Am I now being exploited at work? I would value your opinion
Posted by TheHolyBoar@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 11 comments
Hey I hope this is ok to post here. so I started as a volunteer with this charity which I am grateful for, not having much experience in this sector before. It’s a very friendly team, but less than 10 employees. After a year they gave me a short term, monthly rolling contract for a summer.
Long story short, I am still on a monthly rolling contract 2 years later. I have asked when my contract runs out, if they can guarantee me more work but they say they can’t promise anything. There has always been a coworker with the job description I now have, but their position is permanent, whereas mine is not. I am now completing tasks they can’t, and at a faster rate. I have learnt how to undertake various skills, and I now cover for my manager and colleagues on multiple tasks that they were doing before I arrived. I am only on minimum wage though and they earn ~40k.
I understand the coworker with the same job description had that job before me, so I can’t take it. Someone did tell me they earn more than me, which I found disheartening. I also realise it is a charity (although they seem to be doing ok financially) I am not doing any decision making and calling the shots, just doing what I’m told though, so perhaps I can’t complain. I also feel like I need to be grateful and loyal as they took me on as a volunteer.
Not-That_Girl@reddit
You know what I hear when reading between the lines?
What you will say in future job interviews... 'I've worked there for over 2 years, and cover for colleagues and managers, complete my tasks as well as many of theirs and it's just not a challenge anymore. Im looking for something more rewarding' that last bit works for not just a better job, but a btpetter income!
Maybe not exploited, but every conpmpany loves people like you, seemingly content to earn peanuts but works like a horse, a highly skilled horse.
KNOW YOUR WORTH!
FenderMike@reddit
might get some hate here but ANYONE YOU WORK FOR IS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF YOU! they are exploiting your labour in return for less value than you provide - that’s how they make money.
the important thing is finding a position where you are happy with the level of compensation you get for the effort you put in - in this case it sounds like you are not and so it is time to look for a new position elsewhere. you don’t owe your employer anything - you have fulfilled a contractual obligation for a number of years and that’s all. none of this culty “going the extra mile” nonsense.
notouttolunch@reddit
I do around 20 hrs a week for a charity, offering technical expertise and get paid nothing. This is in addition to my job. I am happy to do this.
I’d question if this is an income stream that is suitable for you rather than whether a charity is exploiting you.
OddDig2801@reddit
Start documenting exactly how and why you should be paid pro rata and then when you have a stack of undeniable evidence, then lay it all out in a meeting. Be serious about leaving if they don't come up with the appropriate raise
Think-Committee-4394@reddit
OP - yes they are taking advantage of you
You need to write up your cv all the new skills you have & find something else
If they wanted to improve your position in the company they would already be talking to you!
Timely_Egg_6827@reddit
I'd be considering a move - you have the experience now. It might be worth saying that as they can't guarantee the work that you will need to look for a more guaranteed role and ask them if they can be used as a reference. I doubt it is totally malicious but the current situation is convenient to them, you are putting up with it and they are likely mentally justifying it as they are still training you. Think carefully about that one as can foul the atmosphere but can also focus minds. Make sure you really play up the fact you love the people, the job but are struggling with cost of living issues.
But you aren't a volunteer anymore. You are someone who relies on this job to pay the bills. Charities that pay staff are bound to the same laws as every other employer - they are doing you out of a lot of benefits like job security (though if on rolling contracts 2 years, ACAS and others take umbrage at companies who say you are not a permanent employment with more rights), and pension rights. You have given enough that you've paid your bill for their initial treatment of you. Your situation should be no different from any other member of staff they needed to train.
TongaTongaWongaWonga@reddit
Look for a new job, get multiple interviews, negotiate from a position of "I have a job and I'm looking to move, I have multiple offers so I'm looking to negotiate" and you'll get a new job + a decent pay rise and can afford to be choosy
Icy_Answer2513@reddit
Perhaps quietly start looking for something else.
It sounds like they will miss you.
imokaytho@reddit
Look for another job and only leave when you've found one. You've gained 2 years experience now so other companies will want to hire you.
Alarmed_Crazy_6620@reddit
I mean, yeah, not great
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