Work rant thread

BTM · 09-15-2010, 10:48 AM

Sometimes it amazes me why I continue to show up to this place. FWIW I work for my small family business and I suspect a lot of this may have to do with that. Anyway, here goes

Employee: started November of last year, union C-card technician, comes in for his performance review a few weeks ago, and despite a few mistakes is overall a competent mechanic so I can't complain there. Reading his review under the paperwork section it says something to the effect of "good but can be improved."

Interesting how anyone would know this but me, since paperwork from the field comes directly through me and there are only a few accounts over which I do not have complete discretion over - I have not received a single complete service ticket or timesheet, nor any of the weekly safety topics returned in that yearish period, despite me discussing a few times that I need this to be complete in order to complete my job accurately. I was not consulted for this portion of the review.

Employee gets marginal (10%) increase in pay, over his union determined and agreed upon wage, by the same people who are so quick to defend their precious union as soon as anyone criticizes anything. Whatever, I think it is strange to defend and require all field techs to be union if you're not going to adhere to that pay schedule, but this isn't my company and I don't make those decisions.

Anyway...

Me: originally started as an extra "mule" in 2005 but quickly assumed a role answering phones and entering data. Our busiest times, ie mule work for me take place during the Christmas/New Years holiday, and Fourth of July weekend every year. Christmas I usually get off, but I've typically worked 10-12 hour days every Christmas eve, New Years eve (and often day, depending), and Fourth of July since 2005, including while in school since these schedules lined up with my breaks.

I never once took a vacation from work on these breaks from school, literally worked here for the entire break, and despite a few long weekend type vacations, haven't missed a day, and take no more time off than anyone else, who get paid vacation while I do not. Never took a spring break in Cancun or Colorado or whereever my friends were going because I was flown home and told I was needed here. Needless to say, I don't think an argument can be made against my commitment to the company.

My responsibilities have expanded greatly over this period of time, including managing a team of filter specialists to change all critical/non-critical filters in pharmaceutical plants, direct interaction/cooperation with job/account supervisors, discretion over purchasing, billing, and all related ap/ar functions, and developing operations procedures for the office for which I am expected to work within in order to increase accuracy and minimize administrative mistakes and discrepancies.

My pay rate has remained frozen for this entire period of time. Nor have I received a single cent in bonus money or any other "gesture" (ie medical benefits, paid vacation) other employees seem to be able to expect. I do receive retirement contributions, though 2 years ago for reasons unknown I didn't. My review (first one ever) is coming up on 3 weeks overdue and I know for a fact hasn't even been written yet.

What is frustrating is that people bent over backwards to give employee his review/raise early (typically they are annual, but as I said not for me), praised for his "commitment" and "ability to step up when needed"

Additionally, another "mule" type employee (another coworker's son) received a %20 raise after 1 year with the company on an "as needed" basis, which according to the information I am responsible for is about a month of total days worked.

I am grateful I have a decent paying job in a time when many others don't, and realize that my starting pay was higher than average because of the expectations placed upon me. However, I know for a fact I have exceeded these and am doing far more for the company than was ever intended, and it's hard to not feel as if I'm being taken for granted for. Any initiative I have taken has morphed into being expected of me day-to-day, yet compensation for which is non existent.

Feyd · 09-15-2010, 11:15 AM

Sorry bro... I know how you feel.

Welcome to America, where the people that actually work are abused and the slackers (people who aren't working so have plenty of time to defend themselves) are the ones given the promotions.

That's how shitty people get to the top. Instead of kissing ass all day long, you were working. You can do one or the other, but sadly not both... therefore you are the one getting dumped on.

Is this a family business where you are a member of the family, or??

BTM · 09-15-2010, 11:23 AM

Yes, on paper my mom is the president, but that's actually just a formality. From a realistic standpoint, my dad has the most decision making discretion, and sits visibly about 20ft from me everyday.

