how do i ask for a raise without sounding like i have a huge ego?
Posted by Careless_Concept376@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 71 comments
I’m a 20 year old supervisor at my workplace. i’m currently on minimum wage which is about £10.85 an hour, everyone who i supervise gets £12.71 for their age range i believe (minimum wage for 21+) . i feel as because i have a higher ranking + harder job i at least deserve equal pay to them. my supervisor position came with a 50p an hour raise but even with that im still paid less than the people below me. i understand that as im younger i have less responsibilities like mortgages ect, but im trying to save up to rent somewhere and i feel as if that pay rise would help as other supervisors on my level and people below me get paid around £13.20 where as i get just over £12.30
GrabbedByTheGhost@reddit
No supervisor role should ever receive less pay than the subordinates. Age is irrelevant. That is absolutely insane.
jesussays51@reddit
I would look for another job. I left retail management in my early twenties and went into a call centre. More money for scheduled hours, got bonus for customer service ratings. Within a year I was off the phones into a project team based on my experience. You could do the same with your managerial experience, especially picking it up so early in your career. I now work in a completely different role but it all stemmed from having the management experience
Rickietee10@reddit
Find out what other supervisor roles are paying in your industry and approach your employer with fair market rate.
Not to sound rude, but they know exactly what they’re doing by making a 20 year old a supervisor. Cheap management while the old guard do their easy hours on more money.
I doubt you’ll get anywhere honestly. May be worth looking for a new job if you’ve got some experience under your belt as a supervisor.
popshares@reddit
Your responsibilities, or lack thereof, outside of work are none of your employer's concern. If you went to your employer and said you had heavy responsibilities outside of work and needed to be paid more, they would reply that that is none of their concern.
You should be paid for your experience and the work-related responsibilities you carry.
Young people are paid less because they don't have those responsibilities and experience. Clearly this does not apply to you.
Own-Jeweler3169@reddit
Yes but companies are greedy cunts, and would rather replace you then give fair pay, ask me how i know.
I did prevail and get a modest rise, but I did a vastly disproportionate amount of work and effort for it (too much).
LuqoDaApe@reddit
A) Find out what other supervisor roles are paying.
B) start applying for them roles.
C) if successful, resign
OurSeepyD@reddit
D) make sure you say "those roles" instead of "them roles"
minisaxophone@reddit
Agree. The best time to look for a new job is when you have something secure already and you know it’ll be a step up
TheClnl@reddit
Yeah, and if it's a big company (guessing it's retail or something) wages are pretty much fixed, setting a precedent is too dangerous. OP when do you turn 21?
Careless_Concept376@reddit (OP)
i turn 21 in october so around 6 months and i work for a hotel im not sure if we are a chain or not as we recently got taken over by a new owner
adsm_inamorta@reddit
Why are you in a supervisor role at such a young age though? A big factor in pay is job experience and you can't have more than 2-3 years.
thecrius@reddit
Your pay should be related to the job and responsibilities you have. Age or personal situation (no mortgage etc) should absolutely not factor in it.
No_Pollution_950@reddit
Explain as you have here. And make it clear that you will look elsewhere for more money of you dont get it. Businesses pay people as little as they can get away with. Of they value you enough to want to keep you they will offer you more money, but only if they think they have to.
Odd_Sir4792@reddit
High risk strategy and it can backfire - some employers will be like "ok, fuck off then, here's your notice."
No_Pollution_950@reddit
If that's the case, then the OP isn't worth the raise he's asking for
Odd_Sir4792@reddit
I don't agree - some employers take a 'bums on seats' approach, just want someone cheap, don't care about quality.
korg64@reddit
They're taking the piss. They won't give you a pay rise, they'll most likely make your life a bit harder if you do ask.
Start to use them. Gain as much experience and knowledge as you can and start to look for jobs in higher roles using your current position as a launching pad.
Forsaken_Yesterday59@reddit
It’s not about rank, it’s about responsibility and the skills and value you bring, any request needs to be framed around that.
TerryWagwan_@reddit
Yeah they’ll just get rid of you now and hire some one cheaper
Killybug@reddit
In any organisation you have to very quickly ascertain who you need to prioritise your sucking up too. More often than not they are the ‘old hands’. Receptionists and administrators are often key. High level managers carry the raw power yes but they are often reliant on second hand information from key people. Talk to some older ladies casually about wanting to start a family but state you are worried about the costs involved.
Specialist_-Berry@reddit
There is no link between you're personal expenses and your pay rate from an employer perspective.
