to think I've done something really daft?

[Dolcegusto]

Long story short, had review at work. They offered me a payrise, I told them I wanted more as the woman doing the job before me earned even more, even though I've expanded the role and do alot more. They were pretty shocked and said they'd think about it.

Am I being really greedy? The payrise they offered was pretty substantial (10%) and I wouldn't have asked if I didn't really need the money too but I'm thinking they may just think I'm money grabbing, and not worth the extra money.

Opinions anyone?

In the current climate I would be inclined to have just taken what was offered.

You have asked, they have said they will think about it.

Wait and see. The question is, what will you do if they say no?

you can but ask, I guess... they'll probably say no though.
How do you know how much the previous employee earned btw?

I think you asked, which was fine. And what's more, you asked constructively. You did not go in moaning that you wanted a payrise because you can't afford to go on holiday; you explained your reasons well. They can say no, but on the other hand they may reach a compromise with you.

Well done anyway for the 10% increase. I would say they are obviously happy with you otherwise they would not have offered that to begin with.

This is difficult. I know why you asked for more, but I have to say in the current climate yabu.
Last year me and my colleagues got a one -off payment of £500 minus tax, no pay rise. We all "deserved" one but them's the breaks. I'd have been beyond thrilled with a 10% payrise.

I wouldn't dare ask for more either, just in case that didn't tick the right boxes. I think we had something like a 2% rise and we were all shocked that we had even received that. I suppose it does depend on what you do and to a degree how dispensable you are, if you work for a company that will ditch you as soon as look at you (or perhaps that isn't allowed these days).

If you don't ask, you don't get.

Well I can't see that it does any harm to ask, and you have evidently performed well and added to your role.

I think that statistically women are less likely to ask for raises and more likely accept less, so it's good you know your value.

What would worry me in this climate, is they look even closer at your work etc and decide that actually they don't want to give you the 10% either, infact they're going to look for another, younger candidate who'll accept less,

What Sandstorm said

They can't go back on the 10% offer I assume, so no harm in asking!

agree, you are being unreasonable, should have waited until things pick up

Hmm, about even split.

The reason I know what the previous woman earnt is because payroll is part of my job so I have access to all the records.

The other thing that made me ask is that we had a talk from an outside hr agency a while back who said that companies have to offer comparative pay when a new employee takes over a role. Obviously usually companies can get away with paying less as the old employee is no longer there to compare salaries with, but in my case it's a bit different.

Not sure if I've got it right on the comparitive pay either so feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Southcoastsarah - things have picked up at this company, they're expanding and raking on more staff.

Agree with sandstorm. It never hurts to ask as long as you can justify your asking.
If you genuinely think that you deserve the extra money then you are right to do what you did.

I only wish I had your confidence. I had the opportunity to do the same a year or so ago and I didn't ask but by colleague did and they ended up being paid £5k more than me even though we did the same job and were equally qualified and competant.

@ Poncey!

Good for you. You did exactly the right thing. The worst they can do is say they're sorry but the original payrise is all they can offer.

Your position of strength should be the knowledge that decent payroll staff are incredibly hard to find.

Good for you! You know one of the reasons women earn less than men is (allegedly) that men are more likely to ask for more?

Agree with Sandstorm and Goodegg. Prepare a portfolio of examples of how you have expanded the role and any positive feedback.

YABU looking at someone else's pay, even if you have access. Isn't this against data protection?

Go for it! One of the reasons women's pay is less than a man's is because a woman is more likely to say "ok, if that's how much you think I'm worth" when it comes to a pay review, and a man is more likely to do as you have done and say "no, I'm worth more". Don't start doubting yourself! Stick to it :)

oops, somehow missed that redexpat had said that already

Good for you. The economic climate and their company finances are not YOUR problem. Worst that can happen is that they say no, you feel a little put out and they'll watch you carefully to make sure you give value for money in the future!
Go gurl, go gurl....!!!

I think you were right to ask - for hecks sake you even had evidence that you were worth it, it wasn't just a general punt. If a company is offering bonuses at all they clearly aren't critically affected by the financial climate.