The thing is that no one has gotten a promotion per se - basically paid more to continue doing what they're doing, as if they were previously underpaid. Meanwhile, thanks to inflation, I have been taking a marginally consistent pay cut to increase my responsibilities and commitment. Reeks IMO

In the interest of fairness, there is an amount of down time due to the seasonal nature of the business in which I'm casually perusing forums and the like while multitasking with non-critical functions like electronic filing. I'm hardly the only one who does, I think my dad spent 2hrs yesterday looking at a political cartoon blog. Meanwhile, while I internet surf I always have another task I'm doing, just have a lenient deadline to complete it within.

Freakazoid · 09-15-2010, 11:44 AM

yep welcome to america unfortunately....and the natures of working with a small family owned business. they have to give you the shortest end of the stick

double_j · 09-15-2010, 11:44 AM

Talk to somebody about it - shouldn't be too hard considering that it's your family's business.

Tell them that now you're there full-time you want to make sure that they know you're there for the long term (assuming you are) and would like to be treated as any other employee. You can spin it as a 'I want to make sure I stand on my own' type thing.

Their image of you still might be as a 'part-time and temporary' worker that pretty much justifies their treatment of you. Could be that they think they're doing you a favor by giving you a job in favor of a more permanent employee until you figure out your next move.

And if you are part-time and/or are looking to leave for your 'career' soon, the so be it. Not much you can do.

bmwmthree · 09-15-2010, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BTM

I think my dad spent 2hrs yesterday looking at a political cartoon blog.

so this is what white people do in their spare time...

BTM · 09-15-2010, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by double_j

Talk to somebody about it - shouldn't be too hard considering that it's your family's business.

Tell them that now you're there full-time you want to make sure that they know you're there for the long term (assuming you are) and would like to be treated as any other employee. You can spin it as a 'I want to make sure I stand on my own' type thing.

Their image of you still might be as a 'part-time and temporary' worker that pretty much justifies their treatment of you. Could be that they think they're doing you a favor by giving you a job in favor of a more permanent employee until you figure out your next move.

And if you are part-time and/or are looking to leave for your 'career' soon, the so be it. Not much you can do.

Thanks for the advice. I have mentioned this a few times to both my mom and dad (separately) and was told both times to expect it and just feel strung along. I know for a while they were treating the position as "temporary" as if it was inevitable I would move on and get a better job, but let's face it right now I can't. I've never treated it as a temporary, part time, or on an as needed basis, and if they are there must be some serious discrepancy as even on days I've requested off (for no pay) and been granted I've been called in and have come in. I do plan on going to grad school and keeping the position full time, and each time it has come up I've expressed my intention to not stop working here.

Additionally, they have tried a few times to bring in help for when I went back to school and they were all fired by the time I came back for the next break, not because I was coming back but because they weren't performing. I will obviously continue to bring this up, but it's not as easy being a family situation. For those who are thinking "oh being handed a position at a family business what is this kid complaining about" I can assure you that a non-relative boss would be much more approachable about these types of things.

Seminole · 09-15-2010, 11:52 AM

I'm guessing that someone over you is the one who conducts the performance reviews. If so, the employee is probably friendly with them and that is why they got a good review. That, or the person is afraid of getting the unions pissed.

I've found when it comes to performance reviews, it depends not just how you actually did, but who you know. At the accounting company I worked for the employee structure goes Associate->Senior->Manager->Partner. As an associate (or intern in my case) the senior on your job fills out your performance review and then it goes to the manager for approval. Our performance reviews consisted of around 12 categories with scores from 1-5. 3 was meeting expectations, 4 was above, and nobody ever gets 5's. I think you'd have to discover some type of Enron scandal and maybe then you'd get a 5. So pretty much 4's are as high as you can get. The first client I worked on I had this semi-bitchy senior who people really didn't like. This was my first ever real world accounting type job, so I had a lot of questions, but I picked up on things real fast and did pretty well all things considered. I even found out after I had left the client that the senior had completely neglected to do one whole part of the audit, and when I brought it to her attention she asked me if I could go back and do it even though I was already assigned to another client and had work to do for them. Basically this lady was an idiot. When it came time for the performance review I went into the manager's office and it turns out that he was actually a good friend that I had made in the company and we've played golf on many occasions. On my review I had almost all 3's with maybe 1 or 2 4's. Well, he has override power and went through and changed them all to 4's and then asked if I wanted to play golf on Saturday. So I guess who you know helps.

