I've worked for a software company for 12+ years. I got a promotion from Product Manager to Software Engineer roughly 3-4 years ago. At the time, it was probationary for the first year (let's see how things go… yeah, I know that's bullshit).
Ok, so now it's several years later. I go to the owner and ask for a salary revision; I'm a software engineer, I have the title, I do the work, I just haven't received the paycheck.
I go to the owner and ask for a salary revision (US, current salary 60k, a quick Google search shows a junior salary 75k-95k, and I'm not a junior). Boss says he's on board and gives me an excellent review. My senior engineer is making 6 digit salary.
Boss comes back with a 5% increase.
He then calls me to talk about it. His main question: why was your salary OK for a few years, but it suddenly isn't?
I said: I had expected a significant increase after the probationary period. I then gave it more time than I should have because I was sure they'd do the right thing. I believe I'm contributing far more to the company than I'm being compensated for. I'm not asking them to make reparations for the last few years, I just want them to make it right going forward.
He kicked the can. Said we can revisit Q1 next year.
My wife says they're full of shit. They'll never pay me what's appropriate. But he also said (not this verbiage) to let him know if I get a better offer.
Is there a chance they'll make good on a legit salary? Or should I spend the majority of my upcoming work time cleaning up my resume and applying elsewhere.
(Note: if I get a better offer, I have zero intention of telling then).