u/BeckQuillion89

I recently started a new job that I got through sheer luck, timing, and optimism (actually walked into the company giving resume -> eventually got the job) The thing though is that the job was a for senior/co-lead graphic designer of a super small team at a mid-size product company.

Since my experience leaned more tangential (industrial design), I was put on a 2 month probation period first at much lower pay to see if this was a right fit (70,000 compared to the industry bench mark of 85,000). I had a discussion with my manager that during the early performance review after my probation then we’d discuss putting me closer to the benchmark salary.

It’s now been two months and my review is next week. I’ve been doing my tasks efficiently, answering to regular feedback well, going above and beyond where I can, and being on good terms with all my coworkers, my manager, and the division ceo. I am 95% sure that the job is gonna be permanent. My manager even said as much talking about how they’d like to use my tangential experience in the coming months and I’ve done regular check ins where I’ve gotten nothing but praise.

I’m wondering now, what advice anyone has to getting the pay raise I really want at this performance review? While me and my manager had a vocal agreement, I know not to just fully trust those agreements as set in stone.

I’ve been prepared a presentation with all my finished deliverables to make my case and practicing, but I’m still worried I will be lowballed on the wage or outright denied.

I really like my job especially after a year of unemployment. I enjoy the day to the day work, and my managers probably been the best one I’ve ever had (he really stands up for us). But I really need this 20% increase since I live in NYC and it’s already hard to make ends meet.

TLDR - Have an official performance review after my two month starting probation period where I was put on a 70,000 wage compared to the industry standard 85,000 wage. Been doing really well at my job and trying to know how to best ensure getting the the benchmark wage at the review

I missed the order window and have looking high and low since. Apparently there’s been 1-2 sales on Ebay, I missed those too 😭

Anyone willing to sell them to me? I’m really hoping to get my this collectible somehow

A little backstory, first. You can skip to the dotted line if you want to skip it

Back in March, by sheer miracle, I (27M) got my current job as a graphic designer. I was unemployed for over a year and a half. I genuinely was in one of the darkest places in my life by the end of February.

One day, I decided to just go f*ck it. I live in a big city, so I printed resumes, made a list of companies in my city and literally walked into companies handing my resume face-to-face. Sometimes I lied to the doorman to get in, snuck in and once ran in, but each time I put on my most charismatic self and figured what's the worst that could happen? I just didn't care anymore.

On my 6th attempt, I walked into a company and by sheer timing I met a manager of one of their divisions and he gave me an interview on the spot. I showed him my resume and portfolio and he told me they actually had an opening for a second lead graphic designer.

He had me do a test project later that week and I put everything especially since it was my main skillset (industrial designer). I nailed it and after negotiations, and anxious waiting, I got the job. But they put me on a probationary period for two months to see how I'd do with much lower pay. This the performance review

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I've been working super hard, being extra diligent, listening more than talking, and just being as effective a team member as possible. I do all my work promptly and overachieve where I can. Even when I check in on how I can improve, my coworkers, manager, and CEO only give me praise.

My manager is really understanding, stands up for me and my coworkers, and probably the best boss I've ever had. I've even been told by him to relax, I'm already part of the team. All signs point to that I'm good.

BUT, I'm still terrified thinking about that performance review. I've been fired a few times before. One from a new job that actually traumatized me for a while. Like actually maliciously screwed me over. I'm scared that people are just lying to me about doing good and that I'll get the rug pulled underneath me at the performance review. It's even my chance to show I deserve to get a big raise (industry standard is 20% more for my role). It's a lot at stake because my current salary isn't enough to really pay bills without family assistance.

I'm just wondering if people have advice? I've been keeping track of my achievements, trying to find ways to make a meaningful impact at work, and trying to build connections with coworkers.

I just don't know what else I should do and genuinely am scared of being jobless or screwed over again.