Author Topic: When your boss responds, "If I made as much as you....."  (Read 6990 times)

Civex

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 195
When your boss responds, "If I made as much as you....."
« on: April 06, 2015, 04:46:28 PM »
Arghh! How am I supposed to respond to a boss who addresses any of my job concerns with, "If I made as much as you.."

I'm a young professional, who happens to make 2-3x my administrator boss's salary. I still live like a student and don't brag or flaunt my salary, but whenever I bring a legitimate work issue to him he basically tells me because I make a good salary that I should just deal with it. Most recently, my schedule was being changed from 12 hour day shifts, to 12 hour overnight shifts with less than 24 hours notice. This is on top of being pressured to work extra 12 hour shifts in addition to my regular 50 hour weeks(salary non-exempt). I told him that I don't feel that the amount of hours I'm working is sustainable, and that I think being expected to switch from days to nights basically on a phone call isn't reasonable. His response was, "If made as much as you..." and then to walk away. If this was a one time thing, I could blow it off, but I've gotten the same/similar response whenever I have tried to bring staffing/hour concerns to him. This is from a guy, who leaves sharply at 4:30 and doesn't work weekends/holidays.

Since I'm a fairly recent graduate, out of college about a year, I'm not in a position to just tell him to F off, but I really don't know how to handle this. I'm thankful for my salary, but I don't think it entitles my manager/company to treat me like crap. Would really appreciate any insight, or advise from the forum. Thanks!

JLee

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7512
Re: When your boss responds, "If I made as much as you....."
« Reply #1 on: April 06, 2015, 04:51:55 PM »
Honestly? I'd start looking for another job unless you can fix this one relatively easily. It sounds like he thinks you should sacrifice your life for work because of your level of pay. Do you have an HR department that provides general oversight for employee matters?

nereo

  • Senior Mustachian
  • ********
  • Posts: 17499
  • Location: Just south of Canada
    • Here's how you can support science today:
Re: When your boss responds, "If I made as much as you....."
« Reply #2 on: April 06, 2015, 04:55:39 PM »
You are correct that no one deserves to be treated like crap, but my first question is whether your inherently large salary is in part for compensation at being flexible.  In many jobs employees are well paid but it comes with the understanding that they may be called upon to work long hours, strange hours, etc.

My suggestion to you is to separate the questions of compensation with job performance.  First, if you have a job contract read it, and see if there is any guidance there.  Then, at your next performance review request clarification on what is expected of you in terms of changes in your shift, overtime projects, vacation policy, etc.
 It sounds like your boss might have a different opinion of what constitutes a 'reasonable request,' and he gets snippy when you balk at changes on such short notice.  He/she may think you should do it without question because you are the employee, whereas you think his/her demands are over the line and beyond what you were hired to do.  Having clear guidelines is key here.

deborah

  • Senior Mustachian
  • ********
  • Posts: 15963
  • Age: 14
  • Location: Australia or another awesome area
Re: When your boss responds, "If I made as much as you....."
« Reply #3 on: April 06, 2015, 04:56:22 PM »
Talk to HR about what expectations are in your company. You are relatively new and just want to understand company policy and procedures, so you have the right expectations. You were surprised about the 24 hour notice, and want to understand whether you can organise things (like after hours classes) in advance...

This should give you some understanding of company expectations, and whether your boss is being "reasonable" as far as the job is concerned or not. Generally speaking, this does sound very unreasonable, but I have come across some work environments pay more because they expect this type of flexibility in their employees, and yours may be one of them.

aschmidt2930

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 272
Re: When your boss responds, "If I made as much as you....."
« Reply #4 on: April 06, 2015, 04:59:09 PM »
That's a tough one.  Jealousy is likely the main factor here, so improving his response to your concerns could be tricky.  Doable, but tricky.  Some people just cannot grasp the fact that being someones manager doesn't entitle you to a higher salary.  I'm assuming you have a pretty in-demand skill set? If there's other opportunities out there with similar pay, I would explore them.

