I’ve worked for this small business for half a year. When I was hired it was as a barista, but since I’ve started my position that now also includes creating new product labels and store product illustrations. I made the mistake of saying I have digital art skills during the interview. I received a small raise after a few months which rounded me up to a solid $12/hr + tips and genuinely didn’t mind the extra work because I enjoyed the creative outlet.
Creating daily social media and store content while still fulfilling my other duties was possible but not what I signed up for. And after having done so for half a year at less than minimum wage ($15 where I live) I asked for a raise (that and other side projects I’d been doing for no extra pay). I was essentially told that because I keep my full tips and was already given a $2 raise I have no reason to request a raise. That it was upsetting for them to hear especially after all they have gifted me in employee discounts and product samples. And they gladly offered to remove most of my daily responsibilities instead.
All you had to do was say no, now I’m going to quit. Thanks for making me realize you will never value my work.