and even better.
I had a discussion with my VP looking for a growth plan and that I’m interested in more challenges and responsibilities as well as wanting to bring in more value to the company and her team. At the end of the conversation I asked if looking at compensation is also an option since I still have 20% room to grow in my current level that I am at. She mentioned not to make this or my career path about money which I was disappointed to hear because I took on so much responsibilities, I’m always over capacity and delivering their project on the team as well taking on more to show my potential. This didn’t sit well with me. Because I’m still asking for mor challenges and I’m doing amazing and I know that. A man will not hear this if he asked for more money, heck I think he probably would’ve gotten in since we already have the gender pay gap issue. What are your thoughts on this?
What would a HVW do in this case? Btw, two of the vendors I’m working with on projects have actually asked me personally if I’m open to other opportunities with them because they love my way of work and how I’m excellent at what I do. (My employer doesn’t know this but I did mention to the vendors that I’m open to opportunities internally and externally).
Happy to hear any advice on this and what do you think? My VPs comment made me feel guilty for asking for what I deserve but it’s not fair for me to keep taking on more responsibilities and get more burnt out with no rewards. I think that’s slavery at this point lol.
I’d say start looking for other opportunities. I’m not a die-hard supporter of the “don’t stay in the same job for more than three years” rule, but I do see its value. Employers are like males in that they only understand consequences. Either they’ll see they’re about to lose you, and respond with a better offer, or you can take your expertise and experience to another employer, where you can negotiate for a higher starting salary.
Fuck your current workplace. They just showed you what they think of you. As a woman in IT back in the day, this is the inflection point. They're trying to guilt you instead of trying to keep you. They aren't even trying!
Touch base with the two vendors and start your slow roll out the door. If you're lucky, you can probably play their offers off each other
Start collecting the rolodex, updating your resume and taking any work samples you may need.
Walk your fine ass out the door. It won't get better
Lol. I'm not yet in the corporate world so I hope someone else is here who can give you some real advice, but I just want to remark on the Sheer Audacity of your VP telling you to not make your career about money. Like, they're employing you to do a job purely so they can make money out of you, but you shouldn't be so shallow as to be concerned about money. It's so patronizing, I'm annoyed just reading about it!
EDIT: actually, I read it again, and there is something that occurred to me. I can tell you are smashing it at work and you know that, so you are confident in your abilities. You could get a job as good or better with another company, and your company will know that too. Unfortunately, it looks like they're trying to get the most out of you while giving the least. When you went into the meeting and asked "if it would be possible" to discuss compensation, your VP probably thought you a) didn't know how good you were, and b) you weren't going anywhere, so she shut you down.
I think, as long as you are prepared to get another job, you can go back to her and say, "As a top performer within my role and this department, who has achieved {your achievements here}, I would like to discuss an appropriate level of compensation that reflects my contributions." Just show her that you know what you're worth and that she could lose you otherwise.
Here's what I would do:
Start interviewing at other places to get a feel of what other companies are willing to offer for your role.
If you get a competitive offer, tentatively accept the offer but let the new company know you would like at least 72 hours to review. Schedule a meeting with your VP during this time to ask for a promotion
Prepare for the meeting by outlining how you went above and beyond with numbers. Illustrate how your work helped meet past quarter KPIs
During your meeting, present your outline and ask for a promotion and raise. Use the offer you got at the other company for negotiation.
If the VP approves of your promotion, ask for it in writing along with a date of when you can expect it to go into affect.
If the VP does not approve of your promotion or will not meet you with at least a raise, let them know at the end of the meeting that you will submit your 2-week notice by EOD
Move on and enjoy your new position at the other company 😊
and what is a job for if not to earn money for survival and more? your VP is delusional. i agree with everyone else. you deserve way better.
How about open your own business and take contracts? If not, get out of this job and tell them you were instructed “not to make a career of it” in your exit interview. Don’t tell them you’re looking,btw, as they may offer you more money then find your replacement! The well is poisoned.
Use the vendors as references.
Newsflash: There are 2 jobs for every 1 project manager if your certifications are current. And, Women are highly preferred as we’re thought of as being well-suited for this work. 1 of the few stereotypes that work in our favor.