Long time lurker here and I was dreading one day having my own unfortunate story but here we go… I recently started a new job in a very specific field and location and really felt like after years of busting my ass off I had landed my dream job where I could build a future. Good coworkers, great benefits, and we agreed on a net annual salary “in my pockets”.
Then I started the job and received my first paycheck and noticed it was lower than what we had discussed. I immediately flagged the issue to HR and was told there must have been miscommunication and indeed some deductions were covered in the 'net salary' (taxes and such) but others were fiscal obligations (employment/retirement insurance and such) that everybody had to pay. I think it's about 2500 USD a year (I'm not in the US) which is enough to sting but I'm not sure if I'm making too big a deal out of this.
I explained the issue to upper management and suggested they clearly communicate deductions to new hires in the future and adjust my salary to what we agreed on but was told I misinterpreted some things and they couldn't do anything. I don't know what to do anymore, I feel like quitting but good jobs are hard to come by in my specific field and location. Should I just accept this and move on?
Edit: my contract and all emails clearly specify a NET salary