They wouldn't argue you are being paid less because you don't have a mortgage, because if you boughts a big fuck off mansion, they're not going to start paying you a million pounds per year because 'you need it for your rent'.
You're being paid at the rate of a minor because that encourages employers to give youngsters a chance in employment when they have no history. As soon as you are talking about supervisor roles, that logic should be void.
Fundamentally they will because they can. You can make a case for a raise, but don't push too hard unless you're willing to walk. Same as all negotiations.
Good luck. I think morally you deserve adult wages if your professional responsibilities reflect an adult job
Specialist_-Berry@reddit
Also, you say you're 20. Was your birthday yesterday or are you realistically only a few months away from 21. As others have said, look for a new role. Hopefully you can find a step-up role that coincides with the the 21 y.o. wage hike
yorkspirate@reddit
I'd ask politely to have your rate increased inline with your responsibilities and if they fob you off step down as a supervisor, work to rule and be looking for a position elsewhere
CoffeeIgnoramus@reddit
Bring receipts. By that I mean: - find equivalent jobs (similar descriptions, not titles only) and bring them to a meeting with your manager. - know exactly what the people around you earn to show you're not level with where you should be.
It's not rude to ask for the normal pay. You're just asking to be treated normally.
Otherwise, apply to other jobs.
Emergency_Mistake_44@reddit
Start making everyone on more than you do more than you, you're their supervisor after all..
Do this whilst looking for a better job that doesn't mug you off.
boomerberg@reddit
OP, if I were you I’d use this as a conversation about your development and promotion. How do you get to duty manager, and what does progression from there look like. Make them see your value beyond the current rate and get a move into a job title that isn’t aligned to minimum wage. Props to you on being a supervisor at 20.
Careless_Concept376@reddit (OP)
thank you!
Sharp_Budget_4416@reddit
The trick to not sounding egotistical is to take yourself out of the sentence entirely. Don't say "I deserve more", say "the role is paid below the people it supervises, can we fix that". You're pointing at a pay structure problem, not asking for a personal favour. They can push back on you, they can't really push back on maths.
ThatFilthyMonkey@reddit
Be factual and not emotional. When I got a promotion some years back I was disappointed by my pay bump, so found average salary range from glass door for my position, got some job listings that showed similar positions being advertised at higher pay etc.
Made it clear I just wanted fair market rate and for it to be recalibrated, nothing more. I was bricking it as never did that before, but they came back and basically said fair enough and bumped it up a few grand, which was enough to keep me happy. As long as you’re not saying give me this or I quit, it’s really standard, you the employee want the most pay and they as the employer want to give the lowest pay they can, both understand this and it’s just finding somewhere in the middle you can meet.
Top_Mirror211@reddit
Move jobs.
Splendifirous@reddit
Yeah the whole being paid less because of your age thing never really washes with me. You can be 20 and have kids and a mortgage and you can be 50 and be mortgage free with no dependants, it's just a shitty excuse to abuse young people for cheap labour.
Feel free to ask for a raise but if your company currently have you on minimum wage for your age then you probably already have your answer. If you actually want to be earning more money your best bet is to polish your CV and start submitting applications for other supervisor roles.
R3ddit300@reddit
I don't really have an answer other than they are seriously taking the piss and I hope you are actively looking for another job.
Cakeo@reddit
They should just ask to be put on the same wage as everyone else if it's an issue. Without knowing what the job is and whether this is their career or they are in uni it's pretty hard to tell them what to do.
R3ddit300@reddit
They shouldn't be on the same wage as people they are supervising. They should be paid more for the responsibility.
Cakeo@reddit
0.50p more, but they are 20 so presumably a large company has decided that they all get paid minimum wage. Without knowing the job it's impossible to tell whether they have a chance at a raise.
happpynicky@reddit
Everything you have said in this post say to your boss, if they are a normal person with normal values they will totally understand. It shouldn’t be a factor if you have responsibilities or a mortgage as to how much you get paid. It’s about the job you do, regardless of age or background. Back yourself, people who you supervise should not be paid more than you. It doesn’t matter if they are older than you or not, you have rights, don’t let yourself be treated as a doormat. It is probably just an oversight from whoever is in charge of paying you but still be sure to bring it up to whoever you answer to
HorrorAccomplished78@reddit
Everyone is saying send an email. I think that’s defeatist. Make an appointment to see the next higher manager face to face. It’s what a supervisor would do. Ask why you are not being paid full supervisor’s pay. It’s what a supervisor would do. Shows confidence. It may be a mistake. You will then know if it’s a company worth working for in the future. Supervisors take risks.
dantes_b1tch@reddit
Ask. Just say what you've said here.
