I work in document management. Not a glamorous role, and not one that pays the company bills, but I've been there six years and I am the only person that knows all the intricacies of the job.
The department is so small, there is no supervisor or manager currently, though that may change.
Anyway, I got my review, after all my backbreaking labor, of being one of TWO people in the dept who has been trying to keep us treading water. I get 3 percent.
I sighed sadly when I heard that, I tell my boss, “My rent went up 40 dollars this year. That's not enough.” She tallies it out, the raise JUST BARELY covers my rent increase. I tell her, “I am getting older, I have 170 dollars in the bank. This is not enough. I'm not going to just walk right now, but you need to understand, I need something more than treading water. I know you don't make these choices, so I am not angry at you, but you have to understand. Starting today, I have to start looking for a new job.”
I think I terrified them. Good. I need a cost of living adjustment at the very least. I spent three years without a raise, because of covid et al. I was their 'good soldier' and stayed on.
I'd love to leave, but the things I know are so specific that I think the six years I've been here, would be useless in any other company. My rent increases, my pay does not, I've got poor nightvision, so I can't stay on the road too late, so my choice of jobs is limited by that, especially with winter approaching. Everything I see online for jobs in my 'field' start at 5 dollars less than I make now.
In short, I'm trapped where I am for now.
#antiwork