In regard to the no raise, you're in a tough situation. If this was a great economy and you could find work right away I would maybe say bring you concerns to the attention of management. But, with the way things are right now I wouldn't do that. You've also got yourself stuck in a hard place because you've gone above and beyond what you position requires of you so much that they now expect that out of you and anything less is going to be seen negatively. I was going to say there isn't much you can do expect either suck it up or gamble by taking with the bosses, but you say your dad has the most decision power. Why don't you bring it up to him at home one day? I think your dad would be much more approachable than a normal boss.

Edit: I see you've brought it up already. Maybe try telling them what you were originally hired for and all the responsibilities you now have and that there is a disconnect between the pay/benefits and the amount of work you are doing. If you give them tangible examples they are more likely to see your viewpoint. For example, say if I'm just a temporary employee then how come I still get called in on days off, etc. Mention how you've never taken the traditional college vacations and instead have dedicated your time to the company. You could also reiterate that while this is just a job you are doing until you find a permanent job somewhere, they are treating you like a permanent employee in every respect except for pay.

And for the future with the union employee, since you obviously weren't asked about his performance during the review, maybe from now on you can put notes in his file about how he doesn't turn in documentation or mistakes he makes. That way come next performance review the person in charge will definitely see those notes and won't bypass you and think everything is all peachy.

BTM · 09-15-2010, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seminole

snip

That's one of the things creating difficulty, my workplace is no where near as "procedurized" or "formal" as the one you described. There are typically 3 of us in the office, the official departments being "service" and "office/operations"

I would be very easy to make notes about stuff on people files and everything if I weren't the only person who saw them. I just have a feeling that part of the review was half-assed when there have been considerable issues that make me look bad that I wish I was asked about due to incomplete information.

I'm certainly not going to quit, frankly I can't and don't want to. I have a better job than 99% of the people I know, and I'm aware I'm fortunate and I'm grateful for this. I just take up issue with, if raises are being handed out, why I'm being overlooked. Like I said it's a delicate thing, and while I am quite certain I will eventually be monetarily recognized for this, it's just unfortunate to be in a situation where I have to come off as this instigator, while others, who've been here 1/5 the time merely do what is asked of them and are recognized unprovoked, and, from terms of the agreement, undeservedly. Not saying that paying a union member above the wage agreement is illegal, but it just seems like an unfair move from my point of view.

jhv · 09-15-2010, 12:09 PM

tl;dr

BTM · 09-15-2010, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jh valley

tl;dr

surprised it took this long for this reply

NYCGarbagePrince · 09-15-2010, 01:26 PM

BTM,

I am in almost the exact same situation you are. I did the same thing you did throughout college and even in High School. What is hard to see while working as hard as you are, is the advantages you have over all the other employees. It seems to me that you will one day be in your fathers position, ie. running the company. No one else in the company can say the same.

I have been a part of my family's company for the better part of a decade. I am more than capable to run the day to day operations and handle just about every responsibility that comes my way, whether it be negotiations, bill paying, etc. However, I have received one raise which was very sizable. I receive adequate benefits and am part of a 401k plan. But I am the one who determines the health benefits and prices etc. In actuality I determine all of these things in the company. My office is very informal as well. We abide by the rules and regulations set for by our governing body and outside of that we do things our own way. In other words, it is not as corporate as most offices.