When they don't budge, look for another job that pays.
Existing-Rhubarb-972@reddit
I would send an email to the manager with HR in copy, and say something along the lines of “It has come to my attention that, due to my age, I am earning less than the members of my team. I would appreciate a pay rise to £x to reflect my additional responsibilities as a supervisor, which I hope you agree is a reasonable request”.
But to be honest I’d just start looking for another job because your company sounds kind of crap!
Why_you_so_wrong_@reddit
They would tell you to go gargle your balls.
Alert_Mine7067@reddit
There is nothing egotistical about asking to be treated fairly.
If you're a supervisor, team leader, manager etc then you're responsible for the team, and the pay for the roles should reflect this. The situation you're currently in sounds frustrating and even teetering on a power imbalance, and for some team members it also raises the possibility that there could be lack of respect for you in your position due to this difference.
I would check to see if there is a rate for other supervisors, by that I mean a clear hourly rate of pay, and not an extra 50p per hour on top of your existing pay. A decent employer would certainly not exploit the minimum wage for your age loophole and would pay you accordingly and consistently with others who are in the role.
If they don't, then use your experience to find alternative employment in the same role with an employer who will pay you for the role. If you need to put up a fight just to be treated fairly, then that tells you everything you need to know.
Razor_Clam@reddit
I would make a 3 bullet point list of something measurable that I’m going to do for the company. Lead with that. Then ask for x straight away (maybe to be paid equally to those under you) then y when you completed the 3 goals (more than those under you) If they don’t want to hear it then either just stick or twist (get another job) Best of luck!
SnooCakes1636@reddit
The problem here is, if you are increased to minimum wage of 21+ year olds, there is zero incentive for the business to employ you in the position you’re in.
Hear me out…
If the role were to pay £12.71/hr, they would very likely be able to attract someone with more experience than you have.
At £10.85/hour they get someone who might not quite have all the experience, but does a good enough job and is gaining experience.
I’m not saying it’s right, but this is one of the things that troubles me about the governments proposals to have a single minimum wage; that is, it will become extremely (more) difficult for young people to enter the workforce if a business can hire an older more experienced person for the same cost.
Careless_Concept376@reddit (OP)
i agree with that being an issue with it, wages being lower for younger people gives employers an incentive to hire them with no prior experience so it’s positive in that way i mean two of the girls i supervise are on £8 an hour which i can’t believe but then i remember when i first started being on £5
gash_dits_wafu@reddit
At 16 I was made a supervisor. It came with no pay rise "the company didn't have the funds". If I knew what I know now, I'd have got more money. But at 16 I saw it as an opportunity to get a good accolade on my CV. What a schmuck I was.
setokaiba22@reddit
It’s no ego to ask for a wage increase - you explain your increase by performance/output facially
Fatbollocks1994@reddit
So supervisors at your job are paid minimum wage fir the age bracket so im assuming the other staff are paid minium wage? Im not sure id accept a supervisor role for a literal 0% pay increase in the first place.
soulsteela@reddit
Go with absolutely brazen ego, nobody else is going to toot your horn, I’ve literally sat in an office with 3 seniors and told them I deserved it because I was carrying the entire shift, cheeky but it bloody worked.
PelayoEnjoyer@reddit
How long until you're 21?
If it's a few months hold out until they legally need to put you on the 21+ rate then ask for a raise. If you ask for a raise prior to that they'll give you anything up to the 21+ rate, then when you turn 21 and get the same as everyone eple any ask is going to be met with "we've already given you one in the last year".
Bide your time, it'll work out better long term.
miqqqq@reddit
Get paid under what you should for doing the same work for however long until you’re 21 so you can be paid equally and then get refused a raise for doing the same work anyway? Why does being 8 months younger mean your good work is less valuable?
PelayoEnjoyer@reddit
This isn't about their work being valuable or not, it's how the company they work for will play it out in either situation.
Waiting means more money in the medium - long term if they're nearly 21.
DIY_at_the_Griffs@reddit
A supervisor should not be paid less than those whom they are supervising, it’s as simple as that.
You absolutely should not be on minimum wage as the role of supervisor is superior to the entry level role.
Let your employer know that you feel that you should be paid more than those whom you supervise.
