Receptionist and Warehouse Supervisors make more than me the IT guy, do I just quit?

Question

I recently intercepted a file that shows everyone's salary and a 70 year old woman who just answers phones makes more than me the IT guy who is responsible for the entire company running. The warehouse supervisors make 16K more than me. These guys are idiots. My boss is a cheap skate. Do I just walk out, this is just not right. The HR girl works 3 days a week and makes 15K more than me. WTF?

I'm responsible for 50 desktops, 40 laptops, 2 domain servers, Linux Box, Virtual machines, all the cell phones, Avaya phone system, printers, router, firewall, fax servers, etc. I'm pissed!

Answer 1

YOU DO NOT TAKE A JOB THAT YOU CAN SEE SALARIES, IF YOU CARE ABOUT WHAT OTHERS EARN!! Sometimes you get paid more than over people. Sometimes you get paid less. Deal with it! Were you even authorized to see the file? As you say "intercepted" probably means you had no business poking around where you were...



Here's things for you to consider:

- did you negotiate your salary or did you accept what was offered? Maybe some of the others are better negotiators than you.

- will your supervisor say that you are "solely responsible" for 50 desktops, 40 laptops, 2 domain servers, Linux Box, Virtual machines, all the cell phones, Avaya phone system, printers, router, firewall, fax servers, etc.

- do you think the 70yo gets paid for the job she does? no way. she gets paid for being able to deal with these people for so long.

- the warehouse managers gets paid for SUPERVISING others which is a higher skill than working alone.

- your job involves problem solving and being a "do-er". How does your job different from others that might pay more. Do you do any planning? Are you involved in strategic decision making.

- are you self taught or do you come with credentials? The saying is very true = college graduates make over $1M more over their lifetime than the under-educated. Simply having the degree is a value-add.

- How much experience do you have??

- will your supervisor say that you are "solely responsible" for 50 desktops, 40 laptops, 2 domain servers, Linux Box, Virtual machines, all the cell phones, Avaya phone system, printers, router, firewall, fax servers, etc.

-

Answer 2

There's a reason you dont discuss salary with coworkers. And there is a reason you don't read communications not meant for you. But knowledge is power and you can use this as a kick in the butt to ask for a raise - not as leverage, don't mention you "intercepted" that message. Do you have a degree? How long have you been working? How long have you been doing this job? If you're good, I think you deserve a raise. Ask.

And FWIW a couple years ago when the Fortune500 company I worked for had to lay off people, the majority was IT guys. You seem like you have a lot of responsiblity where you are and should prepare a run for a raise. Chances are if you work somewhere with a warehouse or some type of productio, regular IT help desk guys are non-essential. Good luck.

Answer 3

Don't compare yourself to others. Compare the value of your work to the salary you get and what can you get else where if you apply for similar job. If you think the boss underpay you for your value and you can easily find a different job that pay more, then why not find a better pay job that make you happy? what are you waiting for? If you think the pay is decent compare to the market and you can't find better pay job, there is nothing to complain about.



You don't know what people do or how they earned their position, they might be the first people who helped the boss build his business to begin with or saved his life, and it should not be your concern. You should only concern if the company pay you fairly for your work.

Answer 4

With all the outsourcing that has gone on in recent years, IT guys are a dime a dozen.



Go get a college degree so you can be more than just another "IT guy". Maybe a supervisor or someone working in HR.

Answer 5

I think you would be more content at another job. Not aware that an employer must pay wages on some basis of fairness as you see it. You should assume that "these guys are idiots" and do not, not apparently to be paid more than you. Units of productivity sometimes takes priority over the gifted talented worker such as you. Good luck.

Answer 6

Time to move on you have skills and the company will just find some one else to do the IT work or outsource it anyway. Take your skills and move on, it's a business and salary negotiations. You want more responsibilities to get more money then move on.

Answer 7

"I recently intercepted a file" - can't do anything, you arent' supposed to know.