How do you get a raise when you work for family?!?

Question

I have presented my case twice now as to why I should get a raise at my job. My dad and uncle are owners of a company that produces oil-water separators and I am the office manager, I took an accounting class at their request, I do QuickBooks work, accounts rec. accounts pay., filing, general office clean-up, etc.

I get $10/hr, 30hrs/week equaling about $13,500 gross pay a year. I'm pregnant and have been working this job for almost 2 years now without a raise. My husband has a job and received a raise twice and he's been working at his job less than a year.

I tried spelling out everything I've improved on, the average pay for someone with my job (which the low end is $25,000/yr) and I still am unable to get a raise... what can I do??

Answer 1

if you cant quit, and you have done everything...is there anything else you can do? probebly, but can you force them to give you a raise no.

Its harder when working for family because they feel you are family, and should just stay and deal with the conditions.

Threaten to quit. Tell them if you dont get bumbed up to the minimum for your position in 3 months, you will find somewhere else to go...

If you need the money, then you will have to suffer with no raise....if you know you can make more elsewhere and can afford to quit, then i would do just that. Family or not, you deserve a wage that is equal to the job performed...gl

Answer 2

Find another job.  You don't have to actually accept the new job, but that is a really good negotiating standpoint.  Perhaps ask them for a percentage of the business in exchange for a raise.  Be prepared to quit and take the new job though.

Personally, I have learned not to work for family.  I got screwed hard by my uncle.  Family often thinks they can take advantage of us.

Keep looking for another job.  There is one out there for you.

Answer 3

You have 2 choices here. There is no if's, and's or buts.

You asked for a raise and they didn't give it to you.

1. Demand a raise

2. Quit

They are clearly taking advantage of you. 2 years and no raise that is unheard of. There is no way I will work for anybody family, friends or anyone with out an annual raise.

They must have given you a bonus or something. I can't think of why you would stay at a job for 2 years with no raise.

Let me tell you don't quit without having something else  but I will be damned if I wouldn't be out there looking hard. If that ment taking half days for interviews then so be it.

Good Luck

Answer 4

Report them to the better business bureau.  You should be getting regular pay raises (at least once a year).  If they are paying you less than other workers just because you are family, that's not right.  It may be time to quit and get a job somewhere else where they pay you what you deserve.

Answer 5

It looks like your caught between a rock and a hard place.  The only thing you can do is keep looking for a job.  Maybe once you have the baby you can take in other kids to babysit.  

Your only other option is to bluff them.  Tell them you have another job and leave and see if they'll ask you to come back with a higher salary.  BUT, this may backfire and you will be out of a job permanently!

Sorry and good luck!

Answer 6

If your bosses won't give you a raise and you won't quit (you CAN, you just WON'T), then you'll have to just accept working at your current pay rate.

Sorry, seems like this is the best you can do. Your pregnancy is not their problem.

Of course, you can always quit and let them see if they can find someone to do the job as well as you for less pay.

Answer 7

Tell them that just because you're family doesn't mean they can walk all over you. In fact, they should treat you better-- you're family. And inform them that with your skills and experience, you could easily get a job elsewhere doing the same thing, making 2 or 3 times as much. Most companies give raises every 6 months to a year.

I just read your additional info. Don't apply to banks and all. Apply to doctors/dentists offices and for local/state government jobs (post office, county clerk's office, courthouse, etc.). They pay much better and you usually get a great insurance/health care plan. But don't go in for interviews until after your baby is born. Most companies are veeery hesitant to hire a pregnant woman. They know she'll be calling out sick a lot and then taking two months of maternity leave. She'll forget all her training, etc. And most companies require you to be there at least 6 months before benefits kick in. Stick it out with the family business as long as you can and the right thing will come around =)

PS-- how old are you? When you go for interviews, dress very professional. I can't tell you the numbers of people who come in for interviews dressed like slobs. Pants with dryer lint balls all over them. Shoes with scuffs. Wrinkled shirts. Oily, unkempt hair and makeup. Even the nicest thing you own may look like rags to a potential employer. Dress like you're empowered. Show yourself to be an asset they MUST HAVE for their company!

Answer 8

This will probably make you a bit sick but we pay our Office Manager, which is what you are,  $1200.00 per week salary. She started out at $600.00 per week and has been with us for nearly 6 years. She does everything you do but also does payroll (through a payroll company), health insurance and safety seminars.

She also gets health insurance paid at 100%, phone, gas card, 2 weeks paid vacation per year, paid holidays and a company car. She really does the job of about 3 people and she does it with such efficiency that we could never replace her in a million years.

You most definitely deserve much more than 10.00 per hour. State your case again and be sure you tell them that you are well worth it!

She is a family member.

Answer 9

Did you ask for a raise?  Maybe just sit them down one day and tell them exactly what you told us.