Question by platinum steve: I need a raise to get my own place, but I’ve only been at this job for 3 months, how do I approach my boss ???
I’m 22, live in NYC with my dad, I really dont wanna stay there though because my mom has alzheimers and my sister was born mentally handicapped, its EXTREMELY stressful to be there everyday, it really is. The rent in manhattan starts at 00-00 minimum. If you go with the Bronx, Brooklyn, or Queens, it’s like 0-0 minimum.

I currently make an hour at this job, I was also making /hour at my last job for all of last year. I’ve only been at this job though for 3 months. I’m a Data Librarian, I’m basically responsibile for the entire stockroom/back office of this art showroom. It involves a lot of clerical/administrative-like tasks as well as assisting/communicating with clients who visit the showroom. It’s a full time job, 9-5, Mon-Fri, paid 30 min lunch and holiday/sick day.

There’s only 5 of us total that work there (me, 2 sales people and 2 managers). The head MGR told me at the start that I will be making K a year which is really .50/hr but SHE says its /hr, which is odd. She said its not her decision it’s this lady who’s in charge of the head office in L.A. Mind you, shes very nice and told me this in a polite manner.

I confided with 1 of my co-workers about this raise issue, she said I should just come out and tell the boss that I would basically like more money. But I’m scared though, I know the employer doesn’t care about what goes on in your personal life or why you need money for this and that, so I don’t even know if telling her about my moving out situation will make a difference.

She does know about my mom and sister’s conditions however, but not about me not able to move out due to my income. I can’t go on any other job interviews because every place that wants to interview me can ONLY see me during the hours that I work (Mon-Fri, 9-5), plus I dont want my boss to suspect that I’m betraying her by looking for another job. I’d be much happier if I were making at least anywhere between – an hour.

I’ve been making an hour since March friggin 2006 for christ’s sake. I NEED TO LIVE ON A LIVABLE WAGE. Help me, what should I do? Should I just come right out and confide in my boss?
There’s no overtime, the office hours itself are 9-5 Mon-Fri.

Best answer:

Answer by sandman
Ask if OT is available

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