Getting promoted, but not sure on a few things....

Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Posts: 5

Hey guys, been reading a lot and you guys are giving me a lot of information. I have a question though. I stated at my lowes in central Florida a little over three months ago. I started at $9.80 as a cashier. I was told that after my ninety day review I would be bumped up to $10.40. Well, before my ninety day, I proved my willingness to do anything and ended up getting "promoted" up to receiving crew. I was told I am technically team lead (eventhough there is no official team lead and I was not getting a raise) of the unloading crew where we unload the truck every night we have one and disperse the freight. I was told this would be very temporary untill a good spot on the floor opened up, and that I would be safe in the back from any cuts they may have to make as things slow down. Well they never changed my job title from cashier, and I was recently told that when you move from cashiering to another job, it is considered a step up and I should have gotten a raise, is this true? Then when my ninety days came up, I was told I was getting a raise, but not how much, I got my check and it was $10.27 instead of $10.40. I know it is only thirteen cents, but on top of being given twice as much responsibility in my new position and not being upped in pay, I feel like I should say something, any thoughts? My third and final point though that throws a loop through it all, is I have already been told by HR and Store Ops that I am being moved very shortly and will be given (after I pass the interview mumbo jumbo) to Team Lead of Millworks. should I wait to say anything about my pay till they try and promote me to Millworks? How much should I ask for or realistically make? Should I bring up the fact I was doing them a favor going from cashiering 40+ hours a week and going back to a more strenuous job that only averages 20 hours a week on top of not getting a new pay scale and not getting my full ninety day raise? I like working at my store and we are a great store to work for, but I don't want to be taken advantage of. I know Lowes and most places will try and get you for the lowest buck, but I was thinking of telling them I wanted 12-13 an hour once I get to Millworks. What does everyone think? HR told me that even once I get to Millworks, they are still going to put me in the EMTP training. Is this true? Do I have to work a certain amount of time in Millworks before I can be promoted again? And one last thing, I saw almost everything everyone told the new guy who was ust hired at the new store for Millworks, but any more info would be great. I don't know much about measuring windows and doors or anything, and I don't want to look like an ass on my first days in charge. Thanks

Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Posts: 8

Tricky. I'm going to put this bluntly and I'm sure I will be disagreed with ...but.

For starters, yes you are being taken advantage of. Is this really bad though? If you become the person that your store management goes to, to get things done you are showing you are willing to do the work required to go further in the company. An old business quote goes something like "do the work today for the job you want tomorrow". If they are already offering you a team lead position in the near future and are planning to bump you into emtp so soon, they are investing in you.
That being said, Lowes will use you, they will get everything they can out of you, they will continue to push for more and more from you from this point on. The reward for good work...is more work after all.

So ask yourself, do you want to become a manager at Lowes? Unless you are willing to work many, many hours and have almost no social life I wouldn't recommend it, and I would in that case push for your extra .13 and get confirmation on exactly how much your pay bump will be to team lead (I very much doubt it will be the money you list).

Other things to consider. Once you except a position, you are stuck there for 6 months before you can move on. This can be over-riden by your store manager but they would have to really, really like you (in other words you are a model employee doing extra work and not bitching about it or about the money).

Cold hard fact of Lowes (or any retail for that matter). I've been with them for 5 years and have been a team lead, dept. manager, and a Zone manager. Each level gives you either %10 more than you are making now, or the bottom of the payscale for the position you are entering (whichever is LOWER). There isn't much haggling involved in this process, it is what it is by company directive.

Joined: 15 May 2005 Posts: 55 Location: Georgia

Quit

Joined: 22 Jun 2008 Posts: 64 Location: Ohio

I'm thinking its to soon and would just let it ride for now. Everything seems to be headed in the right direction. As a plus, your also gaining knowledge in other depatments.

	Forum Index -> Lowes	All times are GMT
Page 1 of 1