Since I came on full time, my father has found that he only needs to be here 2 maybe 3 days a week for an hour or two each day. I took my first vacation last week since I started working full time and I have to say honestly, i expected to recharge and be ready to come back to work feeling a lot better. I did not. I feel like I never left. The only thing that changed was a weeks worth of work was not completed and now I have to play catch up. I will not be taking another vacation any time in the foreseeable future for this reason.

My best advice is to not get down about it. Personally, I get depressed about it all the time. I know what I do everyday, and I know how important it is. The one good thing about taking the vacation was the calls I got and the response I received when i returned. While working in the office my father would tell me (when he was around) that I wasn't doing enough and that I needed to do a list of things that he did. The biggest problem in a family business is, like you said, expectations. It is nearly impossible to exceed them on a daily basis. The key is to do your job to the best of your ability and make sure that the people around you understand your importance to the operation. If they don't then you will never receive the respect you deserve nor will it matter if you think you are doing an adequate job.

I know this might sound crazy. But, if you have taken on more work but are still doing the same work that someone in your position should[ already be doing, then a promotion/raise is not necessary. Now you touched on inflation. I believe you said you have been working full time for the last 2 years. Then it hasn't effected you at all. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't be seeing some bump in pay in the near future. Do you still live at home? Do you pay for your car/insurance? Are you living completely "on your own"? If so, then I would think based on your situation you probably deserve some type of compensation for the work you have described doing. However, if you are receiving any benefits from the company outside of your pay check via your family, then you are likely taking that for granted.

I have been going through what you speak of for quite some time. I get to work at 6 am every morning, except sundays. I have no social life to speak of during the week. I am asleep in bed by 9pm. These are the sacrifices I make so that I can have a job and make good money. I know for a fact any one I know would kill to be in the same position I am, they would show up at 5 am and leave at 8 pm if they could have it offered to them. But they also get to go to dinner and go out with friends and be active during the week. Whereas, I do not have that luxury. More is expected of us, but we receive more in the end. I always looked at it as the gold at the end of the rainbow. Gotta endure some rain to get there though.

You seem humble enough about your job situation. Just keep doing what you're doing. If the opportunity arises where you can voice your opinion on your current compensation issue, take it. If your father signs your checks, talk to him in private. Do not complain about it to other employees, they will not and can not sympathize with you.

Good Luck!

BTM · 09-15-2010, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYCGarbagePrince

text

I've been waiting for you to respond since you're probably the closest one on here to the situation I am in...as I wouldn't dream of venting any of this to anyone I work with, my gf who has her own shit to deal with, or my family for obvious reasons. Fact is you are right, I have taken on more work than a "replacement" would be expected to do, which I realize is my own personal decision to take the initiative, just frustrating as those around who've merely done what was asked of them are the ones reaping the recognition.

I get medical benefits from my family for a few more years so that isn't really an issue, as they are covered by my mom's career (as I said, she's just president on paper but has a career of her own), but as far as being on my own goes I see your point. There are things I am responsible for such as car, gas, insurance, soon mortgage; but others that I'm not or at least getting help with like food, rent (live at home), soon down payment (graduation present) so it is half and half. Like I said I get retirement contributions, no bonus, no vacation, etc.

I am in no way denying that I am fortunate and given equivalent compensation somewhere else, I would definitely choose to work and create value for the family business. But, in my opinion, the fact that I have certain advantages are not an excuse for undercompensation - by that logic someone with the exact same advantages (school and housing paid for, help buying a place, under parent's insurance, etc.) that are not related to anyone in the business also does not "deserve" to be properly compensated for the job they are doing, since they "need" it less. Just doesn't play out in my logic.

You are right that I may very well end up running this company one day, though to be honest with you I don't think that's what my dad wants, but that's another thing entirely. Like I said, I'm not quitting, I'm staying here while I go to grad school, and we'll see where it goes from there. Just wanted/needed to vent and get that all typed out at least for my own sake, as from a professional standpoint there are many, idk discrepancies I guess I'd call them in the way things are conducted sometimes from an internal standpoint and figured some opinions on it couldn't hurt.

