I accepted my current job knowing I would be unhappy with the $14.50/hour, but I have been a stay at home mom for so many years that I was just happy to get a job in the first interview that I took it. I've been here over 6 months now, and it is time for our midyear reviews. I did my research and found that the average pay in my area for this position is over $21/hour. I have done some interviews over the past month that went well, and even received a verbal offer from one place. (I was just waiting for my background check before they could give me an official offer.) Last week I asked boss for a raise, but didn't mention I have been doing interviews at other companies. He said his hands are tied, but he would bring it to his boss and HR.
This week we had the regional manager come to our location. I was given 3 hours notice she wanted a meeting with me to discuss my request. During the meeting she said “I'm so happy you felt comfortable advocating for yourself.” Then, proceeded to tell me I was getting nothing for a raise and they feel like their total benefits package makes them competitive in the market. I laid out the verbal offer I already received and how it made their package look like nothing. My boss was sitting in on the meeting and looked so defeated. We are already short staffed and he immediately realized I'm going to be leaving now too. I think the regional manager thinks I'm bluffing. Friday my backgroup check finally went through at the other place, and I received the official offer. The regional manager is going to be pissed when I turn in my notice tomorrow with our meeting followup attached to it as the reason why I'm not staying.