Wednesday, August 26, 2009

What to do, what to do...

I recently received an interesting message on Facebook. It was from my replacement at my old job. Here is what she said:

Hi A Little Pink!

I stepped in as the new [old position's name] at [employer's name] after you left. I am thinking about asking for a raise and I know they lowered the salary of this position when you left and I started... which really sucks! Anyway, I was just wondering a range or about how much you made when you worked here so I know what's reasonable to ask for. If you don't feel comfortable answering the question, no big deal at all!!!! I just thought I would check with you!

Thanks so much A Little Pink,
XXX XXX

Now the dilemma. Do I tell her? I do not know what she is making now, but I of course, have an idea. The original salary they offered me was too low and I negotiated more. I'm assuming it's probably a little under that... She is very entry level, just out of college and to be honest, she is probably at the appropriate salary level. She has only been out of college a year!

I can completely understand wanting more money, we all do! But, I believe you have to work your way up the ladder. I have been out of college 5 years now and I have had to bust my butt to make the money I make now. I have gone as far as moving 1200 miles away from home to be happy with my salary. I admit, I was in the right place at the right time when I got promoted the first time but that doesn't mean I didn't work very, very hard.

Anyway, I'm getting off track here. [Stepping down from soapbox].

What would you all do? Do I give her a range? My problem is what if she brings up that I was the one that advised her during her negotiation and I ultimately burn a bridge with my former employer whom I still have a good reference from? Am I being too paranoid? Should I just direct her to websites like salary.com or careerbuilder.com to figure out what the appropriate salary is for a position such as hers?

What would you guys do?

10 comments:

Amber Dupree said...

You've got to be kidding me. Why in the world would this person think it's okay to ask you that? NO, personally, I would not give her a range. She should know better. Shame on her (as my grandmother would have said)

Amber said...

I would NEVER ask someone how much money they made unless it was a GOOD friend!

That being said, I say you reply with "advice" but NOT a wage range. Tell her what you just told us; that in your opinion she is making a decent wage based on her experience, remind her how much experience you had when you had the same position and finish it off by saying it never hurts to try and negotiate a higher wage if she truly feels she deserves one.

She can't exactly pull your name into that, that's pretty common knowledge about a job, right!?

Good luck! Let us know how it goes!!

Anonymous said...

I wouldn't give her any numbers just some advice if you have any on asking for a raise.

ThingsinPink said...

i wouldnt give her a range. I would bow out gracefully, "saying it was a bit out of my comfort zone," wish her luck, and exit stage left.

Shoshanah said...

I know I'm always completely curious as to what everyone else is making. I'm pretty sure I've asked a few friends before. But I've never gone as far as sending a facebook message. I'm thinking you might be able to point her towards the website you mentioned and say that they seem to be around the right numbers

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Nope, I wouldn't give her a range or anything. Just say you aren't comfortable discussing that with her.

And really, a person's worth/salary isn't dependent on the previous person's salary. It depends on their qualifications and how hard they are working in the position!

marisol said...

I wouldn't say a darn thing. Let her negotiate however she wants. It's better that you aren't involved.

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

I wouldn't give her a range or a number.

Lesli said...

No, I would not tell her at all. I would write back, of course, and just say, I am sorry, but I do not feel comfortable giving out that information. THE END
If she wants to negotiate for a higher salary, more power to her--but she can do it without your input.

Jen said...

Whoa this chick has a lot of nerve!!! I would direct her to the websites like you said, and if you feel like more of a friend than an aquaintence, I would go ahead and remind her that entry level positions may not always pay the best. But I would steer clear of any kind of numbers altogether, don't let her tell you what she makes either or if she does, don't react to that amount!