Do you think it's reasonable for me to say that a $30,000/year salary is not enough to live comfortable on?

Question

I'm thinking of asking for a raise. I made a big mistake and did not negotiate my salary at all when I got hired. In fact, I lowballed it in hopes that I would get hired so my parents would get off my back about getting a "real job" (I waitressed all through college, graduated, and then waitressed for another 6-7 months before getting this job). I asked for $30g/year, figuring that because I make about 500/week in tips waitressing (100-150/shift, 4 shifts a week), and 500*52=26000, I should be FINE with 30,000/year right? Wrong! I forgot to factor in 1)my waitressing paychecks, which were usually about $150 every 2 weeks (4,000/year) AND 2)the fact that the $500/week was cash. No taxes. All take-home.

After taxes my paycheck for this job is about $925 every 2 weeks, so I'm really only taking home $24,050/month. When I was waitressing I was taking home $30,000 a year. That's a difference of almost $500/month! Not to mention that the place that I work now is about 20 miles further than the bar I waitressed at, and it costs about $200/month in gas just to get there everyday. Basically, I'm freakin broke. My credit card balances are climbing up and I really feel like I should talk to someone about a salary increase. I'm in Phoenix, AZ so it's not like NY or LA but rent is pretty high (Studios are $650/month, one bedrooms about $800) and I just feel like I made a big mistake and should have stayed waitressing. I'm single as well, so I don't have a husband or anything to help with the rent or bills.

My 6 month review should be happening soon (It's actually been 8 months but I was supposed to get one and never did..this company kind of has a communication problem). I've been doing fine, been given a lot of responsibilities. My immediate supervisor resigned a month ago and I've been in charge of all of his responsibilites since then.

Do you think that if I arrange for a (late) 6 month review, I would be valid in asking for a salary increase?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes.  You're overdue for a 6 month review after which raises are often given.  Since you've taken over your supervisor's responsibilities, you should be in a good position to merit an increase.

I wish you all the best of luck.

Answer 2

Overall for being single the salary isn't that bad. It sounds like you may have to much debt.

I would ask whomever is supervising you now about your review. Tell them you understand about the delay since your supervisor has left and there is a lot going on. Have them give an estimate or actual date.

Now understand in a lot of companies the 6 month review is just that a review not a raise negotiation. Some companies do not include a raise review until the one year mark and use the 6 month one as benchmark of your progress and making sure your on track.

I believe it is too soon to ask for a raise. Most businesses don't care you under priced yourself or that you didnt ask for enough to cover your bills. If you can't wait for at least the one year mark start looking for another job and research what the pay rates are for the job titles and skills that you have.

Answer 3

First off, employers do not give raises because you can't afford your bills.  They give raises based on how good you are at your job and how much of an asset you are to the company.

With that said, there's nothing wrong in asking for a six month review and seeing if you can negotiate a higher salary.  Make sure you have evidence of your benefit to the team/company.

To answer the big question, $30,000 can be enough to live on comfortably depending on location and how much debt a person already has.

Answer 4

What is the type of job that you have it really depends on your experience and qualifications

Answer 5

I would ask there is no harm in requesting a raise and you might be suprised what the results will be and yet if they dont you know you do have other choices in life .Just see what else with your experience you could get and the money they pay.Maybe it will be time for a change if they dont come across  good luck

Answer 6

i don't think asking for a raise is unreasonable, i just moved from that area, and though the houses come pretty cheap.. renting one is not, gas is not, not to mention the cost of living in itself.. $30,000 would be a decently comfortable salary in some areas of the country, including most of arizona.. but you're right next to scottsdale in all its bliss. not to mention the bills that never seem to go away from student loans, and college credit cards. i'm sure your employer will understand your request.