Alright, hear me out. I just heard my bonus amount and initially I was really happy about it. Until I started thinking about it. I'm receiving $2500. That's taxed differently than my normal paycheck. From what I can tell, it's taxed more than a regular paycheck. Why don't they just pay me $2500 more a year? I would have been pretty happy with an additional $200-ish a month, even if it was lower from taxes. I probably would have gotten more in the end. And while this time of year money is tight, it wouldn't be as tight if I had more money throughout the year to save up.
I'm also told by my boss not to share my bonus amount because “not everyone is getting that.” OK. What are they getting? For all I know this is the lowest amount. I know discussing my wages is protected but is my bonus?
Is this all just a ploy to keep us from noticing how underpaid we are year-round? Is this just to keep us from looking for other jobs at the end of the year? Am I being paranoid? Am I being selfish?
Sorry, this is the only place I could think of to ask these questions.