Manager demands employee take $15k salary cut, they claim that they are starting their own business instead: 'I had been doing the job of 4 people'

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Ally Perry • Writer and Editor
Jun 20, 2025 9:00 AM EDT

A trend that is all too common in many workplaces, but at the same time totally unfair, is that the hardest workers are often not the ones who get rewarded for what they do for the company. On the contrary, the stereotype is that they tend to get given even more work to contend with, and little in the way of extra compensation.

Needless to say, this is an extremely frustrating situation to be on the receiving end of, and something that can end up leaving a business without its best employees. Nonetheless, that doesn't stop bad bosses and profit-hungry companies from exploiting those who do the most for them. 

The worst of these can be outright audacious in what they believe they can get away with, and are still surprised when they face any retaliation for it. That said, sometimes the satisfaction of standing up for oneself is not always the wisest decision.

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  • 01

    Boss wants to cut my salary by 15k. So I said my next move is to create my own agency.

    This is a bit convoluted, but here is how my day went: had an awkward and somewhat combative conversation with my boss. I had been doing the job of 4 people when I joined last year (literally four previous positions, no exaggeration, between operations and marketing), to execute on substantial and complex programs. So when I finally said we need more help, she conceded to 1 high level new hire to help. Great, 1 job down, 3 more to work out... Today, she tells me because so and so started, it's t
    via Early-Ground-393
  • 02
    Cheezburger Image 10519440128
    via Getty Images (Unsplash+)

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • This is what one employee found out after their boss hired a new employee and then proposed giving them a drastic salary cut. They had previously been doing the job of several people and had requested more help in their position.

    In protest to this proposal, the worker told their boss that this wasn't acceptable and that their next move would be to take clients from the company and create their own consultancy. They now felt like this had been a risky move, and wanted some advice.

  • 03
    I said that's not acceptable and that I won't tolerate being paid less at a time when my efforts have more than exceeded expectations and that my next move will be that I'll create my own consultancy and I'm happy to work with our clients in a new capacity. The majority of these programs need my exact specialty, not the new hire's. She started to get nervous and told me not to do anything hasty and that she didn't want to lose me over 15k. (Note that I literally do a lot across communications PR
    via Early-Ground-393
  • 04
    As luck would have it and lo and behold: another member of the senior leadership (who doesn't take ownership of anything ever) emails the both of us asking for my help editing a Word doc because they couldn't resize a jpeg on it and figure out where the header is. This is a person making MORE than me, prospectively. Boss and I ended the conversation that we'd "talk next week" and see if other clients can pony up more money. I'm frankly insulted and amused that this person's priority is demoting
    via Early-Ground-393
  • 05
    Cheezburger Image 10519440384
    via Getty Images (Unsplash+)

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 06

    Commenters advised that fast action was needed.

    bazadsl If things are as you say take the leap. You will never get ahead working for ahole like her.
    via bazadsl
  • 07
    matt_minderbinder Once you drop the threat of leaving and poaching clients there's no going back. If op stays their superiors will strategize how to ruin that possibility for them while also ruining their future in that company. I'd say that the threat was a mistake regardless, never give them ammunition or time to prepare to counter your move. Op has only left themselves one option and it's to leave and strike while they can. Staying would be a mistake.
    via matt_minderbinder
  • 08
    Consistent-Chapter-8 You know your own value. Operations management was my biggest weakness, marketing one of my strengths. I could not imagine doing the job of four people and then have it suggested that I take a salary cut now that I'm "only" doing three roles. They're taking you for granted already. She thought she could convince you to take a pay cut in this situation? Her mistake. She should be increasing your pay instead. Provided you do not have to worry about a non-compete clause (which
    via Consistent-Chapter-8
  • 09
    Many_Bothans Before you do anything you may also want to A) sound out the clients on this and B) check your paperwork/work contract. It may be possible that the clients may be locked into their contract or that you are prohibited from taking your company's clients with you for a period of time after leaving. On the other hand, if you truly are that indispensable, they will likely be on your side.
    via Many_Bothans
  • 10
    jTexans Did you sign a non-compete when you started? If not, great!! Do NOT sign anything if/when you leave! Copy everything. Protect your a It may seem that you're in the driver's seat, but companies have a way of throwing curveballs. Good luck!
    via jTexans
  • 11
    GeddyVedder You should have kept that thought about starting your own agency to yourself. You don't need to tell her anything more than what she needs to know about your current job.
    via GeddyVedder
  • 12
    wcarlaso If she can't lose you just for 15k it's time for asking a raise... Of 15k...
    via wcarlaso
  • 13
    og_woodshop Honestly; since private contractor rules changed 8+ years ago... you really really should do this. Find a accountant and discuss it. Getting your LLC and then following through will create huge benefits. Then you can make, literally what the market will support. The idea of "employees" should di with the Boomers. We all should be our own companies.
    via og_woodshop
  • 14
    K1llerbee-sting You already lit that fuse whether you like it or not. Time to run, not walk. Time is of the essence, start poaching clients before the company retaliates and ruins your reputation.
    via K1llerbee-sting
  • 15
    MyLlamalsTyler A pay cut at that amount? That's constructive dismissal and maybe if you're not interested in your own business maybe working for someone else further up their org chart. I'm sure you already have some clients that would take you on.
    via MyLlamaIsTyler
  • 16
    PA_Archer Take the leap. Use the set up time to alert possible clients. Give no notice.
    via PA_Archer
  • 17
    cheungstyle Ask for a raise that would make you happy and also difficult to retain you. Then do your own thing and show them all who the real boss is ⑤Best of luck with your endeavour. Hope you get what your time is worth!
    via cheungstyle
  • 18
    Renickulous 13 Why do I feel like this role pays less than $100k, to boot? You probably deserve 3x your current salary by the sound of it.
    via Renickulous13
  • 19
    BisquickNinja While, I agree with your reasoning. I do not agree with your execution. You never tell your bosses what you're going to do next, they will do whatever they can to stymie, delay or deny your next move. They want you exactly where you are and they want to remove your options. I would still create your own agency and move on. Working for yourself Can't be any less stressful than the work that you have now, but your pay and your satisfaction will go up immensely. Good luck!!
    via BisquickNinja
  • 20
    MorphysLaw Do it. Any leader that asks to reduce your salary is going to screw you over eventually. Owners reduce their salary when needed...not employees.
    via M0rphysLaw
  • 21
    lost_tacos Time to move on. They already think you're overpaid by 15K, so you will not be getting cost of living increase anytime soon. Good luck!
    via lost_tacos
  • 22
    mikemojc You've had the epiphany, now to flesh it out. Go research,explore, and calculate the level of effort required to do that thing. Acquire the resources, and pull the trigger. The hard part is over; knowing you can succeed. The rest is just.... Work.
    via mikemojc
  • 23
    AshtonBlack Hard work or "exceding expectations" as an employee is no longer recognised a valid reason for a salary bump. Promotions are done on the whims of the management and we hear so many stories of "promotion without title or pay" being offered. Shall I tell you who is directly rewarded when people in a company work harder? The Executives and the shareholders and f you if you think they're going to share this reward with their minions! Now, you can "act your wage" and regain a work-life ba
    via AshtonBlack
  • 24
    PreferenceProper9795 Get to the resume chopper! Save yourself!
    via PreferenceProper9795

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workplace Horrible Bosses salary antiwork employee work Office reddit thread Reddit business entitled people
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