Should I ask for a raise when my boss goes on maternity leave?
By maezee
@maezee (41997)
United States
January 25, 2012 8:11am CST
Man, I am on a roll this morning! So here's the situation, and you can tell me what I should do: My boss (who is a STORE MANAGER) will be going on a 12 week maternity leave in April. I, as the 'assistant manager' will have to take over her job - which is doing assembly and of course dealing with 'managerial tasks' like dealing with the crabbiest customers, doing the weekly deposit, getting change, covering shifts, and dealing with and resolving customer issues.
I make $10 an hour right now as an "assistant". My job is basically to help customers as best as I can unless it's something a 'manager' needs to deal with. I generally work 8am-3:30pm. Covering for my boss, I will be working 7a-3:30pm and maybe even double shifts here and there.
I am wondering if it's realistic to ask for a RAISE while I have to play manager for 3 months? My boss IS coming back but I'm wondering if it's realistic, and what kind of pay I should expect? I know that most newer managers get paid $12-$13. Is it reasonable that I ask for the same, for these 3 months?
Or, what do you think?
2 people like this
6 responses
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
27 Jan 12
Personally if you have been doing a Good job to where they Trust you to be their manager for the time she is gone, it might not hurt to ask for a raise even if it is temporary. If they feel that you are worth it, they might actually consider it or meet you half way with a raise just for consideration of what you do, and keep it there. In this day and age where jobs are harder to get I would ask without any real expectation, but go in proving yourself why you think you might deserve this.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
27 Jan 12
If it were me, I wouldn't.
But while she's away, I would do my darnest to do a good job. If possible, I would make sure I would get documentation about my good job. Like a recognition, merit or positive customer service comment.
And then when my boss comes back, I would be armed with this document when I ask for my raise. This way, it would really be hard for her to say no.
@uath13 (8192)
• United States
26 Jan 12
I'm with Barrudaki on this one. If your already an assistant manager then your getting paid more to help cover the manager which would include filling in for their absences. Now if you don't officialy have that title then not only should you be hitting them up for a raise but an actual promotion. I wouldn't be asking for a temporary raise.
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
25 Jan 12
it won't hurt to ask, I suppose but instead of asking for a temporary raise, you should just ask for a raise. It's a lot of paperwork for them to go through just for a few weeks. I would think that if they entrust you with a manager position then obviously they value you as an employee so you deserve a raise. What's the worse that can happen? They could say no but then again, they may say yes! It never hurts to ask.
@eunife (165)
• Philippines
25 Jan 12
for a person like me and according to me, i don't think it is a good idea. the job is not for permanent so what the company can give you is an overtime pay for covering the manager's job. the company cannot give you an increase then take it back when the manager comes back. you may try to negotiate though but expect them to just read the company rules to you.
it is your time to shine though. if you can, do a better job than your boss so when promotion comes, you get a big chance. when you get promoted or they give you additional permanent tasks that is out of your job description, then that's the time you can demand for a salary increase.
