Foo - Safe to ask for a raise?

I've been at my workplace since February of 2006, and I've come a way. In August, my boss did give me some strong comments about how he wants me to follow his directions longer (he likes to give long directions all at once). Well, he has not said anything about it since. I've been trusted to make things entirely by myself more frequently, and to polish molds.
Given that I started at 8 dollars an hour, and now I am doing a lot more involved things, do you think it would be fair to ask for a small raise sometime before February? The only real negative I think I have for myself there is my hours- I don't work many. Well, I work 4 hours a week and then another 4-6 on saturday. There's not a lot anybody can do about that though as long as I am in school. I worked 25-30 hours a week in summer though.

Oh, by raise I am talking like maybe 1$ per hour extra. Not trying to be greedy

A 5% raise after six months is not unreasonable. Perhaps ask for another 5% after another
six months. What is the pay scale for skilled workers at your trade, and how long do
they train to reach that scale?

At that wage, it's reasonable to expect at least a $.50 raise, even a $1. But since you only work only 10 hours a week, I'd probably hold off until you work more hours...

Sounds reasonable to me. But I don't know exactly what you do or what the prevailing conditions are. Just remember... never ask for a raise because you need a raise. Ask for one because you deserve one.. Are you truly underpaid for what you do? What are you truly worth?

Also, you're probably not going to go ask again while there seeing as you're now a senior in high school. If you really do deserve a raise, what is a true fair wage? Given that you have to go through the trouble anyway, make sure you're asking for something reasonable. I'm not talking about trying to be greedy. But if you really deserve, say, $12/hour, then ask for it. Be conservative since you don't want to generate a big fight over what ultimately is not a huge amount of money, but at the same time, don't sell yourself short. Sit down and do your research. Figure out what you're worth. Explain in a carefully written letter. Go talk to your boss.

Good luck.

I'd fire you just for thinking about it. Then I'd make you beg and grovel for your job back, then I hire you back at $7 an hour.

I'd fire you just for thinking about it. Then I'd make you beg and grovel for your job back, then I hire you back at $7 an hour.
rofl

Most places do raises on a yearly basis, so I think you should not try before Febuary.

Secondly, considering how little hours you work, quite honestly, I think that counts even more against you. Even more reason your boss may not feel you deserve a raise.

Thirdly, $1 per hour when you make $8 is a pretty big raise. That's 12.5%....a standard raise is more like 5% ($.040). Asking for more than say $0.50 is probably pushing it.

Just my $0.02!

I think KT pretty much hit the nail on the head.

Most places do raises on a yearly basis, so I think you should not try before Febuary.

Secondly, considering how little hours you work, quite honestly, I think that counts even more against you. Even more reason your boss may not feel you deserve a raise.

Thirdly, $1 per hour when you make $8 is a pretty big raise. That's 12.5%....a standard raise is more like 5% ($.040). Asking for more than say $0.50 is probably pushing it.

Just my $0.02!


KT - I'd agree with you, but... if he was hired in at a wage that's far lower than what other people who are doing his job are earning on account of him being an intern, and if he's doing the same sort of work that people who have recently started at a higher rate of pay are earning, I don't think he'd be out of line to ask.

phantomcow - if you had been hired into that position two months ago as a full time employee, would you be earning $8.00 per hour?

Oh... one more thing. This may be obvious to you, PC2, but it's worth noting. Never mention any possibility of leaving--as a negotiation tactic or even in passing--unless you're willing to back up that statement. Also along these lines, if this is the only place where you can be doing what you want to do in your part-time work, tread extremely carefully.

KT - I'd agree with you, but... if he was hired in at a wage that's far lower than what other people who are doing his job are earning on account of him being an intern, and if he's doing the same sort of work that people who have recently started at a higher rate of pay are earning, I don't think he'd be out of line to ask.
I don't know....even so, I wouldn't be expect to be considered less than an intern after less than one year, especially if I was only working 8-10 hours per week. That's about 1/4 time at best.

Being granted privilege to do what the full-timers are doing shows you are picking up the skills nicely, but I still don't think he's got enough clout to ask until at least 1 year is up.

well the worst you can get is no...
the only thing is that you only work what? 8 hours a week for now, that might not be considered indispensable.
I do hope you get it and you should get something after 6 months but maybe if it was asked when you work full time as in the summer, then maybe you could get more chance of a yes...