OhNoDobe@reddit
Minimum wage isn't £10/h anymore mate lol.
fckboris@reddit
It is £10.85 if you’re between the ages of 18 and 20. If you’re under 18 it’s £8.
Cuntshagger@reddit
I had an issue very very similar to this when I was also only 20. I was a supervisor in a footwear store, and all my staff were older than me. They were all paid 16p per hour more than me (petty, I know) but it was principle of it that bothered me. 21+ Supervisors were on (to memory) around £2per hour more than me. I contacted basically everybody above me in the business who could be relevant to fixing this, and I was told as it only effected me and one other in the entire business (JD company) they basically weren’t going to do anything about it. They got the bare minimum out of me until the day I turned 21. I no longer work there
AffectionateJump7896@reddit
Mate you are going to have to apply for supervisee jobs elsewhere, and then leave and go there. The going rate for a supervisor is, what, £15/hour or more? There is no way in hell they are giving you a 50% pay rise, so you will need to leave to get what is fair.
It's not about having a mortgage or kids or whatever. It's about getting a fair slice of the pie you bake.
Effective_Topic_4728@reddit
I have never been given a pay rise. Ever. If you want one, you have to ask for it. If you'd rather not discuss it face to face, put it in an email outlining why you are asking, the pay disparity with people you work with and what your role as a supervisor involves. They might say no, but at least you know it's time to look elsewhere.
AhhGingerKids2@reddit
You should not be paid less than the people you are managing that is really exploitive.
Big_Poppa_T@reddit
Is it a reasonably small business (single or few facilities) or is it a national/multinational business?
If it’s small enough then you should schedule a 1-2-1, lay out the benefits that you bring to the business and ask for something reasonable to reflect your contribution. There’s probably wiggle room to put you on something more than the legal minimum.
If it’s a national chain that is employing people at minimum wage in roles that are well established then you’ll probably get nowhere. Tesco (for example) isn’t going to start paying an individual 20 year old supervisor the full 21+ rate. They’d much rather lose you as an employee then to set that as a precedent.
Sin_nombre__@reddit
Say "I'm getting paid less than people who I am supervising, I'd like to discuss this."
Also best ways to get regular pay rises is with trade union recognition and joint bargaining.
RedditMrJay@reddit
Everything you said is fair and reasonable, HOWEVER, to be brutal, it's not about if you want a mortgage, what others are being paid, or what their responsibility level is to your employer.
You do or do not deserve more based on performance and value. That is why the business should keep you and pay more.
Explain and prove value, then use that as your bargaining power for increased pay.
Cakeo@reddit
Depends where you work. Would probably help if you told us that to tell you whether or not it's likely.
It won't hurt to ask but if its retail or hospitality I wouldn't bet on it. They are allowed to pay less to encourage them to hire you to begin with.
Material-Water-6892@reddit
They made you supervisor SO they can pay you less for more work
Independent-Chair-27@reddit
Just ask. Explain what you do and the value you bring. They won't be able to raise your wage on the spot but they will.
Don't be drawn into any arguments and ask politely. Think about a good time to ask. Don't make any threats.
Sounds like you deserve it anyway. You're bringing value. You have to negotiate.
If they fob you off for a long time then it's time to move on. Good luck.
shadowmoses4726@reddit
no, you deserve a higher pay. i don’t care how old you are and the minimum wage shenanigans. you are in a higher role than they are so you deserve higher pay. tell them that you shouldn’t be paid minimum wage as as supervisor, it isn’t even about ego. just approach them and say that your pay should be in line with your responsibilities, more work = more pay. they are taking advantage of you
Cold_Ocelot_5684@reddit
It's a 'pay rise' not American raise.
You need to get used to asking for a pay rise when you get older or you will be exploited. What have you got to lose? they will just say no. Worst comes to worst, they think that you have an ego.
Dry_Action1734@reddit
Ask nicely and explain you think you should get at least what people you supervise get. A reasonable person would see that makes sense. Whether the managers are reasonable people is something else entirely…
bradpitt3@reddit
You have a reasonable case to ask for a pay increase. Just ask in a straightforward manner. It's then up to them how they respond. Good luck.
baeworth@reddit
If its a minimum wage job they often have set pay amounts for each role, there’s not really anyway you can negotiate a higher pay - they’ll just replace you
That being said it’s worth the conversation with your manager because you never know. But don’t have high expectations
Party_Advantage_3733@reddit
It's fine to just ask. It feels weird but you have to get used to it.
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