So I 23M started work at a company right out of college. This is in a field largely dominated by women however is in high demand especially for men. This was a job that only required a HS diploma but would be a gold stamp on my resume going forward. Ended up falling in love with the field. So much so I decided to go to grad school to further my career in it.
When I was first hired they offered be $20/hr. I negotiated going to $22/hr after my probationary period and review. 3 months go by and I have to remind and push for my review for another 2 months before I get it. I then am told that they may not be able to get me the raise until I improve in some areas. Admittedly it was fair criticism in those areas, but I mentioned I would have improved 2 months ago if this was a big enough deal to delay my raise. Eventually they caved when I pushed my offer letter and that I wanted back pay for when my period would have ended.
Months go by and I am getting licenses and certifications they ask of me. All with only a $1/hr raise when I was nationally registered. But I did add all of them to my resume.
Even more so the company kept getting on my ass more and more about nitpicky things and would put more work on me despite me being in school that they encouraged me to do. To the point where I put my education on hold.
Finally I had enough and blindsided them with my notice. And even gave them 3 weeks instead of 2. They had the gall to ask that I extend my notice another month. I shot that down hard.
I know work for 2 companies on a couple contracts for $33/hr, better benefits, less travel, easier workload and more support for school if and when I decide to continue.
Moral of the story, always look and compare options.