Today I had an annual evaluation with my manger. I got high marks on everything and I met or exceeded the expectations. She asked me if there was anything else to discuss and I brought up that I would like a pay increase. She told me that there is a merit increase of 2-3% every year. (which it seems like everyone gets that regardless of your marks) I asked if there was room for negotiation and she said no, unless you go “above and beyond”. Basically I have to get promoted to receive more.
Literally an hour later, an apartment called and said they have an opening for a 1 bedroom but the price went up $100 more than when I originally called months ago. The new price put it above what I wanted to pay.
I’m just frustrated because I went to college with the hopes that I would be able to live a comfortable life. I make decent money but I’m struggling to find an apartment I can afford.
It just sucks because I haven’t been working at my job for very long so I want to stay at least 2 years to gain experience but when I do research I’m getting paid under the average salary of my job position and I don’t see my pay increasing significantly anytime soon.
Can anyone else relate to my situation? I feel so stuck right now.