BlueHouse

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 4136
  • Location: WDC
Re: When your boss responds, "If I made as much as you....."
« Reply #5 on: April 06, 2015, 05:05:44 PM »
Answer:  "You can"
I got that comment from someone who handed me my checks every month and it used to bother me too.   

I'd also start thinking that if your company pays you so much money, then so will someone else.  I'd be pretty close to telling that guy to suck it.  A few months ago I saw a thread where someone's boss was belittling them and the poster just said "you're a dick" and walked away.  No one ever spoke of it again.  I loved that thread and it's my dream of saying that soon.  I think you should try it. 
Don't forget if he ever tried to call you out on it, he'd have to defend his actions & comments too. 

wtjbatman

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1301
  • Age: 40
  • Location: Missouri
Re: When your boss responds, "If I made as much as you....."
« Reply #6 on: April 06, 2015, 05:15:22 PM »
Where I work I'm at the top of the food chain for hourly employees. The next step are salaried employees. They have to work 50-60 hours every week, when I'm capped at 40. One of them has become a good friend of mine, and when we discussed salaries, even though we did it vaguely, we basically determined that we make close to the same amount per hour. So, his paychecks are larger, but he spends more time at work. Does that balance it out? Maybe. He also gets constantly micro-managed by our boss, and virtually every request to leave "early" (such as if he comes in earlier and works his mandatory 10-12 hour shift anyway) is denied. Whereas I make my own schedule, and basically come and go as I please. If he complains, he is basically told off and made to understand that this is just how it is, and he needs to get on board.

TL;DR: In my experience I've seen the employees who make "more" get treated worse. Not saying that's the way it should be, and not saying this helps you at all OP. Just saying that you certainly aren't the only person out there who gets shit on basically due to the fact that they believe you're paid enough to put up with it, and you shouldn't complain.

okits

  • CMTO 2023 Attendees
  • Senior Mustachian
  • *
  • Posts: 13017
  • Location: Canada
Re: When your boss responds, "If I made as much as you....."
« Reply #7 on: April 06, 2015, 05:32:47 PM »
I'm with some of the previous commenters.  Determine if your rate of pay is high because of implicit overtime and lousy work hours, or if it's just this boss or this company. If you can score the same pay with better work conditions elsewhere, brush off the ole resume and start applying.  If you can sacrifice some pay for better conditions, consider that, too.

KBecks2

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 618
Re: When your boss responds, "If I made as much as you....."
« Reply #8 on: April 06, 2015, 05:35:32 PM »
Look for a new job now that you have experience.

Doulos

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 116
  • Age: 45
Re: When your boss responds, "If I made as much as you....."
« Reply #9 on: April 06, 2015, 06:17:29 PM »
I think we need more details.
1) Do you work in a factory? (Factory bosses tend to be so bad, I would say this one is pretty good comparatively)
2) Do you work in some kind of terrible, no degree required job with high pay? (miner, diving in sewage, etc)
- These kinds of jobs command a super high pay rate, but will also definitely fall in the category of extra compensation for screwing with your schedule.
3) What is your salary? 
4) Is your salary an assumption of a certain amount of hours.  (Some salaries assume 40 hours, and have specific clauses allowing for overtime pay)
- for instance, my company expects 40, but sometimes more, but if you break roughly 48 in a week, you are paid for all the overtime that month.  I do not work overtime enough to remember the rules.

