Long story short, I've worked for a large corporation for 7 years. It's actually a great place to work. Not soulless and evil. I love my job. I believe in the company's purpose. I do great work and get recognized and appreciated almost every day.
Due to a merger, my responsibilities and workload have increased quite a bit this year. Still fine with that….it's a natural career progression that I welcome.
Problem is, I've only received a 'cost of living increase' for 3 years. My salary has only increased by $5000 in the last three years. My actual cost of living is more like 15k annually. So doing the same job, living in the same house, no real change in my circumstances, I can now no longer make ends meet
It would be really bad for the company if I leave. I have a lot of specialized knowledge. I don't want to leave because I love my job. At least 300 employees would be directly affected in an immediate and negative way if I left. There are many people high up in the company that know this. My manager knows my situation and agrees I'm getting screwed here but can't change anything.
I can't get a raise because we're not in the next budgeting year yet. That's what it's coming down to. Red tape and timing. I can't wait 6 months for a raise or I'll be unable to pay my bills and I have kids.
No one wants me to leave. I don't want to leave. Everyone agrees that it would be lose lose for me, for the company, for the other employees….but no one can get around the red tape apparently. It makes me so sad. Now I have to find a job I won't like as much just to survive. I hate capitalism