Hi,
My wife and friends have convinced me to ask for a raise. I definitely have the ammunition to justify one, but I’m a little nervous as it’s my first time.
Background:
I started working at [COMPANY] in 2013 when I was 20, as a part-time data entry making $11 an hour (this was big bucks for me at the time lmao). I have worked my way up the ranks through some of the most sacrificial eras and difficult times (go go more in depth if needed). I toughed through some really hard times, and 2017 AeroTheManiac’s goal was a title called Ops Manager.
I wanted it so damn badly and got declined 100 times until I finally proved myself. I was very proud, and was by far the youngest OM in the company at 24. As a result, there was a little but of unsaid ageism I went through, but nothing completely debilitating.
When promoted, I happily received the news from boss of my pay. At the time, because I had no experience as an OM (on paper, despite the sacrificial era I mentioned), she said she would start me as a hypothetical “Junior OM”, and a $50,000 a year rate with the empty promise that if I could prove myself, I could work my way up. I now see how fucking bullshit that is, however it was way more than I was making before and I gladly accepted. Unfortunately, after just researching my emails, I don’t have those in writing and that manager is long gone, so it all means nothing.
2 years ago, I received a title change from Operations Manager to Terminal Manager, since my operation included running a terminal. Duties really didn’t change except for being held more accountable for warehouse safety and a single employee under me. Easy peasy.
Well, TM’ing became more and more demanding, and new customers poured in and in. I assisted across the country as support and was greatly appreciated by my boss and many different departments (could find emails if needed). We recently onboarded a new customer in my warehouse that in incredibly demanding, and I mean INCREDIBLY. My first day was a 20 hour day, and several 12-Hour days followed.
Right before this customer began, my boss alluded to a potential raise as this would now classify me as a “TRUE TERMINAL MANAGER” (fucking YUCK). The customer has since started in early March, and my I now report to a different guy, someone who is brand new to the company (last week) with 30 years experience in the field.
I also just issued two big ass rate increases for my two biggest accounts, and I support the operation on a 24/7 basis receiving calls throughout the night and frequently traveling to the facility to perform deliveries, customer interactions or other immediate service related items.
In the 9 years I have never asked for a raise, only gotten 3% annual raises in the April yearly reviews. I’m now sitting at like $55k a year, 5 years into OM/TM position.
My questions:
-Is asking a guy who’s 1 week into his job for a raise a good idea? I’m not a fan of the guy already, he is sort of an alpha male toxic masculinity type of guy, who wants to be “the guy who handled it.”
-If asking him is okay, should I wait for the annual review rate increase (usually April-July because of how long it takes) or just go in now? New boss is coming in on Monday to meet me personally. Not sure if that’s helpful info, but I’m not the type to ask for this in person.
-If I do make a formal raise request, should I gather info on how much other TMs or making or would that just stir the pot? What us a good amount? I’m thinking +$10k a year, that’s a 9% increase. Is that unheard of or is that reasonable?
-If I do put this together, should I keep it short/bullet pointed or long and detailed like this (obviously more formal and organized)?
Any feedback is appreciated!