There’s a chance your employer is taking advantage of you and you don’t even realize it. If you don't pay attention to the warning signs, your employer could be treating you unfairly. In some cases, you may think there’s an issue but have doubts. Either way, it’s important to know the signs that you’re being taken advantage of.
1. Always Working Overtime
It’s not always a bad thing to work overtime. But when managers don’t have much staff and refuse to hire enough employees, they sometimes have high expectations from their only employees. As a result, they might need you to work long and ridiculous hours. It’s up to you to make sure the hours your employer asks you to work are fair and reasonable.
Of course, there are some exceptions. In certain industries, like finance and construction, the employees are required to work long days. It’s the norm, and something you should grow to expect. If you receive fair pay and benefits, this shouldn’t be an issue. However, there are some circumstances under which you may not receive fair pay, hours, or benefits. Furthermore, your employer may have misled you at the time of hiring.
The best thing to do is to discuss the situation with your boss. Tell them that the hours and lack of pay is just too much for you to handle. Mention the fact that you feel as if you will burn out. When you explain this, you make it clear that you're not just complaining; you're genuinely overwhelmed. If your employer doesn't seem to care, you know it's time to find a new employer.
2. You Feel Like the Personal Assistant
If you feel as if you're just an underpaid personal assistant, you may be in a position where your employer is taking advantage of you. Don't spend all your time getting coffees or picking up jackets from the dry cleaner. Rather, you should spend your time doing the job you were hired for.
Handling this situation isn't easy. If you come across as blunt or angry, your employer won't react well. You should avoid mentioning your job description or coming across as upset. For the best results, don't have an accusatory tone and explain that you feel as if you don't have time to perform your daily duties.
At times, employers don't realize they're putting personal assistant duties onto their employees. You may need to point it out to them. A good way to approach this is to say the following: " I do enjoy helping you out, but I would rather focus my time on other assignments. Could we have the interns do these duties?"
3. You Feel as If You Have Two Jobs
If you feel as if you have multiple jobs, you may need to quit. This often happens when a coworker quits or resigns and leaves you to take over their role. While you might accept this for a few weeks, you shouldn't have to del with it for an extended period.
Once three weeks goes by, have a discussion with your boss. Let them know that you have too much on your plate, or ask when they plan on hiring someone else. If you're gentle enough about your request, you won't ruffle any feathers.
4. You Need More Compensation
Do you constantly feel as if you deserve more money? If so, you probably have valid feelings. Stop earning less than you deserve and think about how your employer is taking advantage of you.
Most people don't realize that it's acceptable to ask an employer for a raise. If you have a sudden increase in duties, talk to your boss. Ask them how they can change your salary to match their role. If your boss doesn't agree to give you a raise, ask how you can prioritize your time. Be sure to mention the risk or fear of burnout.
5. You Never Got a Raise
Some hiring managers offer empty promises of raises but never seem to come through. If you're tired of being told next year will bring you a raise, it's time to realize your employer doesn't see your value. They should never string you along, and should remain clear about their raise and promotion policies.
If you had a discussion about a raise and never received it, talk to your employer. Tell them that you talked about the raise but never received it. Their response should influence your next move. If your employer fails to address the issue, tell them how much the raise matters to you. You can even threaten to leave.
6. Your Boss Take Your Recognition
Any time you do great things, you deserve recognition. If your boss takes credit for your ideas, they're taking advantage of you. It's essential to reclaim ownership of everything you came up with. It's never a good idea to allow a boss to receive credits or accolades for what you thought up.
At the same token, you don't want to go over your manager's head. First, remind them that it was your idea. You can be polite about your reminder to avoid causing any issues in the workplace. I'd you tattle to a superior, you could make the problem worse.
7. Don't Hesitate to Be Appreciated
You deserve for your employer to appreciate you. If you're sure that your boss is taking advantage of you, stop continuing on with the status quo. It could be time to find a new employer.
Even if you're not sure it's time to move on, test the waters. Apply for a few new positions and go on interviews. You might find that you have some serious interest from other employers. In fact, you could have so much interest that you receive a job offer from someone who truly appreciates you. Once you find the right job, you can live up to your full potential and receive the salary you deserve.