Disappointed with my salary increase

[Gilroy]

I know that I really should not be complaining about this given that so many people are jobless and the economy is still not good.. However I do feel very disappointed. I joined the company I am working for now around 2.5 years ago. I have been at the same salary for the entire 2.5 years. Last November the management started telling us that we will be receiving a salary increase in April.. So I was eagerly waiting for it.. My performance reviews came out good as well.. Finally after a long wait I was given a salary raise of 2% This tiny amount makes very very little difference and I am just deeply disappointed... The long wait also added to the disappointment... I really don't know what I am asking here... may be this is just a vent

[sidehop]

We didn't have a raise last year due to the economy and this year's cost of living increase wasn't much. Can't complain though, so many people have lots their jobs and struggling everyday.

[Gilroy]

For the past 2.5 years we were told the same thing over and over "be happy that you still have your jobs". And they kept us at the same pay...

[orchidrose]

We got 3% cost of living last year, and that was that.

 

I agree with others that you should be thankful that you have a job and a decent paycheck, but I totally understand that you're upset. I'm making a good $10K below the average salary for my profession, and I struggle to make ends meet. I'm thankful for my job and what I do have, but it's still frustrating.

[avman]

For years my increases have been in the 2-3% range. It's the way of the economy these days. Raises have been very small or non-existent for most of the workers out there.

 

There isn't a whole lot of choice here. Sometimes the only way to get a big raise is to quit and go elsewhere. If that's not possible or not something you want to do, then you may have to live with the raises you are getting.

[StrawberryYogurt]

That sucks, man. Look for another job if this continues year after year. Companies are using the economy as an excuse to cut jobs, freeze salaries, reduce benefits, you name it.

[petite]

Many companies are still trying to get back on their feet, I understand your frustrations especially with prices going up and salaries either getting lower or staying the same.

The last two years have been pretty hard for many people, so I'm not surprised you haven't received an increase.

I was discussing this with my guy a few days ago actually, the company he works for doesn't pay for overtime or extra work they do at home, however they are supposed to get bigger bonuses as sort of an incentive. Since the recession he gets only about 1/4 of the bonuses he used to get and works more overtime hours and extra work than he did with the bigger bonuses. But he still has a job and still lives comfortably so can't really complain.

[hexaemeron]

Honestly, today, I'm just glad to be able to pay my bills. This is not an economy to worry about upward mobility. This is merely about survival.

[Crazyaboutdogs]

For many years straight we got raises, then last year when the economy tanked we got no raise. Although things have bounced back somewhat it is still not back to pre-downturn days. It remains to be seen whether or not there will be any kind of raise this year.

[XxJustMexX]

I'm a state worker... We don't get increases... We get decreases and furloughs.

[FathomFear]

Yep, such increases are common these days. I received no increase last year because of the economy and 3% this year. I know many other people in the same boat. Large increases (5%+) seem rare, unless your position changes.

[Gilroy]

Thanks for the replies guys... I think I am mainly disappointed not because of the nominal raise but they kept us waiting for a long time and then gave this small percent.. From November they started telling that we will receive a raise based on the company and individual performance. The company did well and my personal performance review also came out very well... Then I was eagerly waiting............ to finally get this 2% raise.

 

But having said that I still am happy that I do have this job and got this raise, because not everyone in my team got a raise.

[Gilroy]

For years my increases have been in the 2-3% range. It's the way of the economy these days. Raises have been very small or non-existent for most of the workers out there.

 

There isn't a whole lot of choice here. Sometimes the only way to get a big raise is to quit and go elsewhere. If that's not possible or not something you want to do, then you may have to live with the raises you are getting.

 

I do like my job and this company so I will probably stay here for some time despite the small raise. Moreover my manager asked me not to be disappointed about this nominal raise as he knows that I have contributed a lot.

[Gilroy]

I'm a state worker... We don't get increases... We get decreases and furloughs.

 

Really? I am sorry to hear that.

[doesitmatter30]

Just wait until you get enough of a raise to bump you up into the next tax bracket, and while you technically make more money, you take home LESS after taxes.... What I don't get is why the boss wouldn't lower my pay back to where it was. That particular "raise" cost me like $35 a week.

[Gilroy]

Just wait until you get enough of a raise to bump you up into the next tax bracket, and while you technically make more money, you take home LESS after taxes.... What I don't get is why the boss wouldn't lower my pay back to where it was. That particular "raise" cost me like $35 a week.

 

hmm... great! now I get less money than before after getting a raise?

[deleted-account]

Just wait until you get enough of a raise to bump you up into the next tax bracket, and while you technically make more money, you take home LESS after taxes.... What I don't get is why the boss wouldn't lower my pay back to where it was. That particular "raise" cost me like $35 a week.

 

That doesn't make any sense. Only the money above the threshold is taxed at the higher amount. Getting a raise won't make you take home less pay. There had to be some other change.

 

here's a good link

link removed

[BriarRose]

Between 3% and 7% is "standard", but that doesn't count in a recession. Be grateful for the 2%. They slashed our salaries by 5% last year instead of giving raises.

[Miss Firecracker]

The company my husband works for cut everyone's pay by 10% about a year ago.

 

And hundreds of people here have lost their homes in a flood, most had no flood insurance.

 

Be happy.

[Gilroy]

Yes, I am feeling happy about having a job and getting a paycheck..

[d24]

I guess I don't realise how good I have it then...

 

At the company I work for we get a cost of living raise every year (linked to inflation, this year it was 3.4%), free shares if the company performs well (this year, about $1,000 worth), a one off bonus once a year (around 4.5% either at christmas or in april with the company accounts) and development based salary reviews once a year which typically get you +1.5% provided you've not rubbed anyone up the wrong way. Thinking about it, since I started working here 3years ago I've had increases to the tune of $20k.

 

.... and yet I still feel we're not adaquately paid and nearly everyone who works here feels undervalued and underpaid. That's really wrong of us but that's the culture here... I feel kind of bad complaining about my situation now

[Lovelace]

We get a cost of living raise every July, accross the board. Mine was 23 cents last summer. No other raises are given. But they will give a review whenever you ask for one. Note that I'm not asking for one if it isn't matched with a raise.

 

In my experience, this is just how it is. Huge bonuses, raises, these are the things from movies. They just don't exist out there except...ya know, on wall street still. And apparently in the insurance industry.

 

Honestly, I don't see things getting very extravagant anytime soon, so you know, make the best of what you do have. Things could be a helluva lot worse.