'[I] stormed out of the office': Worker told that they won't be getting their annual raise despite overachieving performance

Author image for Brad Dickson
Brad Dickson • Managing Editor
Nov 11, 2023 9:00 AM EST

There's a reason why businesses only offer services once an ironclad contract has been signed and reviewed. It's because they know that "good" business is conducted within any bounds that they can legally get away with—maximizing their own cash flow by separating someone else from theirs… They'd never do anything on a verbal agreement, vague promise, or out of goodwill, yet they expect their workers to accept doing more work and work more hours with the vague expectation that it might one day lead to a raise or promotion. Time and time again, when it comes time for employers to follow through with expectations they have set for their weary, overworked staff, suddenly there's not a dime to be spared in the budget, or they feign shock and surprise that the worker wants more pay for making them more money. 

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  • 01
    "I'm fuming."
    via LinkedIn Sales Solutions

  • After a year of taking on more responsibility and presenting other strong reasons why they should be getting a raise, this worker was told that they wouldn't even be receiving an annual pay adjustment. Fuming, they made their boss aware of their disappointment and, now questioning their future with the company, shared their experience with this popular online community.

  • 02
    Posted by u/Smores Pies 2 hours ago Boiling with rage right now-- had my one year review and was told there would be no raise increase. What do I do? Compensation I'm fuming. I told my boss (on a virtual call, because she didn't come in today) that I felt very insulted and pretty much stormed out of the office to work from home the rest of the day. But I am straight up livid. Over the last year, I've taken on so many more
    via u/SmoresPies
  • 03
    responsibilities, which she stated "fell under my job expectations" even though it sure as doesn't feel like it. All the while touting my accomplishments and successes. But that there would be no raises across the board for anyone. EVEN THOUGH I'm in a position to see when anyone in the company does receive a raise-- and I've seen multiple come through in the past week, which again she told me... was previously written into their contracts.
    via u/SmoresPies
  • 04
    She also told me that my personal expense increases-- such as rent, utilities, groceries, were all personal matters and unaccountable for the company. Which sure, she's right but still... I feel like I'm making minimum wage in a | executive position. Then FINALLY to make matters worse... our benefits rose by 40% today. So not only did I not receive a raise, now my paycheck will be less. I genuinely do not know what to do. I saw a 5 year future at this company yesterday and today I want to quit,
    via u/SmoresPies
  • 05
    sold_myfortune 1 hr. ago This is what quiet quitting is all about. The company is doing the minimum for you, you do the minimum for them. Don't do anymore than absolutely necessary to prevent getting fired Work hard to find a better job Q1 of next year, when it happens send them an email or text message to quit after your last day, that's it. Reply Share 18 ●●●
    via u/SmoresPies
  • 06
    Nano__Chemist 2 hr. ago Calm. Dont quit until you know your next paid option. Start looking for new jobs with pay/benefits/opportunities better and resign once you've got the acceptance/background check/etc. In your exit interview (if your company does them) let them know you are leaving for this reason. 18 Reply Share
    via u/SmoresPies
  • 07
    Hallse 2 hr. ago In an ideal situation you should't have showed your emotions. Should have just said ok, then proceeded to update your resume and began looking for a new job. If your skillset is good, then you shouldn't have an issue finding a new job. 18 Reply Share
    via u/SmoresPies
  • 08
    SmoresPies OP. 2 hr. ago For sure, I regret letting my emotions get the best of me. I just genuinely did not account for no raise. I figured at worst 1- 2%. And that's why I had to leave, I was about to punch a hole in the wall. I didn't make a scene, I don't think. But I had to tell my boss how I honestly felt because that is absolute . I ran a call today where
    via u/SmoresPies
  • 09
    the company touted $2 billion in revenue this quarter, in a "tough" market. I've seen pay raises left and right come through in workday. It didn't even cross my mind I wouldn't get anything. But I got really insulted by her saying "no one in the company is receiving raises" when I blatantly see them coming through. 7 Reply Share ●●●
    via u/SmoresPies
  • 10
    Richie2Shoes 53 min. ago Scale back your output to the bare minimum, start applying for new roles. 5 Reply Share
    via u/SmoresPies
  • 11
    Danxoln 1 hr. ago Similar happened to me, if there are better opportunities out there for you then apply to them, otherwise gather yourself and keep working there. In my situation this place is already above average to work at, so I just have to keep moving forward 4 Reply Share ●●●
    via u/SmoresPies
  • 12
    Chazzyphant 45 min. ago Is this your first year with the company? I would say if it is, maybe the raise stuff is a bit premature. Merit increase maybe. However, when bosses say stuff like that your personal expenses are your problem and that the things you thought were accomplishments and going above and beyond were merely meeting expectations, that's a pretty jarring disconnect.
    via u/SmoresPies
  • 13
    I also raise an eyebrow at this contract thing if you're in the USA because it's well known that very few jobs have "contracts". I'm guessing those raises are actually either merit increases or performance bonuses written into the offer letter is what she means there. I would take a beat and then ask for another meeting when you're calmer.
    via u/SmoresPies
  • 14
    Go over the job description and expectations. Ask her what moves you need to make to get on a track to a promotion and raise. I would also point out that benefit costs have risen so it's like taking a pay cut (although most benefits that cost money have tiered plans are are technically optional so...). I would open with "As you can likely tell, I'm very taken aback and upset by the result of the review + compensation conversation. Having taken a moment to process what was said, I'd like to take
    via u/SmoresPies
  • 15
    Would you have taken the job with those expanded duties at the salary you have now? If not, I might hint at that "To be frank, the scope of work and type of work that I've been doing isn't really aligning with my expectations for salary at that level. What needs to happen to bring those back into alignment?" But also...just drop the extra work. Stop gunning for a promotion or merit increase since it's clear it's not going to happen, sadly. Reply Share 4
    via u/SmoresPies
  • 16
    angieland94 18 min. ago If you do not get an inflation adjustment, it's actually a pay cut.... Reply Share Vote SmoresPies OP. 7 min. ago. edited just now Yeah, I said that-- she didn't budge. Including the increase of my "benefits" on top of it. Didn't change anything. Vote Reply Share ...
    via u/SmoresPies

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