Monday, September 24, 2007

The Dangling Carrot

Had my conversation with my bosses. They say that reviews involving money are done at the end of the calendar year, but took a few minutes to give me a rave. And then the carrot was dangled: they think I'm an "excellent candidate" for an assistant editor position, but they like people to be here 15 months before they take that step. Which would, coincidentally or not so, dovetail nicely with the "reviews involving money are done at the end of the calendar year" thing. So pretty much, the deal is, "We're not giving you a raise right now, but we might give you a bigger raise and a more interesting job in three months if you somehow manage to do what is clearly more than one job for the next three months."

So, gratifying comments, disappointing outcome. I didn't do a good job of making my case--I just sort of let them tell me what's what, thanked them for the compliments, and left. Dammit.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Nice work -- at least it's on their radar screen and they've given you concrete ways to get there. Besides, it's even more ineffective to wait until your review, because by then the numbers have already been decided.

Sasha said...

I think you did fine--if raises are given at the end of the calendar year, you typically can't negotiate that. Like the first commenter said, now you put the idea in their heads!

Janet said...

You asked and that shows initiative! It takes a lot of courage and guts to ask for a raise! And they know you're committed and you have a serious interest in growing.

imtheirishone said...

I have my annual review coming up tomorrow. You are totally right about going out there and asking for it ie the raise. Mine is predetermined so not sure how that will work out. Good luck with yours in 3mos!

Mrs. Micah said...

As others say, at least they know what you want. I had a similarly disappointing discussion with my boss, but I think we're definitely on the same page. And that she's being open with me about things, which is a start.

Good luck making such an awesome impression that they'll be begging you to take the position!

calgirlfinance said...

Good job on having the courage to initiate the conversation. 3 months isn't that long to wait. If you like your current job, I would give your bosses the benefit of the doubt and wait out the 3 months. But if nothing materializes at that point, I would find a place that values your talents.

Ms. M&P said...

I echo the other comments--nice job! This is your first time doing something like this and it sounds like you did really well. The next time you talk to them, you'll be that much more prepared and it sounds like you'll come away successful!

thisisbeth said...

I'll add in my agreement with the others: you did a nice job just speaking up, and by speaking up they know what you're thinking. That's a very good start to getting what you want.

Madame X said...

I think you've done the right thing and you are set up well for the next step. I think publishing is a business where people put a lot of stock in "paying one's dues," and you can only really learn the business by living your way through it over time.
They may just be giving you a little reminder that it's tough to go jumping ahead, but I'm sure they are also glad that you took the initiative to ask, and it will pay off in due time.

Chitown said...

If that's their policy, then I think you did an excellent job of making your case beforehand not just for the raise but for the potential position as well.

Best wishes!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow, hey that's great that now they know. Sure, it may take a little while, but I would have been surprised if they would have given you something on the spot.

Now they know that you are expecting one, and hey looks like you might get a promotion as well, better news!

Anonymous said...

On Good Morning America today, they did a segment about women being afraid to ask for raises while men are not. They had a workshop to train women to be more forthcoming. You are ahead of the curve!

Sense said...

don't be too hard on yourself. Your basic objectives were met, even if the outcome was not what you wanted. I've definitely been there. It's tough to stand up for yourself at the job--I'm always afraid of being 'too greedy' or told that I'm not worth that much. It sucks, but you can't wait passively for others to read your mind or get hints--you have to go out and get it with some initiative.

GREAT JOB bringing up your concerns and wishes!! and three months is enough time to prove yourself, but recent enough that they will not forget (let's hope). Your skills at presenting your case will improve as you get further along in your professional life. This was the first step, and a good one.