Got no raise, way to positively feel better about it in the short term?

November 11, 2022 12:36 PM

I just found out I got no raise at level where at least Cost of living raises are expected. So I got a paycut. I'm grateful that I have a well paying job that's not destroying my mental health and decent work life and still have a job. This isn't that fun. Want to do something fun that takes me off this and just make me not give a crap at my job for the next several months?
posted by sandmanwv to Work & Money (5 answers total)

Best answer: Apply for new jobs! Diligently send out at least two job applications every week for, say, four months, and be extra picky, very hard to please, and super entitled about what you're worth. Two possible outcomes:

- you find a fabulous new job that pays you what you're worth in addition to having all the other essential characteristics your current job has,

OR

- you will become increasingly appreciative of the wonderful work environment you currently have as you do interviews with shit company after shit company, never finding anything half as nice as your current setup.

It's a win-win!
posted by MiraK at 12:54 PM on November 11, 2022 [37 favorites]

I've been in this situation, and taken the above advice. I would say it worked. It eventually led me to my current job, where I do get raises and even a promotion. So I'll second MiraK.
posted by kevinbelt at 12:58 PM on November 11, 2022 [5 favorites]

MiraK has it, dead to rights.

One of the peculiar things about corporate America right now is how dominant two contradictory concerns are: how to reduce/freeze payroll and pay existing employees less; and how to outbid other companies to bring on new employees in a time where hiring is tough.

The net effect is a job market where it's far easier to increase your income by changing jobs than by being appreciated and rewarded by your current employer. It's deeply weird, but it is what it is.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 12:59 PM on November 11, 2022 [13 favorites]

I know people above me have already doubled-down on the MiraK answer, but I just want to say:

MiraK answer.

I'll spare you the details, but: hugely correct move in my personal recent lived experience.
posted by aramaic at 5:30 PM on November 11, 2022 [1 favorite]

Hear me out: organize. Talk to your coworkers and organize. I get raises every single year. Why? Because my coworkers negotiate with the employer and if the employer doesn't at least give part-way, we go on strike and the whole operation falls apart. I also have a [relatively] well-paying job that I love. Completely separate that in your mind though from your right to get paid for the work you do and to have your increasing knowledge and skill that you gain with experience acknowledged with annual raises!

You are probably thinking 'fuck that'. Or, 'that's not real'. Or just, 'no'. But organizing with your coworkers is a deeply meaningful and connecting experience! When you're ready, feel free to message me, or better yet call EWOC.
posted by latkes at 5:42 PM on November 11, 2022 [9 favorites]