NYCGarbagePrince · 09-16-2010, 08:16 AM

It's very healthy to vent. Most important thing is when you feel this way to take a deep breath, step back, look at the things you have and compare the things you have to those that aren't in your position, yet have the same schooling. We are both fortunate. That doesn't mean we are incapable of feeling overworked, taken advantage of, or even under appreciated. The key is to take time out every once and a while to get some perspective. Without it, you will drive yourself nuts and your work/life will suffer for it.

What I try to think about when I start feeling down about this stuff is, "How would I feel doing everything that I was doing without the benefits that I receive because of my family." Get in your car, take her for a drive. Look at the over 90% of the cars on the road that are of lesser value and think to yourself you are working for a company that allows you to drive that car, and the opportunity to rise all the way to the top (if that's what you want). Not many can say the same.

Lastly, don't apologize for feeling the way you do. It is natural and all a part of stress in the workplace. You have to remember there is a whole other factor involved that normal employees don't have to deal with. That, of course, is expectation.

fwmcb · 09-16-2010, 08:40 AM

I know exactly how you feel, for the last year or two I've worked for my dad's firm full time. But since high school, though college and even when I had other jobs I always put in time at dad's businesses.. I always got paid less than most other employees but have more responsibilities, go figure. The only thing is back in February of last year my dad came to the realization of how much work I put in he started bumping up my salary. It is frustrating because you don't really feel comfortable dealing with your parents in the same way that you would any other employer, and if they are like mine they will take advantage of that fact. Hang in man it will get better. I have lot of friends who work for their parents and they all have the same complaints.

It's a pain in the ass to see an idiot employee get a nice bonus and your salary has stays roughly the same...

