Navigating Work Challenges with The Happy Hour Crew
Today is the last Friday of the month and my regular listeners know that on the last Friday of the month, I host the happy hour on the podcast where I gather great friends with me to drink cheap drinks and talk about money topics.
We have been rotating guests into our happy hour seats, but I’m delighted to say that Tonya, an OG Happy Hour guest, is joining us today, and as I’ve done all month on this podcast, we’re talking about careers. Specifically, we’re talking about navigating work challenges like asking for more money or dealing with toxic bosses or co-workers and everything in between.
What are we drinking?
Melanie - Non-Alcoholic Margarita (Ritual Zero Proof Tequila)
Alicia - Blueberry Limoncello Vodka Spritz
Tonya - La Marca Prosecco (The Blue Label)
Shannon - Pink Lemonade Vodka and Club Soda
Podcast Notes
Have you experienced a toxic work environment?
Tonya has had experience working full-time jobs and freelancing and has had a mix of positive and negative experiences.
Melanie’s first professional job was her dream position working at a non-profit. The work was terrific, but one person there made her life a living nightmare. This situation was challenging because he was one of the donors. So even though there was abusive behavior, not much could be done by the others in the organization.
These situations are the most challenging when it’s coming from the top down when that negative person is in charge or holds power.
Alicia has always been good at vocalizing her feelings, even in uncomfortable situations. She was once a young boss and one of her biggest challenges was keeping the group humble and kind. It took some time, but she was able to observe and learn the dynamics of the workplace and address the situation head-on with a creative solution that kept everyone happy.
Shannon has worked in several environments, each with unique challenges, but she wouldn’t label them as toxic. Sometimes there is one person in the office whose bad energy infects the entire workspace and team morale.
What challenges come with asking for a raise?
Asking for a raise can feel stressful and the possibility of ‘no’ being the answer always looms in the background.
When Melanie worked for non-profits, she made the mistake of never asking for a raise. You’re made to feel that you should be thankful to have any job and the fulfilling work should be enough.
When Alicia worked in the corporate world, asking for a raise [or more] felt easy. Working for a small business, start-up, or non-profit can make it harder to ask because you’re aware of the budget limitations.
From a management standpoint, the answer is sometimes no because the budget does not allow it, which is tough on both ends.
There is always more than just pay that can be negotiated. Come to the table with some other options and see if you can work with your boss to find something that works for everyone. A good manager will want to work together to keep a great employee on the team and at least have a conversation.
Keep track and a kudos file so you can clearly express to your boss how you provide value when you come to that talk. That information is a powerful tool in your negotiating strategy.
This is a relationship, just like any other in our lives. If you get a negative response from management, it may be time to assess if this is where you want to spend your time and energy. Negotiating is part of the workplace and most companies expect you to do it.
Negotiating as a freelancer has its own benefits and challenges. You’re basically starting the process each time you work with a new client.
Melanie does all of her negotiating over email now, which makes it easier. The hardest part is when you don’t hear back from a client, but it’s less anxiety than having to ask directly. You always have time to pause and think before responding to an offer.
When work is slow, it can be challenging to know how to bid on a project or walk the line of asking for enough without asking for too much and being told no. In most cases, they won’t fire you or not consider you for the project if you ask for more than they can afford, rather just discuss the options and you can decide if you want to take the job from there or not.
Final thoughts about navigating the workplace
Try your best not to take anything at work personally.
Workplace situations are full of learning lessons. Even in the most challenging environment, you can learn a lot.
You don't have to love your boss or everyone at your job, but feeling heard, supported, and respected is important.
Before leaving your job, try to reinvent the role. Work with management to see if there's a way to make it work for you.
Your job is where you spend 8+ hours each day. You deserve a healthy space. It's okay to know when you need to step away.
Those jobs don't care about you; you only have one life and body and must care for them.
If your job makes you drink, cry, complain, and constantly anxious, it's time to leave. It's hard when you have to pay your rent and bills, but you can find something better. Start taking the steps to make a change.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz
Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Takeaway: My biggest takeaway is the importance of finding your voice at work and finding places where you can have safe conversations. Don’t be afraid to test the waters and if you find you’re not in a safe place, then maybe it’s time to find a new job.
Connect with The Happy Hour Ladies
Melanie Lockert - melanielockert.com
Tonya Sumphauzer - tonya-stumphauzer.com
Alicia Lazarto - Chief Operations Officer at The Financial Gym
Shannon McLay - The Host and CEO at The Financial Gym
If you have any topics you would like me to cover on this podcast, or if you’d like to get in the financially naked hot seat, I encourage you to email me at Shannon@fingyms.com, or join the private Martinis and Your Money Face, and let me know what you want to hear.
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