I've been at my company for close to a year now, I joined in a junior role and love the work. I came from a freelancing background and took quite a significant pay cut (25%+) for the security of a monthly income. I was asked if I wanted to end my probation half way through it as my performance was so strong. I said yeah sure, if I can negotiate my pay (I have more experience and knowledge than a junior having had 2 years industry experience on my own). I was told I can either accept end of probation based on my starting contract, or I could leave.
I have since had a promotion. No raise in pay.
This year I've had quite a bit of time away from work for personal reasons – during which time my manager has donated company money to causes that have helped me out, and given me extra holiday days which they obviously weren't obliged to. I've also been offered more opportunities to travel abroad for work than any of my colleagues in my team. Colleagues that even said the boss had mentioned quite proudly that I'm a real asset to the company. Truth is, I'd rather just be paid more than have the extra cuttings like this.
I asked for a pay review a few weeks after returning to work, and I was told I was ungrateful for everything that's been done for me, and I need to wait until my annual review (which is at the end of probation, not my start date). I'm being probed by other companies who are interested in me and they're offering even less than what I'm currently on. So frustrating to get paid a wage your company clearly knows your worth but won’t even let you negotiate for.