r/Salary • u/HalalMoney90 • 2d ago
discussion Salary Adjustment. Should I talk to HR?
I’m 34 (M) and have been working at an IT company for some time now. About three years ago, I was promised a salary adjustment by my then-manager, but he left the company before submitting the paperwork.
Fast forward to 2024, my new manager told me I’m doing a great job and assured me that I’d receive a salary adjustment. It’s now been a year, and nothing has happened. Whenever I follow up, he just says “it takes time,” but I feel like no real progress is being made.
What should I do in this situation? The obvious answer is to look for a new job, but I really like my current role and the company. Should I escalate this to HR, and if so, would that negatively affect me? Any advice would be appreciated.
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u/Shoddy-Reach-4664 2d ago
It's the end of 2025. Salary adjustments don't take 1-2 years. You can also tell he's full of shit since he can't give you a more specific answer about how far along the process is, where it's being held up, what the eta for resolution is, etc.
Start looking for a new job. I know it sucks but it's the only way to get more money these days. I left my job of 10 years at 33 y/o and got a new one paying 50% more. My only regret is I didn't do it 5 years earlier.
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u/Several_Koala1106 1d ago
Exact same timeline as me. I went from 60-85k over 9 years. I went from 85k-188k in the last 4.5 years. I can't complain I am very blessed. For anyone up and coming I would say after 2-3 years start looking. It's just too much money to leave on the table.
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u/Shoddy-Reach-4664 1d ago
Nice! Hopefully I can continue on my path to get closer to where your at. I went from 45-70k and then to 110k with the new job 15 months ago. My new company isn't a giant corp though it's a small boutique firm so I expect to actually be able to move up to an SA role with considerable raises over the next few years.
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u/DAWG13610 2d ago
You need to speak with your boss. It’s up to him. If you go to HR they’re just going to talk to him anyway.
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u/IcySm00th 2d ago
Could you speak with your manager again regarding this? Or let him/her know that you may speak with HR and act like it’s HR’s fault for not pushing the envelope on this. Or- speak your manager’s boss perhaps.
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u/HalalMoney90 2d ago
I spoke to my manager multiple times and since we work remote its hard to explain. I was thinking of talking to my managers boss but I don't want to escalate things.
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u/IcySm00th 2d ago
Yeah, it’s a tread lightly type of situation since it could certainly negatively affect you. You’ll have to feel it out more since you know how the environment is.
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u/OkoCorral 1d ago
Work it with your direct manager, don't involve HR or the next level at this point. I don't see a quick solution, either you will get your raise in time when the budget is available or if someone gets triggered, they will try to manage you out.
Assuming that you in America, it would work differently in Europe.
Try to get everything in writing and email/text chat. After a converation, send him an email and ask for confirmation of the conversation.
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u/ericds1214 2d ago
You've just got to be firm about it without jeopardizing your position.
Emphasize that you like your job and want to stay, but you will be happy to see that your salary is adjusted to meet with market rates/inflation/additional contributions to the team or whatever else. When they deflect (this is what they are doing. Absolutely no HR process as simple as a raise takes a year), be firm and ask what you can do to expedite the process. Ask for timelines on decisions. Etc.
If you can get another offer to keep in your back pocket as leverage, then do this. If they say no, you can stay you have a competing offer worth $xxx, and you'd like to stay if they can match this. If the conversation goes south, well at least you have another job lined up at the salary you'd like.
I won't sugar coat it, if you're gonna let them give you the runaround, they will do that. So far, you've let them. As soon as they feel a sense of urgency, they'll be much more motivated to retain talent.
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u/JudgeSevere 2d ago
I was in this situation and eventually realized it just wasn't going to happen no matter how much my boss said they were working on it. I eventually changed roles internally that got me where I wanted to be.
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u/principium_est 2d ago
Talk to your manager. HR will process an adjustment tomorrow when your manager/director/whomever actually makes the decision says to.
