My husband's work was quite short-staffed for a while, and he stuck with them as one of two employees who did not quit. As he was training other employees and taking on a lot more responsibility, he tried to negotiate a raise and promotion to manager with his boss, citing that he would also leave if he didn't get it. His boss made an offer (much lower than what was requested), and my husband said he'd think about it.
After a couple days, my husband accepted the offer, and was told by his boss that they would work out the details after the holiday season.
It is now well past the holiday season, and he has received neither the pay increased nor the promotion. In the meantime, he has been busting his butt to prove himself as a good worker and taking on much more than his pay grade demands.
He does really like the work environment, but at the current pay it's not sustainable for us. He's told me that he doesn't want to bring it up directly with his boss because he's afraid that boss will deny him the raise and expect him to quit, or effectively call his bluff.
I think that he's being overworked and taken advantage of, but he's way too nonconfrontational to do anything about it.
Any advise is appreciated.