Your boss isn’t necessarily evil; they’re just doing math. They want to keep profits high and shareholders happy. A raise cuts into their pie, so they won’t offer it unless they have to.
This is where your performance comes in. If you bring in more money than you cost, you have a stronger argument. It’s not about deserving; it’s about value. Show them the receipts.
But even then, many companies wait until they’re losing good people. They’d rather pay a new hire more than give you a bump. Silly, right? But that’s how the cookie crumbles.
The Inflation Monster
Here’s a twist: sometimes wages go up, but it feels like they don’t. This is called wage inflation. You get a 5% raise, but everything costs 6% more. You’re technically richer, but actually poorer.
It’s like running up a down escalator. You’re moving, but not getting anywhere. That’s why real wage growth—when your pay beats inflation—is the only win.
Inflation and Wages – The Penultimate Month for the Current