09-15-2010, 10:48 AM	#1
BTM Banned 483 Rep 10,309 Posts Drives: A///MERICAN!!! Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: A///MERICA!!! iTrader: (11) Garage List 2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe [7.20]	Work rant thread Sometimes it amazes me why I continue to show up to this place. FWIW I work for my small family business and I suspect a lot of this may have to do with that. Anyway, here goes Employee: started November of last year, union C-card technician, comes in for his performance review a few weeks ago, and despite a few mistakes is overall a competent mechanic so I can't complain there. Reading his review under the paperwork section it says something to the effect of "good but can be improved." Interesting how anyone would know this but me, since paperwork from the field comes directly through me and there are only a few accounts over which I do not have complete discretion over - I have not received a single complete service ticket or timesheet, nor any of the weekly safety topics returned in that yearish period, despite me discussing a few times that I need this to be complete in order to complete my job accurately. I was not consulted for this portion of the review. Employee gets marginal (10%) increase in pay, over his union determined and agreed upon wage, by the same people who are so quick to defend their precious union as soon as anyone criticizes anything. Whatever, I think it is strange to defend and require all field techs to be union if you're not going to adhere to that pay schedule, but this isn't my company and I don't make those decisions. Anyway... Me: originally started as an extra "mule" in 2005 but quickly assumed a role answering phones and entering data. Our busiest times, ie mule work for me take place during the Christmas/New Years holiday, and Fourth of July weekend every year. Christmas I usually get off, but I've typically worked 10-12 hour days every Christmas eve, New Years eve (and often day, depending), and Fourth of July since 2005, including while in school since these schedules lined up with my breaks. I never once took a vacation from work on these breaks from school, literally worked here for the entire break, and despite a few long weekend type vacations, haven't missed a day, and take no more time off than anyone else, who get paid vacation while I do not. Never took a spring break in Cancun or Colorado or whereever my friends were going because I was flown home and told I was needed here. Needless to say, I don't think an argument can be made against my commitment to the company. My responsibilities have expanded greatly over this period of time, including managing a team of filter specialists to change all critical/non-critical filters in pharmaceutical plants, direct interaction/cooperation with job/account supervisors, discretion over purchasing, billing, and all related ap/ar functions, and developing operations procedures for the office for which I am expected to work within in order to increase accuracy and minimize administrative mistakes and discrepancies. My pay rate has remained frozen for this entire period of time. Nor have I received a single cent in bonus money or any other "gesture" (ie medical benefits, paid vacation) other employees seem to be able to expect. I do receive retirement contributions, though 2 years ago for reasons unknown I didn't. My review (first one ever) is coming up on 3 weeks overdue and I know for a fact hasn't even been written yet. What is frustrating is that people bent over backwards to give employee his review/raise early (typically they are annual, but as I said not for me), praised for his "commitment" and "ability to step up when needed" Additionally, another "mule" type employee (another coworker's son) received a %20 raise after 1 year with the company on an "as needed" basis, which according to the information I am responsible for is about a month of total days worked. I am grateful I have a decent paying job in a time when many others don't, and realize that my starting pay was higher than average because of the expectations placed upon me. However, I know for a fact I have exceeded these and am doing far more for the company than was ever intended, and it's hard to not feel as if I'm being taken for granted for. Any initiative I have taken has morphed into being expected of me day-to-day, yet compensation for which is non existent.
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09-15-2010, 11:15 AM	#2
Feyd Major 346 Rep 1,288 Posts Drives: a DEEZZULL Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (2)	Sorry bro... I know how you feel. Welcome to America, where the people that actually work are abused and the slackers (people who aren't working so have plenty of time to defend themselves) are the ones given the promotions. That's how shitty people get to the top. Instead of kissing ass all day long, you were working. You can do one or the other, but sadly not both... therefore you are the one getting dumped on. Is this a family business where you are a member of the family, or??
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09-15-2010, 11:23 AM	#3
BTM Banned 483 Rep 10,309 Posts Drives: A///MERICAN!!! Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: A///MERICA!!! iTrader: (11) Garage List 2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe [7.20]	Yes, on paper my mom is the president, but that's actually just a formality. From a realistic standpoint, my dad has the most decision making discretion, and sits visibly about 20ft from me everyday. The thing is that no one has gotten a promotion per se - basically paid more to continue doing what they're doing, as if they were previously underpaid. Meanwhile, thanks to inflation, I have been taking a marginally consistent pay cut to increase my responsibilities and commitment. Reeks IMO In the interest of fairness, there is an amount of down time due to the seasonal nature of the business in which I'm casually perusing forums and the like while multitasking with non-critical functions like electronic filing. I'm hardly the only one who does, I think my dad spent 2hrs yesterday looking at a political cartoon blog. Meanwhile, while I internet surf I always have another task I'm doing, just have a lenient deadline to complete it within.
