What would you do?

kaos16

So I work in an office with about 150 people.  Everything here is pretty much bsaed on how long you have been in the office.  I just learned today that two coworkers I started with made "senior" today.  It's really just a pay raise.  I have been in our current assignment for about a year longer than both of these individuals and have been given bigger and bigger assignments where the bosses specifically tell me they are giving them to me because I have more experience and work harder.  I did not make "senior."

While I get that life isn't fair, and it isn't really productive to judge yourself against others, I am still a bit annoyed about this.  I am tempted to sit down with my boss tomorrow and indicate that I am aware that others from my hiring year have made senior. . . . outline some of the things that I have put extra effort into, along with mentioning how good my review was a few months back and ask what else I need to work on more or improve on to be considered for senior.  What do you think?

harper0813

I think sitting down to discuss your future, ask for feedback, and what you described in general is just fine. However, I would not make mention of the other promotions.

ETA: Future, not figure. It would probably be inappropriate to discuss the shape of one's body with one's boss.

kaos16

and just et  the fact that I am bringing it up because of others making senior be the elephant in the room?  It will be obvious that's why I'm bringing it up since the promotions came out today.

Jessa617

Definitely don't mention the others' promotions. It's actually against the "company law" in most businesses to disclose any raises or salary in general. I second Stage and just approach your boss and let him know what you've done to deserve making senior and ask if there's anything you need to improve on.

southernbelle0915

If you think you deserve a promotion/raise, tell your boss why and make a good case for yourself. DO NOT even mention that your co-workers. Taking the "they got one and I've been here just as long, plus they SAID I have more experience and work harder" will make you come across as having an immature outlook on professionalism to your boss. Take the high road and let your work speak for itself - "hey boss, I've been given more responsibilities and produced quality work (fill in support here). I like working for you and I would like to grow with this company. Do you see growth as an opportunity for me?"

CLoGreenEyes

kaos16 said:

and just et  the fact that I am bringing it up because of others making senior be the elephant in the room?  It will be obvious that's why I'm bringing it up since the promotions came out today.

But that doesn't mean you're bringing it up because others DID; it's because you DIDN'T and you're wondering why that is the case, given your workload, experience, and work ethic. I wouldn't worry about that being the elephant in the room, you are perfectly within your rights to ask about your own performance and what you can do to earn a promotion/raise if you do not mention anybody else's situation.

kaos16

Amapola14 said:

kaos16 said:

and just et  the fact that I am bringing it up because of others making senior be the elephant in the room?  It will be obvious that's why I'm bringing it up since the promotions came out today.

But that doesn't mean you're bringing it up because others DID; it's because you DIDN'T and you're wondering why that is the case, given your workload, experience, and work ethic. I wouldn't worry about that being the elephant in the room, you are perfectly within your rights to ask about your own performance and what you can do to earn a promotion/raise if you do not mention anybody else's situation.

good point

harper0813

It will only be an elephant if you let it be an elephant - if you act obviously jealous and bitter, sure, it will be uncomfortable. Act professional, pleasant, and poised.

kaos16

Thanks everyone.  This is why I am hashing it out here before sitting down for the meeting.  I am upset and frustrated at the moment.  I am going to go home tonight, vent to DH (poor guy) and get a good night's sleep so that I can come back and discuss it rationally without the emotion I am feeling now about the situation.

kaos16

I'm meeting with my boss this morning. . . . wish me luck!

kryan32

good luck!

 

BostonGIrl4732

Good luck!

kaos16

So I did it. . . . I went in and sat down with the boss.  I outlined the work I have been doing in the past 16 months in my current assignment.  I emphasized how I was enjoying my increased responsibilities, etc. etc.  I asked what I can improve on, or what I should be doing differently to get to a postition where I can be considered for senior.

 

The verdict,  I am doing everything great, I am performing at the top level currently.  No complaints have ever been voiced about me. . . . . basically keep doing what you are doing and wait it out. 

I feel better, yet still frustrated that there is nothing I can do, that I just have to wait for something to happen!