I have a couple of observations:
(1) “Specialist” positions are notoriously difficult to break out of, and in many firms (and many types of firms) a promotion is the only way that more serious money is going to start flowing. In the early '80s, I noticed that the project managers were the one’s getting credit for growth and profitability. When I approached my boss about moving from spec writing into a PM post, I was told that I was “too valuable” to promote. On the other hand, I knew enough about the finances of the firm to understand that having my time billed at a significantly higher rate to projects would have other ramifications, not necessarily good.
(2) I got my first job in an architectural firm almost 40 years ago. Unfortunately, I have observed that most significant raises come from jumping to another firm. One reason is that the firm recruiting you knows they need to sweeten the pot a bit to get your attention. Another reason is that they are thinking carefully about what the position is really worth to them. Your current employeer knows how much you are worth and will be reluctant to see it another way.
(3) I do believe that in a position like this you have to understand how your work not only helps to get the job done, but also adds value to the project. If you only get the job done, the only way to get more money is to get more jobs done. If you add value by suggesting a different product or system or by suggesting that the team think about the design in a different way, then the added value should result in more profits for your firm and ultimately for you.
Sharon,
Too hot.
Too cold.
Too many mosquitoes.
Too many Norwegians.
a long time and several jobs ago, my boss told me that he thought the best employees were the “fearless ones” – the ones who would walk out the door tomorrow and not look back. He advised me to always have a job or two in my back pocket so that my responses to questions in the office were not colored by “having” to keep a job. I always thought that was good advice and have managed to do that for the past two decades.
I think in order to successfully negotiate, you have to have a very clear idea of what you bring to the table, how that is different from anyone else out there and what your additional options might be if they decide to not play along. In my last salary negotiation, I was asked "well how does your salary compare to others in the Seattle market? " and my response was “that’s irrelevant. if you want someone else in the Seattle market, go hire one of them”. (this goes back to my mother’s comment to her boss 35 years ago when she said “what’s wrong with being the highest paid secretary in Tacoma?” )
Also, I think you have to be VERY clear about why you’re working where you’re working and how that benefits you. Working is a two-way trade off and there should be benefits on both sides. If money really is the only issue with the employer and they are not budging, then one fall back position might be to negotiate the ability to take on outside work to start building up your own clientele, or teach at one of the local colleges. think in terms of “if you had a job that you really liked and paid you adequately, how much more would you be willing to work?” and if that answer is 10 more hours a week, then find something for that 10 hours that makes you “real” money.
it sounds as though there are other issues rather than just money, and those are worth figuring out and trying to solve. There are times when someone simply isn’t a good fit – the management changes and the emphasis of the office changes. Sometimes your own emphasis changes. My recent job change was not about money – my previous employer would have matched the salary and moved me if I requested that – but it took them a while to understand that money was not the issue, because again, its the easiest thing to fix.
Thanks Anne…Your post is very profound and appreciated.
Of course, there are other alternatives such as:
Sharon,
Sorry for the previous glib answer. I was trying to be funny. (I actually like Norwegians!)
I was approached by The Cuningham Group in Minneapolis to be their specifier. One of the principals called me and asked me point blank what it would take to get me over there. I threw out an absurd salary just to be funny. He did not laugh. He told me that he was serious and could probably arrange for me to make whatever I wanted. That’s when I stopped laughing.
David,
You WERE funny, but you were also right about Minnesota. I’d love to find a position somewhere warm.
Wish my company felt the same as Cuningham Group. We’re desperate to hire architects and technicians, but specifiers are not pursued. Everyone does their own here.
Sharon,
Would you entertain a move to Dallas, TX?
Mid-70s here today; average for this time of year is 65.
(Thats degrees F, not salary.)
David,
Love Texas. Worked for FEMA during and after Rita. What are you looking for? My home email is slund03@clearwire.net