I’m Lauren, and for eight years, I’ve given my life to this company. I’ve been the first one in, the last one out, and the person everyone comes to when things need to get done. Recently, I sat down with my boss to ask for a long-overdue raise. He looked me right in the eye and told me to “be grateful for what I have.”
A week later, I found out why he was so dismissive. A new hire—someone who’s been here exactly one month—is earning $45,000 more than me. Not only that, he works from home three days a week while I’m expected in the office every day. I’ve even had to stay late to finish projects he started but couldn’t figure out.
I didn’t argue. I didn’t cry. I just went back to my desk and started applying elsewhere. Two weeks later, my boss burst into the office, red-faced and shaking. He’d found out I was interviewing with three major competitors. One already offered me $52,000 more than I make now, with full remote benefits. Suddenly, “be grateful” has turned into “what will it take to keep you?” But the truth is, I needed that value recognized eight years ago, not after I already found the exit.
