Company backtracking on compensation and company housing

Question

I've been working for a company for 2 years. For the first 1.5 years I was in my home country, and I asked to transfer to the current location, in another country. My manager sent me a proposal and a new contract (with a standard 6 months probation). The money was not what I hoped for, but way better than before.

In the same email, he mentioned that I would have access to a company apartment until I find something for me and my family, and also that we would review the compensation package after 6 months.

First issue: I thought the company apartment would be free, but it wasn't. They asked me for a small amount (about 50% of the market price). Cheap, but... not free like I thought. I only stayed at the place for a couple of months then moved to a bigger place that can fit my family (which is not at a discounted price).

After 6 months had passed, I asked him about the review, he said something like "You didn't understand correctly, I was referring to the annual company-wide raise" (which is not true, the email is pretty clear). This annual raise usually is around 5%, each year. I was disappointed, but I thought that I should wait for another couple of months and see, as the raise usually happens before Christmas. It is now 2017, and apparently the company is not doing the 5% increase for everybody this year.

I love what I do and the team is okay too, but I am really disappointed right now.

Should I approach my manager about this? I'm not a talker. I get emotional pretty quickly and can't find my words. Especially when I'm not speaking my native language.

I already created profiles on job portals and I am updating my CV. I am willing to switch jobs, even commute a little if the money is better. As far as I can tell my current pay is quite below the market median for my experience and industry.

LATER EDIT: one year has passed since I asked for your help. I did talk to my manager, nothing happened. In fact, he quit the company a few months later. I talked to the new guy, and he did give me a raise, around 7%. However, I also started to go to interviews. I am now working for another company, where 2-3 days a week I work from home, the other 2-3 I commute by train for about 1 hour each way (I read about 4 books a month now, which is nice :D). My salary with the new company is about 28% higher (including the bonuses), and my new boss also offered my SO a job, which came in as a nice surprise. The ttoal family income is now about 70% higher. Things are going a lot better for my family. :)

LATER EDIT 2: The second manager, that one that did gave me the raise, also quit after only a couple of months. So probably the problem there is in the higher management...

Answer 1

Should I approach my manager about this? I'm not a talker. I get emotional pretty quickly and can't find my words. Especially when I'm not speaking my native language.

If you aren't a talker, formulate an email. Attach the evidence and then you can take time to construct your argument. If you have things in writing that were told to you prior to starting, then there should at least be discussions about them.

Once you have emailed, arrange a meeting. You will need to talk to him about this. But you can prepare yourself with the minimun you would consider.

In the same email he mentioned in addition that I would have access to a company apartment until I find something for me and my family and also that we would review the compensation package after 6 months. First issue: I thought the company apartment would be free, but it wasn't. They asked me a small amount, but still, not free.

This could simply be a misunderstanding. Unless he has specified that renting the place would be free in the email, I wouldn't get hung up on this point.

With regards to the pay review, you state that the money is good (if not what you were after). Is it below market rate still? for your skills/experience?

I can see both sides. There is clearly a trust issue with your manager. But, it could be a misunderstanding from both sides. It only takes one poorly worded sentence to be misread by someone reading it as his second language to potentially give a completely different story. Couple with that and the fact they aren't giving the 5% to everyone, then maybe the company hasn't had the best financial results.

Moving over to another country is a massive step. What happens if you leave the role? Would you move back home? It's a massive step for your family. I would suggest, although it sucks, taking the hit and maybe "properly" scheduling a pay review in 6 months/a year

Answer 2

Talk to your manager. Print out the email and go through the points where you are disagreeing with them while both looking at the same document.

Keep preparing to leave but also give management the opportunity to make this right. If they don't then continue with your current action plan, if they do then revise your plan appropriately.

Answer 3

If you have a contract/email stating that you are to receive items a, b, or c then you should discuss this with your manager and see if a compromise of some kind can be made.

Is a 5% or even 10% raise worth taking the risk of moving to another company? I would strongly urge you to discuss your points with your manager first.

If you feel your are being underpaid, share the source of this data with your manager so they can see for themselves.

Remember, the grass is not always greener on the other side.