So I work for a fortune 500 company in a cushy corporate position. I've noticed some things.
First off I typically get high praise at my job. I do it well, and sometimes get successful and sometimes get exceptional on my yearly review. This year I got successful, because I received exceptional last year. (Although they say thats not why, we all know thats why)
I also am the solo income for my family of 5. I am a woman in an engineering field (and although becoming more prevalent, still a reason to discriminate). I was told by a male colleague of mine when he left, I was making about 23% less than him.
Because I got successful this year, my cost of living raise was the standard 2.8% increase. This is far below inflation this year, and they dont care. So year by year I slowly get paid less and less.
I know I should jump again, to keep on the rise, but my kids are settling into this community and dont want to leave friends. Nor do I want to relocate again.
So Im going to take liberties where I can. My company has asked we start coming back into the office. We are supposed to come back in 3 days a week. Specific days, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. My boss doesn't even work in the same state. So, I will continue to work from home. Saving myself time and money on a daily basis trying to recover that 5% they stole from me this year.