After an 8 month battle for a pay increase, I finally gave my notice and am moving up in the world. Of course, they never thought I would actually leave, and scrambled to find a way to keep me. It's too late!
Money isn't everything, but it makes living a whole lot easier. Behold, my scathing response to a request for an exit interview that I refused to do in person. While I'm doubtful it will change anything, it felt fantastic to finally tell my bosses where to stick it. Onwards and upwards!
1. What prompted you to search for another job opportunity?
Money. I would consider this company a private practice as it is individually funded and is billing me out at $175/hr, regardless of being a non-profit. Compared to industry standards for private practice, this company is paying at least 10% below what other companies are offering, with comparable benefits. I received a 12% raise at my new place of employment with the same benefits. Additionally, the pay scale is based on the union wages, which is actually the lowest paid profession group in our province. So, this company is paying below the lowest paid employees. It’s leaves a further bad taste that this company is billing out at $175/hour, which is 16-20% higher than other private clinics (which bill out at $140-150 with comparable benefits packages and management), and I am left with peanuts.
2. Do I feel I was given what I needed to succeed at This company?
No. I had 1 day of orientation, and had to spend a lot of time digging around for information which was not very consistent in it’s messaging. It was quite difficult, and was compounded by having no documentation from the previous person who held this position.
3. What did I like best about the job?
My coworkers.
4. What did I like least about the job?
The lack of transparency and lack of communication around sensitive topics such as pay. It made me feel taken advantage of. I initiated a conversation about pay in November 2021 and had to follow up several times in person and via email because no one responded. I was then told that I needed to wait 9 months to receive back pay on a yearly raise system that is established within the Health Sciences Professions. When I finally received the 0.50 cent raise, it was utterly underwhelming considering the rate of inflation was 12% this year. This company did not rise to support their employees in the same way they rise to support their clients. This company doesn’t exist within a vacuum, there are standards set across the industry and it is incredibly frustrating when companies don’t play ball.
Also, I was loaded up with more and more clients because there was no one else to take them on, when I was doing well with billing despite frequent cancellations.
5. Is there anything that would have changed my mind about leaving?
Money. I laugh because many people have suggested that money is not everything, but I am here for a paycheque and because I enjoy what I do. Pay is the most important factor for the majority of workers. I ended up paying for gas out of pocket because mileage was so low. When I was hired I was told that this company was at 95% of the union pay, which swiftly deteriorated to 90%. It would have been good to know that the pay scales do not keep up with inflation, which was 12% this year. You might be interested to know that a different company has paid 0.56 cents for the past few years for mileage. Additionally, indicating that you will reduce the mileage when gas prices go down furthers my point about pay inequity at this organization.
6. Would I recommend a job at This company to a friend?
No because the pay is so poor compared to other places. If I were the person I am today, and was offered this job at this pay rate, I would have said no because of the pay.
Xoxo! Solidarity to the working class!