'She's making $15k MORE than what I was making': 32-year-old refuses to train replacement during last two weeks on the job after discovering new hire is getting paid more

Author image for Ben Weiss
Ben Weiss • Writer and Editor
Oct 13, 2025 2:00 PM EDT
A businesswoman sits at a table talking energetically to another woman.

This senior graphic designer left her job because she couldn't get a raise, only to learn that her replacement will be making $15,000 more than she ever made.

Let this story serve as a potent reminder not to trust what human resources tells you when they're grasping for straws as to why they won't pay you more. Sure, there are budgetary constraints, but that's part of what running a business entails. If the leadership at a company truly values the skills, experience, and livelihood of a long-standing employee, they will find a way to make it work.

After eight years at this company, the author was tired of hearing that there wasn't enough room in the budget to grant her a well-deserved raise or promotion. This time, however, she had already been looking for better opportunities elsewhere. Once she secured another job, she put in her two weeks' notice. Her boss even expressed his understanding as to why she needed to leave.

However, this is just where the story gets good. During those last two weeks, the author was tasked with helping to train her replacement. She was happy doing this, until she learned her replacement's starting salary.

Advertisement
  • Two female coworkers sitting at a table looking at a laptop
    via Resume Genius

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • We can't help but applaud the author for going to their boss directly with this information to see what he had to say. After all, she was leaving the company, so it's not like she had much to lose at this point. 

    The fact that all her boss could come up with as an excuse was that they needed to offer a competitive salary to get a strong candidate says everything we needed to know regarding how they really felt about the author's value there. 

    While we understand that this is probably a lot for the author to process, there is some satisfaction in knowing that she is hopefully off to get started at a better company with stronger values. At least, we hope so!

  • "[Am I wrong] for refusing to train my replacement after I gave notice when I found out they're paying her more than me?"

    I (32F) have been working as a senior graphic designer at a mid- size marketing firm for 5 years. I'm good at my job, I've brought in major clients, won awards for our campaigns, the whole thing.
    via Guscioni-Mibida
  • I've asked for raises twice in the past 3 years and both times was told "budget constraints" but got 2-3% cost of living increases.
    via Guscioni-Mibida
  • Two weeks ago I accepted a position at another company for significantly more money. I gave my standard two weeks notice and my boss seemed fine with it, said he understood.
    via Guscioni-Mibida
  • Yesterday my boss introduced me to my replacement, "Jessica". He pulled me aside and asked me to spend my remaining time
    via Guscioni-Mibida
  • training her and getting her up to speed on all my projects and clients. Sure, whatever, that's normal.
    via Guscioni-Mibida
  • Here's the problem: Jessica and I grabbed coffee to chat about the role, and she mentioned how excited she was about the salary.
    via Guscioni-Mibida
  • Then she told me the actual number. She's making $15k MORE than what I was making. For the same position. With less experience than me (she has 2 years in the field, I have 8).
    via Guscioni-Mibida
  • I went back to my boss and asked him point-blank if this was true. He got uncomfortable and said "well, the market has changed"
    via Guscioni-Mibida
  • and "we had to offer competitive rates to attract talent." I said "so you had budget for a competitive salary, just not to keep me?" He didn't really have an answer.
    via Guscioni-Mibida
  • I told him I'd finish out my two weeks and wrap up my own work, but I'm not training Jessica. That's not my responsibility,
    via Guscioni-Mibida
  • especially now that I know they valued a new hire more than a loyal employee who's been here for 5 years.
    via Guscioni-Mibida
  • I feel like I'm justified like why should I go above and beyond for a company that clearly didn't value me?
    via Guscioni-Mibida
  • Two female coworkers working next to one another and eyeing each other with looks of disdain.
    via Resume Genius

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • Ent... 6h ago Edited 5h ago • • It happens more than you realize. Don't take it personally. Complete your two weeks and then move on to a better job with a higher salary. Hopefully, your new company has a better name in the business... that always feels good.
    via Guscioni-Mibida
  • Baudica 6h ago . To be honest, I wouldn't waste the energy on arguing about it. I'd take the two weeks easy. Go for plenty of coffee with your trainee. Chitchat, and teach her how to work with outlook.
    via Guscioni-Mibida
  • Dive into wrapping up your own projects. Make sure to communicate a lot with your clients, and tell them your leaving. (Check your contract on what you can tell those clients) NTA
    via Guscioni-Mibida
  • Chunk3yMonkey 5h ago If you're not talented enough for what they're paying her, then you aren't talented enough to train her
    via Guscioni-Mibida
  • A businesswoman sits at a table talking energetically to another woman.
    via Resume Genius

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

Want More? Follow Us and Add Us as a Preferred Source on Google.

Tags

aita workplace-stories work stories toxic-workplace AITAH job work coworkers i quit company toxic-work-environment
Scroll Down For The Next Article