I'm a chemist who has been in the industry for about 6 years now, and I feel trapped. I was recently forced into a more advanced role with very little training and zero increase to wage, which is already 15% below what fresh from college chemists are making at the company. I have attempted multiple times to argue for an increased wage, with the response being a shrug and “take it or leave it”. I of course have been searching for a new job, but those that pay better I seem to always be silver metal (i.e. told I was second pick and that if the first didn't work out, they would call me), or they offer insultingly low wages. I currently make 54k after the measly 2% increase this year, and other jobs in the industry with my years of experience in the location I am regularly boast 75-80k. Not to mention the highly hazardous chemicals I handle daily.
Anyone have any tips or advice for getting out of this abuse? I'd love a WFH position but am unsure what would be a good fit in that section with a chemistry degree.