Can't afford to stay in this job, can't afford to switch

[Charliesunnysky10]

I've worked in here for 10 years as it's walkable from my home. 3 years ago I switched roles from receptionist to become an administrator. They didn't increase my salary even though the work involves accounting and finance, but they took 30 mins off my working day. I didnt get a pay rise for 2 years then got a 3% one last December. Another company took over our site and I got TUPE'd in April. 3 months ago I really started to struggle to keep up with the cost of living. I asked for a payrise as I'm still covering reception as well as the admin role (they never replaced me in reception). I'm paid £19,9970. The average is £23-£24,500.
They said I'm not due a salary review till January. My boss left 6 months ago and I covered her role for 3 months while until the new boss could start. I asked if i coukd receive remineration for this because they saved £10k, not having a boss in place. They said there was nothing official in place for me stepping up and other managers in the business were in place if anything was needed. They said a discretionary bonus will be awarded at Christmas and I have asked that this be taken into consideration. I know it makes financial sense to leave, but I'm tempted to stay to see if the bonus and pay rise will make it worthwhile staying first. In the meantime the new boss is piling work on because I know the systems and day to day running like the back of my hand. I said I'm ok to do it but need a longer day and overtime pay for the extra hours. It didn't go down well and I feel my attitude might go against me when they award bonuses because a friend asked if i wanted some part time seasonal evening and weekend work (which would solve my financial worries) but they were quite off hand in their response. Im sick of struggling but scared to leave in case better pay is just around the corner. The other staff here are so lovely to me, I don't want to leave, but I feel very disappointed that the company are getting a receptionist and an administrator for £3k less than just 1 of those roles.

You need to leave.

Personally I'd start looking for work elsewhere - it can take a good couple of months to get a contract from a new employer so you may have been paid the bonus by then anyway. Please don't hang around - they do not value you and unless you have a very firm and confirmed bonus policy - I think it's all hot air and there won't be one.

This is the thing. I have found 4 vacancies and they all pay £3-4k more but I have no leave left and I'm in such dire straits financially I'm reluctant to waste money on transport and unpaid leave to attend interviews.

Also this managing agent is inept and I feel it's only a matter of time before the site owner replaces them and I might be TUPE'd to a decent company again. But all these things are pipe dreams - like my bonus probably is!

I hear what you are saying. If you get an offer of an interview, explain the situation. Lots of employers are open to do interviews earlier or later in the day. You do have the power to change things.

Thank you. I feel so much better to have it pointed out. I just really want to try to find a way to stay here. There are lots of people here I look forward to seeing each day; they are like family to me after 10 years

Can you make it work until January pay review? See what the bonus and raise consist of. Keep eyes open for other things, but if you've stepped up and converted a manager you should be looking at more senior positions than entry level admin to me

I recently did an interview for an admin role on a Saturday. The candidate's CV was very impressive and I was keen to see her before she got snapped up by another organisation. Many companies are flexible with interview times.

Can you take the casual work to see you through to Jan? Meanwhile job hunt and see what's out there?

You may be very close to your colleagues, but nothing makes up for how little you are being valued.

@RewildingAmbridge Thank you. I don't want the responsibility to be honest. That's why I took a receptionist job. £23k would be more than £3k rise for me which would be absolutely fine.

@Gazelda That's good to know - thank you. I'm lucky that I'm very much valued by the people i work with every day - just not the associates as they don't come on site very often. But they set my pay unfortunately and don't have the time to consider my situation.