What should I do if a coworker who started the same day as me makes 25k more?

Possibly he can spell better than you?

Is it $25 k or $30 k?

What this may prove is that he's a better negotiator than you are.

How long has he been licensed as compared to you? Does he have additional licenses?

It sure sounds that you were lied to, doesn't it? Perhaps the other new employee's training at the other bank had used software or some application that is specific to the job?

If you say something too specific about salary differential of newbies to your hirer, you risk your future or the other person's future there. If you are vague and don't name your source but call the hirer on their lie to you.. you could run risk, as well.

The trouble is that you would have to point the finger at the other new guy as your source unless you can figure out how to express it. HR people categorically advise strongly against discussing their salaries.

You have a serious issue. Perhaps someone else can help you better than I can. In this woeful hiring environment, you may have to think long and hard about this...but you really have an issue and that is with HR.

I know as recent as 5 years ago in this situation the HR of a major corporation I worked for was willing to disclose the salary ranges in terms of percentiles when reviewing salaries of people with similar experience. They showed the salary brackets of all current employees in my same situation based on their experience and time in the position. HR at ML could have the same arrangement..or not.

First thing you need to decide is what you will do if, when you bring it up to your supervisors, they say "that's the way it is, take it or leave it."


Is it important enough to you that you would quit your job and chance being one of the many unemployed for the next 6 to 12 months while looking for another job?

You might also want to be sure you have all the facts. Perhaps, since he's already shown you his paycheck, ask to see his job description so you can verify that you are both filling the same job requirements with the same standards of performance.

You might be filling the same job requirements, but does his customer base require any different knowledge or experience than yours does? Does his job include any technical reporting requirements that yours does not?

It is most likely because the company felt his experience warranted the extra money. Perhaps he brought in alot of money for his previous employer. You can't possibly know all his qualifications. Many employers value previous work experience over education as your prior work experience is more applicable to the job. You may require greater training.

You can sit and stew there or you can show that you are a better worker and thus should get a higher raise.

What is the situation as when you are due to receive an increase? When you know this is coming up, be prepared to discuss how you performed. Also, I'd imagine it sounds like you have a job that may be in part compensated through commissions - if that is the case, then wouldn't your base be small compared to commissions?

Also, be warned some companies have rules against discussing their compensation - it could be grounds for dismisal depending on their policy so beware prior to discussing with your hiring manager.

You took the job at the agreed-upon salary.
As long as the company pays you what you agreed to, you have no case.
If he hadn't showed you his check, you'd be OK, right?

By the way, why did he show you his check?

What should you do?

1. Keep your mouth shut as you could both be fired as a result of the exchange of income information (look at your contract to see what the company policy is in these matters) .

2. Put your time in so you've got better relevant work experience.

3. Learn how to negotiate better.



4. Get over the idea that life is fair. It's not.