How would you respond if your boss said this?

[CrystalSkull]

"You're being paid far too much."

I'd be interested to hear someone else's thoughts, as I'm stumped by what to do/say about this.

Context?

I'd want to know why they thought that?

I would think they thought they weren't getting value for money out of me and start trying to work harder.

Context is key - need more details

For example "oh crystal this is awesome - great work - no you can't take vacation you're being paid far too much and we need you here" is completely different to "crystal this work is substandard - you're being paid far too much to deliver something like this"

it would make me think he didn't think I am worth the money I was paid for what I am delivering. Unless there's more to it.

What Ladycybil said - it's either 'we own your ass' or 'you need to improve'.

Either way, I don't think it's hugely professional in the absence of any other constructive feedback.

I would think " your having a laugh" but I would tackle him over it < mardy>

Depends on context - I have been known to say "you're paid too much to do photocopying"

Yup: context is key: "Why are you spending all day tidying the paper-clip drawer - you're being paid far to much to do that" , or , jokey, following you flashing your new Jimmy Choos bought on Black Friday around the office, or factual: your contract was agreed before a re-structure and is higher than everyone else's or else you were accidentally put on a scale point too high....or 'you are not worth your pay cheque at this rate!"

What do you think was meant?

She was reading an article with average salaries for our profession and then she just came out with it. It's not the first time she's said it. I know she is pleased with the quantity and quality of my work so it's not a complaint about that.

How about:

"Average" work gets "average" salary - you get what you pay for :)

Here are a few thoughts about the kind of thing I'd say.

Don't believe everything you read, you can't tell what someone actually does by job title alone.

Also, local job market and talent pool plays a part in pay setting.

It's not about what someone gets compared to the norm, it is about how much they are actually worth.

If my role drops in value/ status then it is likely that yours will, as well.

How about, " I find it really unsettling when you say that to me. Are you intending to alter my terms and conditions? "

Does she have a point?

What I'd think would depend on what was going on in the company. If there were restructures or revaluations of posts going on elsewhere I'd think "oh here we go, I'll be getting my pay reviewed (downwards) soon."

My salary is measure against the 400 or so other people doing the same job nationally within the sector. Thee are comparable jobs outside the sector but I suppose t would be harder to benchmark against those. I'm slightly underpaid but on the other hand I have so much flexibility in tms of hours and other conditions that I'm not going to argue it. Thing is, when I go to national conferences, even though technically we all do the same job, some do it on a smaller scale for tiny organisations, some people are noticeably ill informed and lack current knowledge (and I suspect crap at their jobs). A survey can only tell you a particular snapshot.

If you think there is a risk your salary may get reviewed downwards start evidence gathering now. keep copies of adverts for similar jobs, keep records showing when you went above and beyond what you're require to do, record positive feedback. I've actually been able to document horror stories about what happens when my job has gone wrong elsewhere too which shows the importance of having someone good in the role first before counting pennies.

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I felt much more positive about it today and had a better day as a result. I don't intend to return to it but if she does say it again, I have a response ready!

I had a previous employer say that to me once in a meeting to which I pointed out that the other members of staff that did the same job as me were paid nearly double my salary and I worked 75% of the hours they did, so how did he work that out.

It was a long slippery road downhill from there, I then got pulled up on every little thing and lots of made up things until I couldn't take it any longer and quit. I was basically bullied out of the job! It turned out he didn't want to work anymore and wanted his hours covered so employed a very inexperienced person who did my hours and his for my old salary.

People never say something without there being an underlying reason! Is you company looking to make redundancies?