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09-15-2010, 11:44 AM	#4
Freakazoid Captain 181 Rep 962 Posts Drives: Saturn Redline Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Pittsburgh iTrader: (0)	yep welcome to america unfortunately....and the natures of working with a small family owned business. they have to give you the shortest end of the stick
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09-15-2010, 11:44 AM	#5
double_j First Lieutenant 85 Rep 331 Posts Drives: 2008 JB/B E90 M3 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Northeast USA iTrader: (0)	Talk to somebody about it - shouldn't be too hard considering that it's your family's business. Tell them that now you're there full-time you want to make sure that they know you're there for the long term (assuming you are) and would like to be treated as any other employee. You can spin it as a 'I want to make sure I stand on my own' type thing. Their image of you still might be as a 'part-time and temporary' worker that pretty much justifies their treatment of you. Could be that they think they're doing you a favor by giving you a job in favor of a more permanent employee until you figure out your next move. And if you are part-time and/or are looking to leave for your 'career' soon, the so be it. Not much you can do.
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09-15-2010, 11:52 AM	#8
Seminole Colonel 448 Rep 2,032 Posts Drives: Red Flyer Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: 38.8977° N, 77.0366° W iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 E90 328i [7.00]	I'm guessing that someone over you is the one who conducts the performance reviews. If so, the employee is probably friendly with them and that is why they got a good review. That, or the person is afraid of getting the unions pissed. I've found when it comes to performance reviews, it depends not just how you actually did, but who you know. At the accounting company I worked for the employee structure goes Associate->Senior->Manager->Partner. As an associate (or intern in my case) the senior on your job fills out your performance review and then it goes to the manager for approval. Our performance reviews consisted of around 12 categories with scores from 1-5. 3 was meeting expectations, 4 was above, and nobody ever gets 5's. I think you'd have to discover some type of Enron scandal and maybe then you'd get a 5. So pretty much 4's are as high as you can get. The first client I worked on I had this semi-bitchy senior who people really didn't like. This was my first ever real world accounting type job, so I had a lot of questions, but I picked up on things real fast and did pretty well all things considered. I even found out after I had left the client that the senior had completely neglected to do one whole part of the audit, and when I brought it to her attention she asked me if I could go back and do it even though I was already assigned to another client and had work to do for them. Basically this lady was an idiot. When it came time for the performance review I went into the manager's office and it turns out that he was actually a good friend that I had made in the company and we've played golf on many occasions. On my review I had almost all 3's with maybe 1 or 2 4's. Well, he has override power and went through and changed them all to 4's and then asked if I wanted to play golf on Saturday. So I guess who you know helps. In regard to the no raise, you're in a tough situation. If this was a great economy and you could find work right away I would maybe say bring you concerns to the attention of management. But, with the way things are right now I wouldn't do that. You've also got yourself stuck in a hard place because you've gone above and beyond what you position requires of you so much that they now expect that out of you and anything less is going to be seen negatively. I was going to say there isn't much you can do expect either suck it up or gamble by taking with the bosses, but you say your dad has the most decision power. Why don't you bring it up to him at home one day? I think your dad would be much more approachable than a normal boss. Edit: I see you've brought it up already. Maybe try telling them what you were originally hired for and all the responsibilities you now have and that there is a disconnect between the pay/benefits and the amount of work you are doing. If you give them tangible examples they are more likely to see your viewpoint. For example, say if I'm just a temporary employee then how come I still get called in on days off, etc. Mention how you've never taken the traditional college vacations and instead have dedicated your time to the company. You could also reiterate that while this is just a job you are doing until you find a permanent job somewhere, they are treating you like a permanent employee in every respect except for pay. And for the future with the union employee, since you obviously weren't asked about his performance during the review, maybe from now on you can put notes in his file about how he doesn't turn in documentation or mistakes he makes. That way come next performance review the person in charge will definitely see those notes and won't bypass you and think everything is all peachy. __________________ Last edited by Seminole; 09-15-2010 at 11:59 AM..
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09-15-2010, 12:09 PM	#10
jhv Lieutenant General 1699 Rep 17,304 Posts Drives: G80 M3 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (1)	tl;dr
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09-15-2010, 01:26 PM	#12