Depends on what your main motivation is for being there. If memory serves, you are there somewhat apprenticing and learning a skill. So you are probably getting a lot more than $8 per hour if that is the case. You can't really quantify the knowledge that you are getting.

If the above is the case, then I'd be cautious, you don't want to screw up a good thing over $16 per week. On the other hand you can see how little it is going to cost him per week. He may actually respect you more for asking. I know that sounds odd, but chances are if you are in a technical field, $16 to this guy is like toilet paper.

I understand that you work more hours in the Summer but the same still applies. If you are making him money and valuable, he won't flinch. If you are not then it won't be a wise move.

I've been at my workplace since February of 2006, and I've come a way. In August, my boss did give me some strong comments about how he wants me to follow his directions longer (he likes to give long directions all at once). Well, he has not said anything about it since. I've been trusted to make things entirely by myself more frequently, and to polish molds.
Given that I started at 8 dollars an hour, and now I am doing a lot more involved things, do you think it would be fair to ask for a small raise sometime before February? The only real negative I think I have for myself there is my hours- I don't work many. Well, I work 4 hours a week and then another 4-6 on saturday. There's not a lot anybody can do about that though as long as I am in school. I worked 25-30 hours a week in summer though.

I would let them make the decision, if they value you as a employee the will give you a raise. I'm at 7.50 an i am 100% certain that i will get a raise in Jan or Feb.

you know, Im not saying this applies to you but i really find that the younger generation really expects a lot too quick sometimes. I find myself surprised at times with our employees. They want the best schedules withought making an effort, they want the best money withought making an efforts.
It just seems like we worked so much harder when I was young and thrived on the quality of our work and were so thankful when things came our way.
I mean not too long ago you were outraged that he had asked you to buy your own tools, something that is just the norms at what you do and now 6 months later you want a raise..working 8 hours a week..
I dont know....
reminds me of what I go through at work with the younger generation.

Hey, I'm the younger generation.


OK, not really.

I knew my company started me low cause for the past 2 years I've gotten 13% a year... arg I should've asked for more to begin with.

If I were you, I'd say 5% or so after a year, at least. 6 months? Come on. A lot of people I know in engineering have 10+ years of experience and most of em haven't gotten a raise in 6-8 years.

A good way to ask for it is to say you deserve that 5% because you're taking on a lot more responsibility, yada yada etc etc. Then again, a long time ago, what you're doing would be considered gaining experience. And when you're young, experience matters more than money, in fact, some internships don't even pay because the experience itself is worth something.

you know, Im not saying this applies to you but i really find that the younger generation really expects a lot too quick sometimes. I find myself surprised at times with our employees. They want the best schedules withought making an effort, they want the best money withought making an efforts.
It just seems like we worked so much harder when I was young and thrived on the quality of our work and were so thankful when things came our way.
I mean not too long ago you were outraged that he had asked you to buy your own tools, something that is just the norms at what you do and now 6 months later you want a raise..working 8 hours a week..
I dont know....
reminds me of what I go through at work with the younger generation.

I don't think I was outraged at all, I was more perplexed. I typically work 10 hours a week, because thats all I can with school. In summer, I worked 5 days a week. Sometimes taking a weekday off but working saturday. Regardless, I very rarely say no if I am asked to work at some time when school is not a factor.

I know a raise for me is toilet paper for these guys. The owners of this small shop (5 employees) do very well. Well enough they just hired another part time worker.
As an employee, I think I am pretty good. I don't often cost them money, I think there have been 3 times where I have screwed up with something relatively significant. I never made those mistakes again.

I am tempted to wait until February, so I can say then that I have been working there for 1 year. I do think I deserve a little more per hour though. I have a friend who works at a hardware store for 9 dollars per hour, and not to brag but, my job requires more skill.

Mentioning leaving the company is an option not even on the table. I like this place, a lot. I like the flexibility, in that I am not fixed on a schedule like I MUST be there on a tuesday and thursday. I am free to call up and say "I can't make it this tuesday but I will come in monday or wednesday instead". It is a nice atmosphere being such a small shop, and I have a good relationship with the 2 owners and employees. I know I don't NEED a raise either. What do I have to pay for? Bike upgrades are the biggest money drainer right now :D

Do you get periodic performance reviews? If so, that is the appropriate time to talk money, especially if you get a good review. If you haven't gotten reviewed yet, in January approach your boss by asking him if there is a performance review process, since you are approaching your anniversary date, believe you have been doing a good job and taking on greater responsibilities that you feel deserve increased compensation.