Civex

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 195
Re: When your boss responds, "If I made as much as you....."
« Reply #10 on: April 06, 2015, 07:27:08 PM »
I think we need more details.
1) Do you work in a factory? (Factory bosses tend to be so bad, I would say this one is pretty good comparatively)
-No, but for background, I did work in a manufacturing factory (night shift) during my undergrad and found it far less stressful. I worked full time during the summers and 20/hr during the school year.
2) Do you work in some kind of terrible, no degree required job with high pay? (miner, diving in sewage, etc)
- These kinds of jobs command a super high pay rate, but will also definitely fall in the category of extra compensation for screwing with your schedule.
No, I work in a profession that requires an advanced degree, licensure, and certifications.
3) What is your salary? 
-If I don't work any additional, extra shifts, I'll be between $135-140k this year. I am 26 for the record.
4) Is your salary an assumption of a certain amount of hours.  (Some salaries assume 40 hours, and have specific clauses allowing for overtime pay)
- for instance, my company expects 40, but sometimes more, but if you break roughly 48 in a week, you are paid for all the overtime that month.  I do not work overtime enough to remember the rules.
My pay is structured as 42 hours required per week to hit base salary; after that if I work extra shifts(full days) I am payed my hourly salary+$10/hour. The thing is if a regular shift ends up being 14-15 hours instead of the normal 12, it is implied this is a failure on my part to complete the work within my scheduled hours and I'm not reimbursed. In my opinion, I get the worst of the salaried world, I'm expected to be available and working during the 42 hour week, but I am unable to leave early or take longer breaks if I am ahead on work-but if my works takes a few hours longer, I'm not reimbursed for that time.


I'm pretty irritated with the whole situation and I did send a recruiter an email inquiry about a nearby opening, so we will see what happens. My initial offer was for a 40 hour week; that became 42 minimum with 50 implied due to turnover within the company. These hours were supposed to be daytime hours, weekends, and evenings. Lately, they've pushing for me to work additional days on top of 105hrs/biweekly.

TL;DR: In my experience I've seen the employees who make "more" get treated worse. Not saying that's the way it should be, and not saying this helps you at all OP. Just saying that you certainly aren't the only person out there who gets shit on basically due to the fact that they believe you're paid enough to put up with it, and you shouldn't complain.

This is 100% spot on and it is making me crazy. My direct manager is the only one I'm getting this from, his superior is the one who hired me and has been very happy with my work. I don't think my predecessor had this problem; he was a similar age to my boss and I got the feeling from seeing them interact that my manager looked up to the guy I was replacing. The problem is, I'm 10 yearsish the guy's junior and my earning potential and current earnings eclipse his.

deborah

  • Senior Mustachian
  • ********
  • Posts: 15963
  • Age: 14
  • Location: Australia or another awesome area
Re: When your boss responds, "If I made as much as you....."
« Reply #11 on: April 06, 2015, 07:46:27 PM »
Well, if your superior is happy, ask him what is expected of you.

Is your boss not OK with you being a decade younger than him - sometimes people just think these things, and sometimes they are real?

Civex

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 195
Re: When your boss responds, "If I made as much as you....."
« Reply #12 on: April 06, 2015, 07:57:14 PM »
Well, if your superior is happy, ask him what is expected of you.

Is your boss not OK with you being a decade younger than him - sometimes people just think these things, and sometimes they are real?

My boss's superior[guy up the ladder I see every month or so] has been very happy with my work; I haven't had much feedback from my direct manager, the one making the comments. I'm not sure I understand your second sentence; I don't think he(my boss) would care that I'm younger than him if I didn't make a larger salary than him.

okits

  • CMTO 2023 Attendees
  • Senior Mustachian
  • *
  • Posts: 13017
  • Location: Canada
Re: When your boss responds, "If I made as much as you....."
« Reply #13 on: April 06, 2015, 08:32:08 PM »
With your additional information, you should first clarify what's expected for your position with the manager above yours. If not satisfactory or things don't improve, hit the job search hard to find better work conditions.

In the grand scheme of things I wouldn't say you're treated worse due to your high level of pay. I think lots of labor law violations and outright abuse happens to people making mediocre or downright lousy pay. The difference is their position in the workforce is a weak one (low skills, oversupply of applicants, etc.)  Sounds like you have a position of strength with which to fight back, so be fair to yourself and use it.

