Five years ago I joined a company that provides “staff services” via contract to large companies. The job is the biggest scam in that large companies are paying 2x to 3x times my salary to my company, for me to work for them. This company was no gem either, and gave off plenty of red flags such as refusing to pay agreed reimbursement for expenses, didn’t provide PTO, and gave everyone pay cuts in the middle of inflation… lots of illegal wage theft basically.
Anyways, the time came for this company to renegotiate my contract with the large company. I had established an outstanding relationship with this customer and knew they wouldn’t sign off on any contract that didn’t have my name on it. I made it known to my boss that I needed a raise on the new contract that kept up with inflation. Boss had the gall to only offer a 4% raise after I had worked there for five years. Even told me I was replaceable and made a point to send a potential candidate to ask me about the position. This was the last straw…
What my boss didn’t understand was how valuable I was to the customer. I was essentially running the customers entire operation including a significant portion of funding, including obtaining funds for my own contract. In short, I knew there were competing companies and I knew what the customer was willing to pay for my services. Wouldn’t you know it, but a competitor happened to offer myself and others I liked very lucrative offers, complete with a 30% pay raise, full benefits, and nearly 4 weeks of PTO plus paid holidays.
Last I heard, my old boss is delaying planned home improvements and their retirement due to unforeseen setbacks.
I didn’t owe this company shit and neither do you. Keep looking for better offers elsewhere!