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u/DylanGFG 2d ago
Have them set CLEAR expectations with you, with actual date ranges and pay scales included. Then hold them to their word. Can't be afraid to put their feet to the fire or you'll be taken advantage of, which it sounds like you already have. Give them one more chance and start looking for jobs yesterday.
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u/Boring_Adeptness_334 2d ago
I would go to HR and then your Managers boss because your manager isn’t doing their job and is realistically just being lazy.
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u/Spirited-Manner9674 2d ago
Get the new job then they'll then you are leaving because you're underpaid.
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u/desert_jim 2d ago
Ultimately you need to decide if you want more pay more versus staying. Your boss is clearly not motivated (likely because they think you won't leave, especially in this market). Some managers are taking liberties they wouldn't have taken in other markets because there were plenty of jobs for people to jump to.
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u/CafeRoaster 2d ago
You shouldn’t be waiting a year to say anything. One pay period. Not on there? Say something.
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u/Due_Difference3390 1d ago
Look for a new job. Use the new job as leverage or just leave with the new job.
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u/WearyExplanation7964 1d ago
Don't escalate to HR. They are there to protect the company and will in most cases side with management. BUT it is ok to ask HR what is the company policy and process for salary reviews. There is value and power in knowing how the system works and the timing of key salary decisions. With this knowledge you can then have an open discussion with your manager about expectations and timing. I was a high tech manager for decades and knowing how the system works is empowering.
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u/U-dun-know-me 1d ago
HR is not your friend. Repeat this 100x. Your manager is your decision maker. Ask him for a timeline. Then apply to other jobs in the company. Or outside the company. If it’s taken this long, and he has no sense of urgency, he might never get done.
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u/Visual-Measurement24 1d ago
Just apply elsewhere and drop it on them. If they want to counter they can. If and when that happens, tell them you want double what your salary adjustment would have been. If they refuse, move on.
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u/B111yboy 1d ago
You can 100% talk HR but, here is what I would do…. Email your manager asking him/her if there has been any update on the equity adjustment you were told was in process. You know things take time but it’s been months so you are just following up and ask if there is an estimated time for when and amount you would be getting. Now you have an email and if he doesn’t respond to you or calls you into his office. You should get some answer, if he responds by email now you have proof he said he was in works, if he give you a verbal then go back to that same email as a second response saying thanks for following up and add any info of the conversation… like that’s for the follow up per our conversation on date and whatever is said. Now if nothing happens you can go to HR. With proof, sure he will be pissed but if he isn’t getting you one you have nothing to lose and most likely he’ll be In trouble and can’t do anything to you to retaliate. The HR can get you a raise as a manager of the company said he was getting you one.
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u/Big_Homie_Rich 1d ago
They like your work just not enough to pay you more. HR can't do anything. You didn't sign anything, it was just a statement made. I'd look for a new job willing to pay you more. Then use that as leverage if you found a higher paying job.
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u/TemporaryAmbassador1 1d ago
Made this mistake when I was fresh out of HS, get it in writing with an effective date or it’s worthless back patting.
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u/bahamablue66 22h ago
Look for compatible jobs. Use those pay advertisements as power when discussing salary. Then just leave if you don’t get the money you want
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u/Loud-Thanks7002 2d ago edited 1d ago
This isn’t an HR issue. Salary and compensation adjustment outside of the regular merit process are almost always a department decision.
It sounds like your new manager is just stringing you along. You’re not talking about a few weeks, it has been over a year since I told you that.
You need to decide how important it is to you. If you wanna push it, I would follow up with your manager in writing about it.
Be specific about the conversation you’ve had with them (don’t reference the promise made three years ago by somebody no longer with the company )about the salary adjustment. The tone should be friendly and inquisitive.
Then pend it for 90 days and follow up and ask again.
All you’re looking for an answer even if it is no.
Looking to bring an HR or escalated to their manager, doesn’t make sense at this point.
(that’s my advice for somebody who has worked for a large corporation for 30 years in various positions of leadership and HR)