[Aurora82]

Hi Everyone,

I stumbled across this site while jobhunting, and I'm now wondering if it was serendipity. I've been working for a publishing company for over 2 years, where my role has evolved from sales support to overall responsibility for office management and marketing. However, having not received an appraisal since starting yet taking on even more responsibility, I'm starting to feel a little resentful of all the overtime and effort I've dedicated to my company, and feel that my employers are now taking advantage of my work ethic, particularly with the current financial situation. A colleague in the marketing department left the company without notice and I stepped in to take up some of the duties (admittedly, in the vain hope that my employer would recognise the contribution I make). I approached my boss recently to ask for a feedback review and she said that, with the economic situation as it was, we could discuss my performance, but there was no view to a pay rise. She has not replaced this colleague, but she has increased my responsibilities and is now taking on 3 more staff in another department. Have I made a rod for my own back by not dealing with this sooner? I don't want to get to a stage where I take on so much work that I can no longer cope, nor do I want to put in so many hours when its not fairly remunerated (I'm now taking work home and working through breaks), but at the same time, I don't want to suddenly refuse new responsibility, in case its misconstrued as an attitude problem.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Robin Holtson]

Hi,
Performance reviews do not have to be tied to a salary increase. It is important for both you and your manager to know what your responsibilities are, and for you to ask what their expectations are. Did you have a job description when you started; perhaps you were give a copy of the job responsibilities when you applied with a career consultant, or answered an advertisement. Documenting your responsibilities and achievements is an important part of your personnel file.
I don't believe you've "made a rod", but don't put the conversation off. Document the request.
Robin

[Aurora82]

Thanks Robin, I requested today that we arrange a time for my performance review. I appreciate your point on the need to have formal agreements in place, so will persevere with this one. Historically, I would give up after a month or so of chasing as I could never make her commit to a timeslot, and this has been the pattern ever since, but I will push harder this time.
I did have a job description when I started, and, on paper, my job description is still sales support, as this has never been updated in line with my increased responsibilities. I replaced the outgoing receptionist and now manage reception and the switchboard in addition to my existing sales support role and now have responsibility for marketing duties alongside providing admin support to the events department.

[Cedarwolfsinger]

I would suggest that you go for the performance appraisal anyway. Before you have that meeting, write up your accomplishments the same way you might for a resume. At least your boss will see, on paper, what you are doing. You might also include the job description, just as a comparison piece. If there is no ability to have a pay raise, perhaps there is something else they can do for you. I would definitely say STOP taking stuff home and working through breaks. I was recently laid off from my job. One of the lessons I have taken away from that experience is that I will give my next employer 100% and perhaps a touch more. However, when it comes to taking on extra work, I will only do so if it furthers MY goals and my future. Good luck!

[Stuart Wingate]

When prepping for the review, I'd suggest that you go in with quantifiable successes in addition to listing your added responsibilities. For instance: "Took on marketing role and saved company $10,000 through more efficient printing bidding process."

While I can agree that you don't want to be "used", I would also suggest that you not push too far. It's better to be seen as an asset in this economy than a pain.

Treat these added responsibilities as learning opportunities as well. Realize that you are broadening your experience, responsibilities and education that you can use later (when the economy does turn around) to either negotiate a higher salary or find a job with better pay.

All that said, I also suggest boundaries. Work through your breaks on M/W/F and take home work only on T/TH. Learn when to say "no" and "not right now", but always answer with a solution -- either "I can get to it tomorrow." or "Perhaps Mary could help you right now."

There is a great article on the site regarding the care and feeding of monkeys. This has served me well in my career and might help you as you continue to grow. Check it out here.

Good luck and please keep us posted!