Karren Brady gives career advice — from moving on from your old job to asking for a pay-rise

Apprentice star and vice-chairperson of West Ham United FC Karren Brady answer all your careers questions

Today, she helps someone who is still stuck in the loop of their old job and someone who wants to ask for a pay-rise.

Q) Recently I took the plunge and started a new job after reading this column, and I’m enjoying the role, plus my new colleagues seem kind.

But l can’t stop thinking about my old job, where I had lots of responsibility and was the go-to person solving day-to-day problems, meaning I built up great relationships with my colleagues.

I’m close to someone who still works there, so I’m still in the loop and haven’t had the natural break that I might otherwise have done.

Is it normal to feel like this and how do I move forward?

Gemma, via email 

A) Congrats on your new job! There were obviously reasons why you decided to leave your old company, whether it was a pay increase, you were ready for more responsibility or that you simply needed a change.

All these reasons still exist and mean you need to move on from your previous role.

It’s fine to keep in touch with former colleagues, but it’s not healthy to still be in the loop on everything that is happening business-wise, as your focus should be on your new role, colleagues and challenges.

I imagine you worked your way up to a trusted position at your old company – you won’t walk into a new job and be the go-to person from day one, as it takes time, knowledge and trust.

But I’m sure that, with the right attention, you will quickly start to build relationships and be able to focus on your new role so you are just as happy – if not happier – in your current job as you were in your previous one.

Q) I work for a small start-up, and I’d like to think I’m pretty valuable to the team in terms of the knowledge and skills that I’ve brought, and really want to ask for the pay rise I think I deserve.

However, the founder hasn’t taken a salary since we launched in December 2019, and I know it will take a while until the business is making good money, so I feel a bit cheeky asking for a raise, even though I truly believe I’ve earned it. Do you have any advice?

Mia, via email

Be a boss

Bossing It is Fabulous’ series about ordinary women who have launched incredible businesses. It aims to inspire other women and show that if these ladies can do it, so can you!

Read more at Thesun.co.uk/topic/bossing-it.

A) If you think you have earned a pay rise, then nothing should stop you asking for one.

The founder chose to start this company knowing that they would take a financial hit for a period of time. But long-term they are building value in the business, and their reward could be owning an established company worth a lot of money.

As you are an employee, it is different for you. Make sure you are prepared before having the conversation. You need to put forward a business case, documenting everything you do that you believe has earned you the rise.

Give examples of areas where you have overachieved and how you go over and above your job description and therefore deserve more money. As a small start-up, the founder will need to make sure that every penny is being spent wisely.

You need to prove what an asset you are, and that you are a wise investment.

If you get turned down this time, why not ask for a small piece of equity in the business? It’s not hard cash, but long-term could be worth a lot.

Also, ask for guidance on what you need to accomplish for them to reconsider their decision, and request another salary review in six months. 

Got a careers question you want Karren to answer? Email [email protected].

Source: Read Full Article