Advice on position change

hedog · 05-22-2008, 06:48 PM

I've looked all over the web to try to find any type of an answer to this questionable position change that I'm going through and I can't find anything. Hopefully you guys can give me some advice on what I should do.

To start with, I've been with this company for 17 years this year. My current position (Advertising Design Assistant) is essentially overseeing designers and being a liasion between sales rep's and these designers, delegating workloads based on individual designer's qualifications, and also working on ads in between (more of a management position). Seven months ago the higher ups wanted me to start designing all special sections (covers, designing editorial pages, selecting what images are going into publications, flyers and such). We do around 50 sections a year.

Three months ago, they wanted me to take over a monthly publication (while still doing the special sections) where I essentially have complete freedom, which is great! I'm now directing photo shoots with photographers, taking my own photos, working closely with the editor on future columns & planning shoots for these articles. I'm also going to be backing up an Art Director of another publication when she's gone and she'll be backing me up as well. Everyone's feeding my ego and saying how great everything is improving.

My doing these special sections has taken me away from my initial duties, and now they are changing my title to "Special Section Graphic Designer", and also moving me closer to the editor of the monthly magazine that I just started working on. She's also the Special Sections Editor.

I now have probably 3x the workload and responsibility, and I am being told that this is a lateral move with potential to "grow". First off, since I've been there for 17 years I don't know what can possibly grow. Second, if I'm backing up an Art director, and she's backing me up, wouldn't that essentially put me in a position to be an Art director? I'm not designing all of the ads for this new publication (yet), but by next year they want to double the size of it. I don't have any type of a job description yet either.

I've ran into similar situations like this because they wouldn't put Manager at the end of my previous title because they would then have to pay me more. Now I'm a Graphic Designer, that to the best of my knowledge is doing Art Director duties.

The title I'm not as concerned with even though I'd think it would look better on a résumé but what about the pay? What should I do? Right now I'm making below $20/hour and the Art Director is salaried.

ardcor · 05-23-2008, 02:40 AM

17 years, jesus. Thats a long commitment with a company which should be rewarded.

With any gain in responsibility, this is usually a growth thing as you said, and the company shouldn't expect you to ask for a payrise as they are " giving you the opportunity to gain more responsibility" like its a dog biscuit or something.

But the additional work you can ask for a rise, if there is 3x the amount of work then yes, you should discuss the salary implications and workload amounts.

You shouldn't compare your salary to others, as people get paid differently for a variety of reasons. But if they are not giving you a job title because of the cash they have to pay you, do you really want to stick with this company? Shouldn't they reward you for your devotion to the company?

Hope this helps a bit

Adz

infektsu · 05-23-2008, 09:59 AM

Wow 17 years, I don't even think the average user on this board is that old

This is kind of a weird situation to be in. Since you have been there for 17 years clearly they would understand if you wanted to have a meeting an discuss a potential raise & or payroll. As well as your title.

Also as ardcor said, are you sure you want to be with this company? Just seems like for someone who has been there so long you have it rough. Maybe you would do better off somewhere else?

And I know it's "not polite" to discuss salaries, but I'm a student in college and I make $5 less then you working for a small agency as a graphic designer. You should be making more than that. What did you get paid when you first started there?

As far as your title goes, from what you have stated it does sound like you should be technically an AD. Is this a large company though? How many ADs/CDs do you have?

If you don't mind, post the website for the company.

UpandUp · 05-23-2008, 12:42 PM

this one is simple, bring up to the higher ups, where you want to be, where you feel you should be, and why?

if it doesn't go your way then leave and look else where.

unless after 17yrs theres a reason why you are where you are but regardless, who knows maybe its a test and within no more than 3 months if nothing changes then they are just getting what they can out of you for a lot less.

good luck, and don't under rate yourself

infektsu · 05-23-2008, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UpandUp

this one is simple, bring up to the higher ups, where you want to be, where you feel you should be, and why?

if it doesn't go your way then leave and look else where.

unless after 17yrs theres a reason why you are where you are but regardless, who knows maybe its a test and within no more than 3 months if nothing changes then they are just getting what they can out of you for a lot less.

good luck, and don't under rate yourself

Good advice.

