How low ($) is too low if u don't have a degree? Cause I got a pay decrease and that was cited as the reason. Even after I told the boss on numerous occasions that Im still in school.

What's the lowest you would take?

As a developer, I'd never take pay decrease.

@myss Really? Well, time for me to find something else. He won't raise it until I at least get my associates.

If I would ever get a pay decrease for that reason - I would quit the company immediately.

Why?

Because I neither have a degree in programming NOR I want to get one any time soon.

Also, because usually when I worked with people that went to get a degree - their knowledge wasn't any better than mine. For the most part, we were equal and where we weren't - I always caught up if needed or... I was better than them.

So.. In a nutshell, if a degree is an argument to lower your rate... It's bullshit.

@DivSyntax if you follow devrant's weekly topics, this week someone nicely explained why he loves being a developer; it's specific occupation where you constantly learn and improve yourself, and by simply following that logic you can conclude that your value is constantly increasing and in worst case stagnating.

It shows either they have incompetent HR and/or just don't value you and will lie to justify cutting costs. If you didn't lie and claim a degree when you were hired, then nothing changed to justify lowering your pay. Were they not happy with you before? It's completely disrespectful to lower your pay based on something that isn't your performance (and isn't some general company wide whatever or Union thing or based on the Contract worked sort of stuff). Not only that, but someone (probably your manager) told HR, and HR approved and processed a decrease, and if that was the reason given and not some cover story, that's just... not a good sign. They did only apply it going forward right? If it covers work you've already done, that's more a legal issue than a horrible company issue.

Never.

If they do it once, they may do it again.
With each day you stay in the company and learn, the more valuable of an asset you become to them.

Also: It kills your motivation. Why should you invest your effort, if they pay you less? If I were paid less, I would work less ... enthusiastically.

If they think you are too expensive, say "I see. Good luck finding someone to fill my role as I will be leaving the company."

If you don't have some other offers yet, be diplomatic. State you are not content taking the pay cut, but temporally bite the bullet, search for other jobs, and get the hell out of there. Go to greener pasture. They are out there.

@potata A co-worker in HR told me that EXACT thing...it's B.S.

@k0pernikus Already looking....

@BluePanda No, he decreased it immediately! I lost $ because he refused to pay for time I already put in. And he is the Head of the company now since the CEO died recently. There is no manager we report to or anyone above us. Only us 3 devz (one remotely), accounting and talent search. That's the whole company.

You might want to talk to someone specializing in that and your state's laws and your State Dept of Labor. Retroactive pay cuts are not legal. Document it. If he told you verbally, send him an email to 'confirm' your conversation ("As per our conversation <date>, I just wanted to confirm that my rate will be lowered from y to x and it is effective including this paycheck...") https://thebalancecareers.com/can-t...

@BluePanda Thanks!! I just took a screenshot of an email he sent yesterday telling me to resubmit timesheet for the start of June reflecting the new change.

Nope. No matter what, it's time to leave. Stay until you find something else and then boogie on out of there and never look back.

Wow. He emailed you that voluntarily? And to the start of June - like a whole month of work pay cut? Absolutely crazy. Sounds like a guy who is clueless inherited the company.

@BluePanda Yep. I'm looking into legal steps to take now. He Cc accounting as well. She didn't like what he was doing so she came and spoke with me personally to ask if I was ok with it.

@torpkev Waaaaay ahead of you. I took off today just so I can look.

Wtf?! No way.

Refuse. Get lawyers involved if necessary.

Over in the UK, that would be *very* illegal. Counts as a change of contract which you haven't agreed to.

If you have a contract citing you get paid X amount hourly/monthly, it's highly illegal to change that and I don't think he can retroactively decrease it, unless you signed a new contract.

In anycase, like everyone said, if anything your value will only go up or stay as it is with each day passing.

So yeah, go find yourself a new company where they actually value experience.

@ace48 Nope, no new contract or signed anything. I still have the original work order for when I started and what I was to be paid. Also emails between he, accounting and I stating to lower it starting from June...when I had already put in the hours(plus over time) for the original pay rate.

Then by all means, do consult with a labour lawyer and make sure your manager understands that he can't fire you as a 'revenge' for knowing your rights.

Good luck mate

@DivSyntax That was nice of her to do that she sounds like an alli and someone who would be on your side and see what she can do to help he is taking advantage of your youth.

My guess is this company is running out of money and he can’t afford your pay especially the overtime.

One question is that did they think you a had a degree when they hired you? I mean it makes no difference but what a weird excuse.

@Nanos Where do you live?

@katbreitin u hit the nail on the head! I've heard rumors of money woes the company is having. And yes, he knew before and after, on multiple occasions, that I don't have a degree. And yes, she (accountant) is very helpful and was highly upset by the change.

Damn dude, good luck. The only time that would be acceptable would be if you were part of a start-up or something that you really believed in and you were willing to take a pay cut in order to benefit the business, but only if it was understood you were making a sacrifice and would be compensated for it if/when possible, and only if you were still happy with the overall pay. Otherwise, eff that.

How low if you don't have a PhD, get over it, it doesn't really matter in this profession, I have like 4.

@Nanos
My heart goes out - it really does.

@DivSyntax good luck man, but I would be running for the hills. There is never anything good that comes from decreasing someone's pay.

Gtfo