Edit: based on your last post - DON'T threaten to leave the company. Nobody likes attempted blackmail.

I have a friend who works at a hardware store for 9 dollars per hour, and not to brag but, my job requires more skill.
That may all be true, but that is a poor comparison for determining what you're worth. You're not going head to head for the same work.

You do realize some interns work for free. No 5% raise on $0.

Depends on what your main motivation is for being there. If memory serves, you are there somewhat apprenticing and learning a skill. So you are probably getting a lot more than $8 per hour if that is the case. You can't really quantify the knowledge that you are getting.

If the above is the case, then I'd be cautious, you don't want to screw up a good thing over $16 per week. On the other hand you can see how little it is going to cost him per week. He may actually respect you more for asking. I know that sounds odd, but chances are if you are in a technical field, $16 to this guy is like toilet paper.

I understand that you work more hours in the Summer but the same still applies. If you are making him money and valuable, he won't flinch. If you are not then it won't be a wise move.

Portis makes some very good points, though it's probably a little more than $16/week. Paying you more incurs more than just the wage increase for the employer. Still, for the $16/week, it's probably going to wind up being chump change anyway.

The apprenticeship nature of your employment tells me you're getting much more than your pay. Asking for a 12.5% raise may seem excessive considering the intangible benefit of experience.

I think chipcom's got the right approach. Come January, ask about an annual performance review and based on that, broach the topic of a raise.

Mentioning leaving the company is an option not even on the table. I like this place, a lot. I like the flexibility, in that I am not fixed on a schedule like I MUST be there on a tuesday and thursday. I am free to call up and say "I can't make it this tuesday but I will come in monday or wednesday instead". It is a nice atmosphere being such a small shop, and I have a good relationship with the 2 owners and employees. I know I don't NEED a raise either. What do I have to pay for? Bike upgrades are the biggest money drainer right now :D

I hope you realize what a benefit that is. Finding an employer that can accommodate your schedule and teach you a skill is very hard to find.

I follow this rule when considering a raise for an employee.

DO BE GET, If you Do the best/right job, Be a good/reliable employee, you will Get the recognition/raise you deserve.

I worked for ten years for an owner that felt that a raise was unnecessary and that I should be happy to have a job. I kept my head down did my job with a smile and learned everything I could about the business. All the time raising a family. Now I have my own company and treat all of my 150+ employees fairly and equally.

If a part time employee asked me for a raise I would consider the following things.

One-Is he/she an asset to the organization.

Two-Is this someone that I want to invest in for the long haul.

Three-The employees stated or perceived purpose for the request. ie just money, recognition for talent and commitment or added responsibility.

Finally-How would I justify giving this person a raise and not all the other part time employees that work there. (This last one can get a discrimination charged filed against you if you are not careful).

Your young, don't worry about money now. Live life, live within your means and ride your bike!

You do realize some interns work for free. No 5% raise on $0.

Exactly!
If he really wanted more money, it's much easier selling drugs on the street. 6 figure salary for a lot less "skill" and work. Experience gained as an intern, before fully heading out into the field, is priceless. Remember, you can't get a job without experience. You can't get experience without a job. The internship is a great loophole to take advantage of.

Consider yourself an apprentice. You're learning a trade AND getting paid for it, you should be happy with that.

I don't know....even so, I wouldn't be expect to be considered less than an intern after less than one year, especially if I was only working 8-10 hours per week. That's about 1/4 time at best.

Being granted privilege to do what the full-timers are doing shows you are picking up the skills nicely, but I still don't think he's got enough clout to ask until at least 1 year is up.

Part of my reasoning goes to the question of what the terms of the initial internship were. Was there a duration specified? If the duration hasn't been met, then I agree that asking for a raise would be premature and bad form. If the initial terms of the internship have been satisfied though (say if it was supposed to only last to the end of the school year, or through summer), asking about a raise wouldn't be out of line.