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Subject:Ask for a raise? Or pack my bags? From:"RaphaelWorkman -at- comcast -dot- net" <raphaelworkman -at- comcast -dot- net> To:TECHWR-L Writing <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Mon, 22 Jun 2015 17:31:34 -0600
Hello tech writers:
I don't know where else to turn for advice.
Is it a risk to my job security to ask my supervisor or an HR employee for a raise or work from home privileges? I earn an anonymous amount of money between $36K and $38K annually. I was hired 3.5 years ago at $32K. I just found out the national average is around $60K. I'm feeling undervalued with long hours long commute and low-ish pay for my field. I used to be allowed 2 days/wk work from home and just to come in on those days for occasional meetings. I was told our new building is new and nice and I am now expected to be in the office every day. I've been with this company for 8 years total and 3 years as an above-average tech writer, content developer (Adobe Captivate and Articulate Storyline), and instructional designer. I write/develop for a department of 1,000 people in 2 states in call centers that support all of the security system installers for US and Puerto Rico. The subject matter is highly technical including hardware, software, and troubleshooting. I came up through the ranks 4 years troubleshooting and programming, one year leading and training, and 3 years as a tech writer with many "other duties as assigned." I imagine my job/work is worth at least $50K. Am I delusional? Should I just be happy to even have a job at all? FYI I'm too nervous to strike out on my own as a free-lance contractor type but I'm looking around at places like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Jeppesen. I'm in my mid 30's and I'm old enough to wish for a company from which I could retire, but I think I may be deluding myself to think this could happen where I am. There are no similar jobs in my company that are just a step up from where I am, and none of my peers makes very much money. With my annual "merit increases" being anywhere from 0% to 3.1% I don't see myself making very much money in the future. I can't really bring this up to my boss or HR without a strategy because I fear once they know I want a lot more money they may begin quietly looking to replace me.
Advice?
Thanks,
Raphael
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