I started with a company about 8 years ago give or take.
At the time, I didn't realize just how below average my pay was.
Over the years, they utilized the funnel system in lieu of replacing staff.
“Sorry no raise this year”
“You're already one of the highest INCORRECT JOB TITLE here”
“Yeah you can go elsewhere for that pay, here were family”
You know the spiel. Anyways. Final straws. My ally at work put in notice (not the boss. But a boss). I told the boss I need a promotion AND pay increase to stay. Sure sure.
They deny a merit increase in the meantime. But insist a promotion will be on its way… probably in 9 months. Just be patient (like I hadn't asked before….).
It took a few months. But I received offers. 2.7 to 3.4x what I make now. Range from no travel to quarterly travel for 3 days. Otherwise all remote. Bonuses. And for more focused/less work. Imagine being a fed ex courier and having to collect/analyze urine/blood tests in between drop offs. Im now solely the courier in this metaphor.
Granted, I proportionately decreased productivity to compensate for no raises. But still. I legitimately questioned my competency, experience, and skill set. I was fully broken before the pandemic.
They had no intention of promoting me. Nor compensating me close to fairly. I accepted one of the better gigs for me. I'm not cured of Stockholm syndrome. I still gave 2 weeks notice. It'll be a long road to recovery. But one day at a time.
I hope I never fall victim to the trap again.
Ps. I was looking into student loan forgiveness and I'm trying to screen shot it. Literally says government assumes individuals on payment plans will have an annual 5% increase in pay. So… I definately missed that mark for about 8 years or so.