Karren Brady gives career advice from addressing pay imbalance to gaining skills
APPRENTICE star and vice-chairperson of West Ham FC Karren Brady answers all your careers questions.
Today she helps an employee who feels demotivated due to an imbalance with her colleagues and gives advice to a teenager who wants to gain skills in the workplace despite the pandemic.
Q. I work for a charity and, while I’m passionate about our aims, I’m losing all love for my actual job.
In my yearly appraisal I was told I was excelling at my role, but when I asked for a promotion and pay rise to reflect all the extra responsibilities I’ve taken on, I was told there’s no budget.
A couple of my colleagues are the same level of seniority and pay scale as me, but I seem to be doing far more work than them and leading on projects when they never do.
How can I get my manager to address this imbalance so I don’t feel so demotivated?
Q. I’m 17 and, once shops are open again, I really want to get a Saturday job.
I feel at my age I should be starting to earn my own money and gaining some independence. But my parents are against the idea because of the pandemic plus they’re worried about the effect it will have on my studies.
Is there anything I can do to gain some skills or start earning, so I don’t have to depend on my parents all the time?
Izzy, via email
A. Nothing gives you more independence than having your own money. The hardest transition we all make in our lives is leaving education and getting into work, so any experience you have now will prepare you much better for the future.
It will also give you a chance to see what you enjoy doing, who you like working with and what potential you have. I had my first Saturday job at 16, sweeping hair in a local hairdresser’s, and by the end of the day I was running the till, booking appointments and speaking to customers.
It really made me realise that work is about personality, enthusiasm, getting stuck in and pushing yourself.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
I understand your parents’ concern, but look for a job with a responsible employer who has all the Covid safety measures in place and then you both get what you want!
- Got a careers question you want Karren to answer? Email bossingit@fabulousmag.co.uk
GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk