Overworked, Underpaid

Dear Alisa and Gina, 

I head up New Business Development at a small advertising agency. Last year, we hired a new project manager. She was terrible at her job, and I was asked to fill her role for an unspecified amount of time.

 I voiced my concern that by not focusing on sales (which is what I was hired to do) the company would hit a lull. We have.  I also expressed my concern that since the bulk of my income is earned through commission, that this would have a strong negative impact on my income. It did. I am now close to $12,000 behind last year's income.. My boss assured me, when I told him about my misgivings, that he wouldn't leave me hanging.

Well, he's left me hanging. I initiated a conversation with him and told him I am having financial difficulties due to this drop in my income. However, he feels that some recent problems that we had with clients are entirely my fault, and he is using that as an excuse not to help me.I feel that my boss has a responsibility to me. By the way, no other employee in the agency has had their  income impacted by these decisions, as everyone else is salaried. I am the only person whose makes commission.

What's my next step?

Bossed Around

Maybe I’m a bail out queen, but my gut says start job hunting. You’ve already had lots of discussions with your boss that didn’t go anywhere. Your boss made promises and didn’t keep them. He’s blaming you for problems you did not cause. Do you really see a positive future with this company? From your letter I can   tell you’re a talented, bright person. Go where you’ll be appreciated and valued. You deserve it. ~ Gina

Your story is complex, so it’s important to be clear about exactly what you’re asking for. The conversations with your boss to date sound a little vague on the promise side, so going forward I think you need to be     totally certain about what you want and precise about your boundaries.

I think your next step should be to have a conversation with your boss. Before you do, you should prepare   for it. Here’s what I suggest:

 1) Ask yourself what you want.  The point is to come to the core message you want to convey. If you’re scattered in your request you will dilute the power of your conversation.

2) Consider what the situation looks like from your boss’s point of view. If you’re income is down, the company’s is probably down even more.

 3) What’s your bottom line ? Will you accept a change in job responsibilities, or a payment plan to replace income? What other options do you have?

 4) Once you’ve determined the message, prepare yourself physically for the actual meeting. By that I mean be focused and calm. Try to sit quietly, or go for a walk before you meet.

Be sure you and your boss have allowed enough time. If you find you are too triggered emotionally, stop the discussion so you can regain your composure.  You can also call for a break if your boss gets caught in an emotional loop that is not addressing your concerns. ~ Alisa