05-22-2008, 06:48 PM	#1
hedog Intern Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1	Advice on position change I've looked all over the web to try to find any type of an answer to this questionable position change that I'm going through and I can't find anything. Hopefully you guys can give me some advice on what I should do. To start with, I've been with this company for 17 years this year. My current position (Advertising Design Assistant) is essentially overseeing designers and being a liasion between sales rep's and these designers, delegating workloads based on individual designer's qualifications, and also working on ads in between (more of a management position). Seven months ago the higher ups wanted me to start designing all special sections (covers, designing editorial pages, selecting what images are going into publications, flyers and such). We do around 50 sections a year. Three months ago, they wanted me to take over a monthly publication (while still doing the special sections) where I essentially have complete freedom, which is great! I'm now directing photo shoots with photographers, taking my own photos, working closely with the editor on future columns & planning shoots for these articles. I'm also going to be backing up an Art Director of another publication when she's gone and she'll be backing me up as well. Everyone's feeding my ego and saying how great everything is improving. My doing these special sections has taken me away from my initial duties, and now they are changing my title to "Special Section Graphic Designer", and also moving me closer to the editor of the monthly magazine that I just started working on. She's also the Special Sections Editor. I now have probably 3x the workload and responsibility, and I am being told that this is a lateral move with potential to "grow". First off, since I've been there for 17 years I don't know what can possibly grow. Second, if I'm backing up an Art director, and she's backing me up, wouldn't that essentially put me in a position to be an Art director? I'm not designing all of the ads for this new publication (yet), but by next year they want to double the size of it. I don't have any type of a job description yet either. I've ran into similar situations like this because they wouldn't put Manager at the end of my previous title because they would then have to pay me more. Now I'm a Graphic Designer, that to the best of my knowledge is doing Art Director duties. The title I'm not as concerned with even though I'd think it would look better on a résumé but what about the pay? What should I do? Right now I'm making below $20/hour and the Art Director is salaried.

05-23-2008, 02:40 AM	#2
ardcor Ardcor Massive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: London UK Posts: 313	17 years, jesus. Thats a long commitment with a company which should be rewarded. With any gain in responsibility, this is usually a growth thing as you said, and the company shouldn't expect you to ask for a payrise as they are " giving you the opportunity to gain more responsibility" like its a dog biscuit or something. But the additional work you can ask for a rise, if there is 3x the amount of work then yes, you should discuss the salary implications and workload amounts. You shouldn't compare your salary to others, as people get paid differently for a variety of reasons. But if they are not giving you a job title because of the cash they have to pay you, do you really want to stick with this company? Shouldn't they reward you for your devotion to the company? Hope this helps a bit Adz __________________ Now you can hire me! My Site - www.adamwoodhouse.co.uk My DA - http://ardcor.deviantart.com Me on Adobe.com http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/ga...tent=woodhouse

05-23-2008, 09:59 AM	#3
infektsu Junior Designer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Tallahassee Posts: 161	Wow 17 years, I don't even think the average user on this board is that old This is kind of a weird situation to be in. Since you have been there for 17 years clearly they would understand if you wanted to have a meeting an discuss a potential raise & or payroll. As well as your title. Also as ardcor said, are you sure you want to be with this company? Just seems like for someone who has been there so long you have it rough. Maybe you would do better off somewhere else? And I know it's "not polite" to discuss salaries, but I'm a student in college and I make $5 less then you working for a small agency as a graphic designer. You should be making more than that. What did you get paid when you first started there? As far as your title goes, from what you have stated it does sound like you should be technically an AD. Is this a large company though? How many ADs/CDs do you have? If you don't mind, post the website for the company. __________________ INFECTING YOU ALL ONE AT A TIME ™ Portfolio (coming soon) \| Behance \| DeviantArt

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05-23-2008, 12:42 PM	#4
UpandUp Designer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Posts: 80	this one is simple, bring up to the higher ups, where you want to be, where you feel you should be, and why? if it doesn't go your way then leave and look else where. unless after 17yrs theres a reason why you are where you are but regardless, who knows maybe its a test and within no more than 3 months if nothing changes then they are just getting what they can out of you for a lot less. good luck, and don't under rate yourself