What I wish I had said: Well, I think its not the right time to keep working for this company then 🙂
Going to quit as soon as I find a new job or university Master degree spot, depending on what I decide on. I have a Bachelors in CS and working in IT Consulting for a year now, still the same (pre inflation-) low entry wage I started with. Delivering the goods, positive feedback from customers and team leaders yet zero willingness of the company to keep me around. Good luck filling my position which is part of an already understaffed team up to its neck in work and projects.
I find it hilarious how bosses always seem to favor letting someone go (which they can do at any time anyway if they ever feel a pay rise was a bad investment) because they demand better pay instead of just paying a little more. Now they will face hiring/recruiting costs, training costs and 0 return for the first months AGAIN.
Don't take shit from employers in an employees market 🙂