DoubleDown

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2075
Re: When your boss responds, "If I made as much as you....."
« Reply #14 on: April 07, 2015, 10:38:36 AM »
I'd confront the immediate supervisor again and tell them you're not satisfied with the current conditions. When he makes the comment, I'd acknowledge it and repeat the focus on the situation: "Yes, that may be true, but what can we do about the current conditions?"

If he continues to ignore you by walking away or repeating the comment, I'd let him know you're arranging a meeting with his boss to address it. That comment alone might lead him to fix it with you, or you may have to follow through with the meeting. It can be a potentially perilous situation if you have a strained relationship with your immediate boss while his/her superior values you, so having alternatives lined up could never hurt.

Exflyboy

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 8402
  • Age: 62
  • Location: Corvallis, Oregon
  • Expat Brit living in the New World..:)
Re: When your boss responds, "If I made as much as you....."
« Reply #15 on: April 07, 2015, 11:12:54 AM »
Hmm.. I have been an engineering graduate all the way up to senior engineer and engineering manager in my 30 year career.

I have seen this played out a few times and the conclusion I have for you is that you will have to grow a thick skin to this kind of input. I know this sounds as though I am minimising your problem and that is not my in intent.

I remember as a young graduate being hit with things that really bothered me at the time but now wouldn't concern me in the least. For example I remember reporting to two bosses.. they would both give me input.. one would encourage me to do something.. his partner would then tell me if i carried on doing what I was encouraged to do I would be fired!... This was huge!.. I didn't know which way to turn.

What would I do now?.. I'd pull them both into a room and bang their freaking heads toegther!.. Their job is to support ME in MY job.. In turn i will make them successful... Don't set me up for failure blah blah.

1 year out of school?.. No way I could do that.

I would recommend you get a mentor within your organisation.. Most progressive companies encourage mentorship, talk this through with your mentor, that way if it blows up down the road you have some somebody who can vouch for you.

Ok back to your problem... Basically your salary is set based upon your skills and responsibilities. Your boss is in the same boat. If your boss has a liberal arts degree in say music.. and he/she is an admin manager.. but you have PhD doing complex regression analysis on something crucial to the company.. Well guess what?.. Your manager will be paid less than you because his value is less. Fact of life deal with it! You do not have to appologise for your market value which you have worked hard to achieve.

 Sounds to me as though your boss has a grudge and needs to take that up with the senior management  if that is an issue.. Its not YOUR problem.

So first off.. get a mentor you can guide you through such bullshit.. second tell you boss that the comments about "If I made as much as you" I'm sure are intended as a joke, but it does bother you and you'd rather not hear about it and if its a problem he should go talk to his boss.

Leave it at that and see what happens. If you feel retaliation because of it then take it up with boss in a similar way.. if that don't work then escalate it.

But this is why having a mentor is important because you can discuss the path forward before you potentially damage any relationships.

While I would always say its worth keeping an eye out for new opportunities, you don't want to make getting out of this situation your sole reason for leaving. This kind of crap will happen your entire working life, you need to develop the skills to deal with idiots.. This is a great learning opportunity.

Once you have dealt with it, your confidence will grow in preparation for the next one... Hint.. there is ALWAYS the a next one..;)


Davids

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 977
  • Location: Somewhere in the USA.
Re: When your boss responds, "If I made as much as you....."
« Reply #16 on: April 07, 2015, 01:06:00 PM »
I am very fascinated reading about situations where an employee makes more than their manager. It is a rather interesting dynamic that almost can never go well due to the manager usually being a jerk about it. Personally i would start looking for a new job.

Gone Fishing

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2916
  • So Close went fishing on April 1, 2016
    • Journal
Re: When your boss responds, "If I made as much as you....."
« Reply #17 on: April 07, 2015, 01:18:17 PM »
Were you targeted for nightshift because you were young and assumed to be flexible, or have they done this to others?

Tell him you will need even more pay to continue working nights. 

One other thing to consider, if you like the company but not the manager, is to either look into just changing departments or if your company is anything like mine, wait 18-24 months and see if you get "restructured".