Concerned Employee Responds Brilliantly After Employer Refused Him A Deserved Salary Increase

All too often, the reward for hard work is more hard work.

Maryjane

• Published in Interesting
• June 10, 2022

Isn't it true that remaining loyal and diligent with one's responsibilities pays off? After all, we've all heard that consistent hard work results in something good, whether it's a promotion, a raise in pay, or at the very least some sort of recognition.

While this simple success formula has been passed down from generation to generation, the reality is a little different. All too often, the reward for hard work is more hard work.

Ubermick, a Reddit user, has firsthand knowledge of this. This worker chose to share their annual performance review with the r/ChoosingBeggars subreddit community.

They have consistently exceeded expectations by taking on extra responsibilities and successfully completing projects. While the company praised the employees for their efforts, they also snuffed out any remaining hope of a wage increase.

While they anticipated their efforts would definitely pay off, the firm had no intention of rewarding them financially. As you might expect, this did not sit well with the Redditor, particularly when they discovered that the financial constraints for their salary increase were evidently sufficient for 10% raises and bonuses for the managerial staff.

In this situation, the Redditor had to find a way around it. Read on to discover how the whole story unfolded and the actions he took.

Employee is inspired to act swiftly after being told there's no money for a salary increase:

People who are enthusiastic about their work are more likely to be exploited. Employers frequently view it as more acceptable to force those who enjoy their jobs to perform additional, unpaid, and demeaning tasks than those who do not.

While it's great to enjoy your job, there can be drawbacks when we think of the workplace as a place where employees can pursue their interests. Read the whole story in full below.

My annual performance review

The review proper

The management was impressed

Leadership was thrilled too

Handling two positions at that

Several new ideas

Not every reward is financial

We will be stronger than ever

And it ends...

In short, people tend to believe that working outside of their job description is acceptable because it allows them to pursue their interests. However, it is important to be aware of these red flags in order to keep ourselves, our coworkers, and our friends and relatives from falling into these unhealthy patterns of exploitation.

The Employee Bites Back In A Brilliant Response

The OP explained a few details about the whole issue in the comments

Quitting is not an option

The only one doing the work of two people

The best I could do

Many people were moved by Redditor ubermick's story. The post received over 20K upvotes and several hundred comments in just a week, with users castigating supervisors who refuse to give hard-working staff the raise they certainly deserve.

The OP sent his supervisor a reply demanding a reconsideration

Highest revenue in years

Good wishes don't pay mortgages

All the value given

Many others began to share their own similar struggles. Unfortunately, it appears that the corporate city is filled with manipulative employers who heap more work on already overworked employees and conceal it as an achievement.

Redditors had a lot to say about this issue, and we compiled some from their replies for you to read.

Best time to leave

The performance review

That marketing position

Just right...

Spruce up that resume

Another short story

They have it but won't give

Times are tough

Hold their feet to the fire

They can do the job themselves

Standard point

Start looking for another job

When you take on a two-person workload, you feel as if you have earned a raise. Even in situations like this, negotiating a pay raise remains a tricky matter.

Salary increases and promotions, in general, are essentially encouragement and motivation for hardworking employees to keep us in the spirit. Don't forget to share with us your thoughts on this issue in the comments section below.

Maryjane