How do you advocate for yourself in the workplace?
I tried to advocate for myself and this is how it went.
I’m (25 f) and a housing case manager at a non profit. I help veterans experiencing homelessness get placed into housing.
For context on what I do:
I help clients find housing, pay for security deposits/applications, assist with utility bills, refer them to employment services/services to help claim disability or SSI. I also try to slowly get them to start contributing towards their rent and discuss saving money.
When I tried to advocate for myself this is what happened:
I enjoy what I do and my manager is super supportive. However, when I asked at my year mark for a raise, I was told the company does not do that. I was extremely frustrated and expressed that to my manager. I told him that I find it hypocritical that we as case managers expect clients to get into housing and start contributing to rent when I cannot get approved for my own apartment due to my low pay. I expressed that it’s not right that the only reason I can live here is because I share an apartment with my boyfriend because most of our clients are single. My manager expressed that his hands are tied.
I know that this field is not paid fairly, however I feel that I should be able to do what I advise my clients to do. This field should not be looked at “oh you shouldn’t do it for the money – you should do it because you’re passionate”. If I didn’t want to do it for the money, I’d volunteer. I have skills and I would like to be paid for them, just like any other field.
I know I should be looking for another job, but the turn over is so high clients fall through the cracks and do not get the services they deserve. I don’t want to leave because clients will suffer, but if I don’t get more pay then I will suffer.
Should I try to stay and see if I can persuade my way into getting a raise? or say fuck it and look somewhere else?