NYCGarbagePrince Major 247 Rep 1,435 Posts Drives: X6 50i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	BTM, I am in almost the exact same situation you are. I did the same thing you did throughout college and even in High School. What is hard to see while working as hard as you are, is the advantages you have over all the other employees. It seems to me that you will one day be in your fathers position, ie. running the company. No one else in the company can say the same. I have been a part of my family's company for the better part of a decade. I am more than capable to run the day to day operations and handle just about every responsibility that comes my way, whether it be negotiations, bill paying, etc. However, I have received one raise which was very sizable. I receive adequate benefits and am part of a 401k plan. But I am the one who determines the health benefits and prices etc. In actuality I determine all of these things in the company. My office is very informal as well. We abide by the rules and regulations set for by our governing body and outside of that we do things our own way. In other words, it is not as corporate as most offices. Since I came on full time, my father has found that he only needs to be here 2 maybe 3 days a week for an hour or two each day. I took my first vacation last week since I started working full time and I have to say honestly, i expected to recharge and be ready to come back to work feeling a lot better. I did not. I feel like I never left. The only thing that changed was a weeks worth of work was not completed and now I have to play catch up. I will not be taking another vacation any time in the foreseeable future for this reason. My best advice is to not get down about it. Personally, I get depressed about it all the time. I know what I do everyday, and I know how important it is. The one good thing about taking the vacation was the calls I got and the response I received when i returned. While working in the office my father would tell me (when he was around) that I wasn't doing enough and that I needed to do a list of things that he did. The biggest problem in a family business is, like you said, expectations. It is nearly impossible to exceed them on a daily basis. The key is to do your job to the best of your ability and make sure that the people around you understand your importance to the operation. If they don't then you will never receive the respect you deserve nor will it matter if you think you are doing an adequate job. I know this might sound crazy. But, if you have taken on more work but are still doing the same work that someone in your position should[ already be doing, then a promotion/raise is not necessary. Now you touched on inflation. I believe you said you have been working full time for the last 2 years. Then it hasn't effected you at all. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't be seeing some bump in pay in the near future. Do you still live at home? Do you pay for your car/insurance? Are you living completely "on your own"? If so, then I would think based on your situation you probably deserve some type of compensation for the work you have described doing. However, if you are receiving any benefits from the company outside of your pay check via your family, then you are likely taking that for granted. I have been going through what you speak of for quite some time. I get to work at 6 am every morning, except sundays. I have no social life to speak of during the week. I am asleep in bed by 9pm. These are the sacrifices I make so that I can have a job and make good money. I know for a fact any one I know would kill to be in the same position I am, they would show up at 5 am and leave at 8 pm if they could have it offered to them. But they also get to go to dinner and go out with friends and be active during the week. Whereas, I do not have that luxury. More is expected of us, but we receive more in the end. I always looked at it as the gold at the end of the rainbow. Gotta endure some rain to get there though. You seem humble enough about your job situation. Just keep doing what you're doing. If the opportunity arises where you can voice your opinion on your current compensation issue, take it. If your father signs your checks, talk to him in private. Do not complain about it to other employees, they will not and can not sympathize with you. Good Luck!
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09-16-2010, 08:16 AM	#14
NYCGarbagePrince Major 247 Rep 1,435 Posts Drives: X6 50i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	It's very healthy to vent. Most important thing is when you feel this way to take a deep breath, step back, look at the things you have and compare the things you have to those that aren't in your position, yet have the same schooling. We are both fortunate. That doesn't mean we are incapable of feeling overworked, taken advantage of, or even under appreciated. The key is to take time out every once and a while to get some perspective. Without it, you will drive yourself nuts and your work/life will suffer for it. What I try to think about when I start feeling down about this stuff is, "How would I feel doing everything that I was doing without the benefits that I receive because of my family." Get in your car, take her for a drive. Look at the over 90% of the cars on the road that are of lesser value and think to yourself you are working for a company that allows you to drive that car, and the opportunity to rise all the way to the top (if that's what you want). Not many can say the same. Lastly, don't apologize for feeling the way you do. It is natural and all a part of stress in the workplace. You have to remember there is a whole other factor involved that normal employees don't have to deal with. That, of course, is expectation.
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09-16-2010, 08:40 AM	#15
fwmcb Major 31 Rep 1,107 Posts Drives: 2015 F30 328i X-drive Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NB iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 128i [0.00]	I know exactly how you feel, for the last year or two I've worked for my dad's firm full time. But since high school, though college and even when I had other jobs I always put in time at dad's businesses.. I always got paid less than most other employees but have more responsibilities, go figure. The only thing is back in February of last year my dad came to the realization of how much work I put in he started bumping up my salary. It is frustrating because you don't really feel comfortable dealing with your parents in the same way that you would any other employer, and if they are like mine they will take advantage of that fact. Hang in man it will get better. I have lot of friends who work for their parents and they all have the same complaints. It's a pain in the ass to see an idiot employee get a nice bonus and your salary has stays roughly the same...
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