Is this a stupid idea?

[hateFAP]

mine is way too low. I don't even want to talk about it.

[GooseyGoose]

Originally Posted by hateFAP

What I'm getting paid is way below average market.

Originally Posted by hateFAP

my current pay is really high, so even a few $K count..........

So you are being paid some serious cheddar, but relative to your peers you are being underpaid? And wouldn't a few k matter less if you make more? Utility curve and all.

[Tabulator]

And wouldn't a few k matter less if you make more. Utility curve and all.

Not just utility curve... proportions. $3K is a much bigger percent increase on $20K (for the sake of argument) than on $85K.

[hateFAP]

sorry I meant my pay is LOW. it was a typo. I just changed it.

You wouldn't believe how much my current company pays me. You guys will be shocked if I tell you the number.

45K no bonus.

[Enough Exams Already]

Originally Posted by hateFAP

sorry I meant my pay is LOW. it was a typo. I just changed it.

You wouldn't believe how much my current company pays me. You guys will be shocked if I tell you the number.

45K no bonus.

Depends on location and experience.
The number is meaningless. 45K CDN in Toronto ON is slave wages. 45K USD in the Midwest US can be livable. 45K GBP in Surrey UK would be pretty good.

If you're recently out of school or live in a saturated market, 45K might be fair. And your colleagues may be making the same, which means you're not underpaid at that company...which is a good reason to change companies.

[hateFAP]

thanks, I am living in Toronto and I graduated 3 years ago with less than 2 yrs act experience. so 45K might make sense in my situation...I gues...

[TrueCaleb]

I think asking for a salary increase is very reasonable. Make sure you really would want to change jobs if they turn you down.

[Patience]

things to consider

1) Are you happy where you are?
2) Are you living comfortably?
3) Is the low salary a lifestyle thing or just an ego thing?

If the first two are yes and 3 is more about your worth than how you are living - then I would say don't make the change.

If things are tight and you really need the extra cash, I say - go for it

[Dr T Non-Fan]

1. DO NOT TELL your boss about the new offer.
2. Ask for the raise. You can HINT around an offer, but give no indication that you will leave. Something like: "How would you respond to my asking for a raise, that I'd need a response within a week, that I believe I'm underpaid, and that I will have to start looking for employment elsewhere? Hypothetically, of course."
3. If you get the raise, no harm done. You know you are valued at your current company.
4. If you don't, then leave. You'll know you are not valued at your current company.

I had a friend who told his boss straight out that he was looking for a job. Raise and promotion came, and he never started looking. Still with that company. For 20 years now. Difference in this case: he was valued at the company.

[ditkaworshipper]

I went in with my two weeks notice recently, and it appeared they were going to try to counteroffer, which was not my intent. This will not happen everywhere. I think DTNF's advice is probably best, but be ready to leave.