Q: I went through a formal interviewing process and accepted the job offer soon after. At the interview I was given a complete job description and told to read it carefully so if I were to be chosen for the job, the work and procedures would become second nature. I was fine with that, and studied it when I was hired. As I became more proficient in the job, only four to five months in, my tasks and responsibilities increased tenfold.

I had taken the job and accepted the salary based on the type and amount of work. As it has changed, my salary has not. I casually mentioned the situation to my boss, who said that would be considered at the yearend. (I would not have taken the job had I been told about the increased workload and changes in job duties. I didn't think a company could make changes that soon after hiring a person.

It is the yearend now and not a word has been mentioned to me about a raise, a bonus, or a salary adjustment due to the changes. I've worked for nine months waiting to see what would happen, and I stopped my job search after accepting this job. Is it too soon to start another job search? How long do I have to wait before looking for another job? I don't necessarily want to leave, but I'm not pleased about the situation. I like the company and my co-workers. I just don't like being put off or lied to by my boss (assuming these tactics of false promises are intentional). The trouble is I don't know. We have our annual reviews according to our hire date, not the yearend, so I don't know why the boss said this. Can I remind her of her promise?

A: A casual comment about reviewing the job situation is not a promise for a raise. You have too many questions and conditions regarding your job to discuss it with your boss, to begin a job search, and to make changes of any kind. You are also too new on the job to make demands for more money or job changes, even though your tasks and workload substantially changed soon after your hire. Perform your duties as best you can; complain to no one, and prove your worth. You have three months until your annual review, and that's the time you'll find out where you stand.

At the same time, make a list of priorities, your wants and your needs for a job, as well as a preferred type of company. Look for similar job titles and their salaries, but don't send out resumes. You're performing due diligence only. At your first year work anniversary and performance review, your questions will be answered. Keep track of which needs and wants are met and what gets passed over. If you are not pleased with the outcome and not compensated according to the current job market, you can start a discreet job search.

Don't announce to anyone at the company that you are looking for a new position. Workplace friends can change overnight depending on position changes and any gossip could be your undoing. The number or lack of interviews you receive will tell you if your job skills and salary expectations are realistic. Go on the interviews even if you'd rather not leave. The new job search will show you're your potential and save you from delivering unreasonable requests or embarrassing ultimatums. In fact, ultimatums usually net an employee a quick and untimely exit, which defeats your ultimate goal.

Email career and life coach: Lindsey@LindseyNovak.com with your workplace problems and issues. Ms. Novak responds to all emails. For more information, visit www.lindseynovak.com, and for past columns, see https://www.creators.com/features/at-work-lindsey-novak.

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