How long would you “act up” in a job role before asking for more money?

[Pantone345]

I’ve been standing in for someone two levels above me for a month now. Bosses very happy with my work and the person I’m covering for isn’t looking like returning to work anytime soon.

Obviously it’s a positive for me without the money as I can flex my skills and show them what I’m capable of, but also if I was actually doing the role properly I would be paid a lot more than I am now!

They have let me know how much they appreciate me standing in and that I’m doing a good job, but I’d rather my appreciation was in monetary terms so to speak!

I wouldn’t have taken the role without the pay increase. They’ve got it really good atm, paying you a reduced rate for the same job someone else did?

Speak to your manager, if you’re taking over the role you need a change of contract and a pay increase. Even if it’s temporary.

I think if/when it becomes clear that the other person isn't coming back.

@MustardScreams, it was very much on the hop. Can you stand in for one day, one week, one month.

There wasn’t really a discussion about it

You can request a meeting to discuss the role how it's going, what's looking likely and then bring in pay.

I think about a month before I asked about it - especially if it looked like it could be more long term.

Realistically I'd say a minimum of 6 months. Get your head down, show you are a hard worker with tangible results then you can ask them to make it official.

Not yet, I’d give it three months. You get to make yourself invaluable and show that your an asset. Then they’ll be falling over themselves to keep you and put yourself in a good ligh next time there’s another step up.

The fact that it looks like the person isn't coming back would make me ask. Could they be planning to hold interviews for a replacement and get you to apply for it?

a couple of months. if an end of the up acting is not in sight.
esp if there is a mismatch between your education and the role.

I would say 3 months. But make the meeting arrangement for 2 months when you know the other person isn’t coming back

I'd keep my head down and prove myself in the role for 3 months.

The experience you're gaining is invaluable and will lead to more money in your career regardless, at the moment I'd be satisfied with that.

After 3 months I'd ask for a meeting to discuss money.