Veteran employee of 3 years finds out they're paid 25% less than the new hire, internet discusses the importance of salary transparency and company-hopping: ‘Knowledge is power’

Author image for Lana DeGaetano
Lana DeGaetano • "Show me to me please."
May 7, 2025 7:00 PM EDT

In a world where cash is king, folks in the workforce have got to find ways to make an honest living without wearing themselves too thin. Being underpaid and overworked is a nightmare for most, especially when you're not even aware of the fact that you could be cashing out on a larger biweekly paycheck. That's why being up front with members of your team and in your field in general is something that shouldn't be taboo. Employers feed off the outdated etiquette of not speaking about money because it's deemed 'impolite'.

If it weren't for salary transparency, the employee in this next story wouldn't have known they were being paid 25% less than the employee who was just recently hired. The employee who posted the story explains that they have nearly three years of experience at the company over the new hire, and refuses to believe that this isn't somewhat personal.

In the comments section, fellow folks who serve the dollar explain the importance of leaving a company that no longer serves you, because companies believe everyone is replaceable. Well, if that's the case…

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  • "Just found out that my job's been massively underpaying me compared to my colleagues."
    via SEO Galaxy for Unsplash

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • It's difficult not to get caught up in the “why” in this scenario. Could you have worked harder? Maybe, but you shouldn't have to in order to make a livable wage that reflects your service to the company you work for. It's a slap in the face to company veterans who climb their way to the salary they're at, while new hires are given better incentives to join them. It's backwards.

  • "Just found out that my job's been massively underpaying me compared to my colleagues"

    My day just went downhill. I'm a loan advisor at a mid sized mortgage company where I've been grinding for almost 3 years.
    via Standard_Mud_5347
  • There are 5 of us with the exact same job title/responsibilities, but I just found out I'm making literally 25% less than the newest guy.
    via Standard_Mud_5347
  • Here's what happened: This new dude called John joined our team like 3 months ago. Very chill guy, probably too chill cuz we were
    via Standard_Mud_5347
  • just talking about salaries in general and he told me his so casually. That's when I found out I was being underpaid.
    via Standard_Mud_5347
  • The main reason I'm ped is that I literally process double the applications compared to the other guys and I'm getting paid less which is crazy. I'm not in a
    via Standard_Mud_5347
  • bad financial position at all cuz my 401's good, been lucky with some crypto investments and so p ed at on, but I'm them for paying me less when I'm doing all the work.
    via Standard_Mud_5347
  • Cheezburger Image 10502619904
    via Getty Images For Unsplash+

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • What should I do? Should I just confront the boss? Should I just leave this job? Thanks.
    via Standard_Mud_5347
  • btw I posted this on r/personalfinance but somehow the post got deleted cuz it doesn't match the subreddit so I'm posting it here
    via Standard_Mud_5347
  • papachon This is exactly why they don't want people talking about salaries. Knowledge is power
    via papachon
  • copper678 Agreed, be thankful John told you. He's a real one!
    via copper678
  • MysteriousConflict38 This is incredibly common and why there is data that shows people who change years every 3-4 years will often make 25-50% more than their colleges who stay.
    via MysteriousConflict38
  • For whatever backwards reason, most companies seem to think winning new talent is better than retaining old talent and it's really really common for new people to start at or above what seasoned employees make.
    via MysteriousConflict38
  • There's a bunch of ways to go about this from telling your boss you feel you are being underpaid to just finding a better paying opportunity.
    via MysteriousConflict38
  • AssistantNo5668 I am experiencing this right now. I am a highly proficient tractor tech and been with this dealer for 5 years. New guy been here 2 years and he is nowhere near my level but they are paying him the same. Thats why im interviewing with a competitor this weekend
    via AssistantNo5668
  • tremegorn Jobs are a business relationship first and foremost and if you're no longer getting a good deal, you either re-negotiate or take your services elsewhere. Generally you're better off finding a new job if your pay really is 25% lower than everyone else there.
    via tremegorn
  • zebra0817 I had a boss tell me I was underpaid, I was blindsided and asked him what I needed to do to get a salary increase. He never gave me a solid answer and I never got paid more. It was sh for my morale and I ended up finding another job.
    via zebra0817
  • QuadG23 Lmao what? Boss straight up said "you're not getting paid enough" and continued to not pay you enough? Sorry I can't help but laugh because there is actually people like that out here.
    via QuadG23
  • LevelOneForever John is a legend for sharing that information. We still live in a time where people think sharing salary information is bad... it's only bad for the employer. Speak up and get some pay transparency conversations going to help your other colleagues who are being underpaid. Remember: do not have crab bucket mentality. This is not to drag anyone down. This is to boost others up.
    via LevelOneForever

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salary antiwork workplace-stories jobs job career advice Professional At Work work coworkers reddit story workplace paycheck reddit thread Reddit discourse money
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