Salary advice

clownface95

Hi all,
So I began working at a company 5 months ago. It was my first 9-5 Monday to Friday job in an industry that I have an interest in. I moved to Dublin from cork which was a big change for me. The accommodation is very expensive along with other things. I was asked a salary expectation, which I provided. Lately I have realized that I am finding it very difficult to save money and live comfortably. I also found out the person who was in my position previously was on 27 thousand, I am currently on 25 thousand a year. I’m more angry with myself for providing such a low salary expectation. Basically I want advice on how I should ask for a raise?

Note:
Also the job can be very demanding at times and can be very stressful. Although I am only working at the company for 5 months I have been looking for different positions at companies with better saleries.

OMM 0000

clownface95 wrote: »

It was my first 9-5 Monday to Friday job

clownface95 wrote: »

I am finding it very difficult to save money and live comfortably

I don't think you should be living comfortably and saving when doing your first job. There should be a bit of a struggle juggling rent, social life, etc.

25k is not bad.

You can definitely ask for a raise, but your employer is definitely entitled to say no. You've only been there 5 months!

Is it difficult to get people to replace you?

ThumbTaxed

Stick it out for a year and leave then. Leaving after 5 months for 2k isn't worth it.

Better for cv to have 1 year there.

TG1

You'd be surprised at how little difference 2000 makes over a year, if the only reason you are looking to leave is salary I'd stick it out for a bit longer.

Stanford

TG1 wrote: »

You'd be surprised at how little difference 2000 makes over a year, if the only reason you are looking to leave is salary I'd stick it out for a bit longer.

I agree, hold tight for another while and get some experience under your belt, its still very competitive out there.

accensi0n

Stanford wrote: »

I agree, hold tight for another while and get some experience under your belt, its still very competitive out there.

Also agree. Keep plugging away there for at least another 7 months doing good work. A move then won't be so eye catching for the wrong reasons and you may end up in another place on 30-35k.

Batgurl

Also worth considering that the person on €27k had more experience than you (considering they were in the role longer) so perhaps after the year ask for that pay rise.

You can try and get a job elsewhere but, depending on what your skills and experience is, you might not be worth it.

clownface95

The employee in my position before was sloppy. I’m probably just annoyed about my salary expectation and been offered exactly it. I should of said 27-28.

Alkers

clownface95 wrote:

The employee in my position before was sloppy. I’m probably just annoyed about my salary expectation and been offered exactly it. I should of said 27-28.

Exactly, scratch it down to experience and next time you're negotiating something you'll be all the wiser!
You mentioned your predecessor was sloppy - start thinking about or even better documenting how you're doing your job better than they did and then when you approach your boss you'll be able to demonstrate how you bring value to the company and how you deserve a raise. I would wait until any probation periods etc are over before asking but you're best placed to judge when is appropriate.

Doop

Simona1986 wrote: »

documenting how you're doing your job better than they did and then when you approach your boss you'll be able to demonstrate how you bring value to the company and how you deserve a raise. I would wait until any probation periods etc are over before asking but you're best placed to judge when is appropriate.

Very good advice IMO, do not ask for a raise based on Dublin being expensive or the fact you are struggling ask for a raise based on what you bring to the company and intend to bring in the future. And definitely wait until you are out of probation.

vectorvictor

clownface95 wrote: »

The employee in my position before was sloppy. I’m probably just annoyed about my salary expectation and been offered exactly it. I should of said 27-28.

Agree with the posters saying stick it out for a year. You will have no problem getting either a rise or another job that meets your new expectation with a solid 12months experience.

Take home on 25k is €420 per week versus €447 on 27k (for single person under normal tax circumstances)

I am sure if you put your mind to it you can find a way to save €27 per week. For example bike to work or packed lunches absolutely no in work incurred expenses - take away coffees, sandwiches etc.. At one point before I copped on I was spending the guts of €60 a week to feed myself in work (which was largely boredom and feeling like I deserved to treat myself ) plus another €40 odd on commuting