Hi all. I was hoping for some advice on the following query. any thoughts or input would be superb!
I joined my current employer a few years ago, as the fifth Product Designer in a Product Design department with a Director of NPD. I’m now one of two remaining staff, who, due to internal restructuring, have been incorporated into the Marketing department.
Now, the above doesn’t worry me massively. We’re down to a number of designers that as far as I’m concerned couldn’t be reduced any further.
I’m still “relatively” ( ) young, and while I’m comfortable in my abilities I’m a firm believer in constant learning and bettering yourself. However, the staff I report into have no experience of Product Design, so I’m concerned the current setup is going to limit my ability to move on, in terms of responsibilities, authority and financially.
I was recently denied a pay review, which eventually went ahead after involving HR, and me agreeing to a lower raise than I’d hoped, and I think deserved. I believe I’m being far more efficient and diligent in my design process than my predecessor, who was getting paid over 10% more than I am.
The levels of communication with our FE office is poor, with even simple, yet vital questions going unanswered. Again, I’ve tried to discuss this with my senior colleagues and immediate boss, but again, due to their lack of understanding can’t understand why my questions need answering.
I love my current job, projects and immediate colleagues, but do not go to work for free, so am understandably frustrated at getting paid less than my current position was advertised at, despite fulfilling all the criteria. The lack of communication is also causing additional workload, costing money, and limiting my/our ability to design products that fully fulfil their opportunity.
Hopefully this will kick off some engaging discussion!