I work for the public sector. I was a consultant for 10 years before I made the move. I now have a team under me.
Fighting with HR about staff pay is painful.
I just hired two people. Both at the same Grade but one with maybe slightly more relevant work experience than the other. The other was hired later and asked for more money. I said yes, he asked for an extra $8k, it wasn’t a biggie. His skills weren’t as relevant but whatever I had delegation to approve it.
With the one that was hired earlier, I wanted him bumped up $8k as well. I didn’t think it was fair. It took a month of constant back and forth on emails with HR, the Director’s and a whole bunch of other people. I got it in the end.
I’m tired. That’s all. I’m seeing myself fall into the trap of being middle management.