To work outside my role for no extra pay?

[Exhaustedbunny]

Name changed for this.
I work in an administrative type role for a small company. My duties very much exceed the role I was hired for but I do enjoy my job. Recently I’ve been responsible for other staff, key holding and responsible for the branch in the absence of the manager, holidays etc. I do not receive additional pay for this. I’m torn between trying to use the experience I’ve gained to apply for better paid jobs or stay put. I am happy at work and have a good relationship with all staff but work HARD for little money. I do not have a lot of experience in other employment so I’m wondering is this normal in other workplaces?

If you're happy there have you asked for a rise?

I’ve mentioned it yes and been told there is no extra money available

I think it depends what's most important to you then, and whether you think there is honestly no money available or they're just making the most of your willingness.
I work for a small firm too and work way beyond my job description. But it's a great place to work and flexible - I'm lucky that in nearly six years I've only needed to take one day off unexpectedly for child care issues, but the knowledge that if I need to call in or start late / finish early for school meetings etc it won't be a problem. To me that is worth more than a higher salary elsewhere.

Who did these extra duties and took the added responsibility before you did?
You say it's a "recent" development.
Just wondering how you've fallen into these new roles - was there any discussion?

I'd look for better pay elsewhere personally. See if they come up with extra money then.

In my experience it is 'normal' to give competent people extra responsibilities and not necessarily any extra pay - what sector are you in? Loads of contracts have the phrase 'and any other necessary duties ............ blah blah' so that you can be given more tasks.

As imsorry says, weigh up the pros and cons of your job - are your employers flexible? Do you like your colleagues? Are you confident that there are better paid roles that you would be offered locally?

Ask for a better title e.g from officer to manager. Then start job hunting for a more senior role with the new title. With your new responsibilities, you will be convincing. Get an offer and see if the company will be prepared to buy you back (i.e. magically find the money for a raise).

If not, then you are off. You must be prepared to walk through. But ask for a better title anyway.

I do things wildly outside my job spec. It is pretty much do what it takes and get your hands dirty. I do it because I expect a good bonus and eventually a promotion (or title change).

If there is no scope for more money or a promotion, I doubt if I would want to push the boat out much beyond my working hours. But I don't tend to want to work in those sorts of places anyway. Because I always want more money and this is a way to get it.

I stayed in a company I loved working for far longer than perhaps I should as it was convenient and easy going and three good friends had left their happy jobs for better prospects only to end up hating their new jobs and taking pay cuts as nothing else was available. 9 years later I finally got a promotion and pay rise! You have to juggle what you love about your job as to whether or not making the leap would be worth it for extra money.

Thank you for the replies, it’s always useful to hear outsiders opinions.