I have an 11-month-old and have just returned to work from mat leave. I know I am poorly paid compared with a number of male colleagues. Additionally, I have changed roles twice in the past two years without a pay rise while a junior male colleague got a pay rise for simply moving jobs without proving himself (he’s actually doing badly post raise). On every metric I know I am outperforming most of my colleagues, yet when I last asked for a pay rise I was told I wasn’t “worth” more money.
I don’t love the role I’m in - but I had to switch as the old role became kind of defunct (due to external events). Anyway, a new job has come up that I’d much prefer. The problem is that when I was mentioned as a possible candidate, the powers that be said I was doing too well at my current role for them to want to move me. “Too well” yet no pay rise! The new role would mean more money, which obviously would be great.
I work in an industry where there aren’t loads of jobs going so while I am applying elsewhere, I’d rather stay at the company I’m at.
But then there’s a complication about applying too: I am wondering when to have a second baby (I’m 36). If i apply and somehow got it, what is the minimum time I should wait before baby 2?
And am I being unreasonable in feeling frustrated about all this? Are things just naturally difficult at this stage in my career and employers shit because they must be thinking that I’m planning a second child?
I should add that I am not poorly paid but I am the bigger earner in my marriage (by a long way) so a pay rise would have made life a lot easier.