I work as a detailer at a dealership of a major car manufacturer in rural America. With the recent rises in gas prices and the current inflation, it's getting harder (impossible) to stay afloat financially.
I started work in September of last year at $13/hr with 2 years of collective experience. Recently the minimum wage has jumped from $11/hr to $12/hr, but my pay stayed at $13/hr. Right now we have one other worker in our department other than myself. We're supposed to have a team of 4. Since being here I've trained 3 other people, 2 of which no longer work for us. Since I've been here, I've been told multiple times by the sales team that our department has made a complete 180, and that it's nice to see people take pride in their work for a change.
I've never asked for a raise a day in my life. I've always been told it's rude and entitled, and with my boss being more of the old fashioned type of man he is, I'm apprehensive to ask for more money at the end of every week. I enjoy where I work and I have no problems with my boss and I prefer to keep it that way. How do I tell my boss I need more compensation without hurting my reputation with him?