I am the manager of a small business retail store, and finally asked for a raise today. I was making $18/hr, asked for $19/hr and immediately got it. I was going to ask for at least $20, but felt that would be an impossible request. After my boss said yes, she replied “fine, i’ll give you a raise, but as soon as you leave, i’m starting the manager new manager at 17$.” Im sick feeling greedy asking for a breadcrumb raise.
For reference, I live in the DC metro area and the cost of living here is so high. I also have to commute 30+ minutes to the store and am 6 months pregnant without the opportunity to get paid maternity leave. I had an opportunity to actually negotiate my salary and feel like i cut myself short.