Long post, TL;DR at the bottom.
I worked for a company for over 6 years that worked me to the bone. I was a senior software developer and team lead, and by team lead, I mean my manager made me act like the team's boss and do his dirty work. My team consisted mainly of junior developers who required my help 75% of the time. There were many times I worked over 50 hours a week, sometimes up to 70-80.
My mental health was the worst it had ever been. I used to drive to work and think “a car wreck would be terrible, but maybe I'd get a mental break from work for a few days.” My anger and frustrating were greatly caused by my salary. It became apparent early on during my time there that new hires were making more than me. The final straw was in 2019 when it was formally announced that some folks were getting salary adjustments to solve this issue. Co-workers who started at the same time as me and had fewer responsibilities were given a $11k bump. I got nothing. I talked with my manager many times about this and, in the end, got a $3k bump at the start of 2021. Of course, that meant nothing since my co-workers also got raises, so I'd never catch up with them.
Because covid turned the IT industry on its head, the remote market is booming. I applied for a job in November that was for the same work I did for my old employer. That position was put on hold, but they became interested in me for an even higher position that pays significantly more. I was offered the job, where I make $30k more than before with significantly better benefits. The cherry on top? I have less work to do (for now, at least). I haven't felt this stress-free in years. I'm actually able to focus on my mental and physical health and not panic about the cost of treatment. I'm treated like a trusted and respected member at my new job. The CEO took time out of his schedule to get to know me.
This is what everyone deserves. To not feel like you are living to work but are working to live. I will always be eternally grateful for the opportunity I've been given and hope you guys get to experience the same.
TL;DR: Was screwed over by my former employer for over 6 years. My new company took a risk on me by employing me, and now I'm making $30K more and happier than I've ever been.