Internet rallies around employee after company offers double salary for same post to new hires

No matter how much we love our job, not getting recognition for our work is always a bummer. It may be compensation, verbal appreciation or a reward, employees' efforts need to be acknowledged. Recently, an employee, u/TheRoastedCapon, posted on Reddit about their disappointment over being significantly underpaid. "I'm demotivated and demoralized after realizing that I'm underpaid for my role," they mentioned in the title, as they vented about how they regretted hanging on to this job that didn't recognize their efforts. People on the platform rallied around them.

It all started when HR sent job postings to every worker in case they had someone to refer for the job roles. Though the employee found their role listed among the postings, they weren't worried because their role demanded a huge number of responsibilities. Their only concern was how a new hire for the same role would be paid double their salary. So, they decided to bring up this matter during their annual review. "I ask about the market rate for my position and my manager admits that I am underpaid. I ask to be brought up to that salary and am given a fully noncommittal response," the employee mentioned.

This false reassurance put the employee into a "demotivated" state. "I do my job, smile and I'm accommodating to clients as before, but any internal communication or company-mandated fun culture - no, please," they wrote. Also, since HR demanded every employee to turn on their cameras during internal or external meetings, they couldn't help but put on a straight face to mask their frustration over the lack of acknowledgment. "I've been here for 9 years and have invested so much of my time into helping grow this firm. Now I'm pissed that I've wasted so much of my time here when I could've job-hopped to the salary that I do deserve. I'm also embarrassed that I essentially drank the 'Kool-aid' and allowed them to take advantage," the employee explained.

Through this difficult experience, the employee felt they had learned their lesson. "This is why the younger generation job-hops and it will ultimately benefit them more than loyalty to any company ever could," they pointed out. "I hate that I have to reenter the job market, but I'm a good employee and I need to remember that I have a lot to offer," they added. They finally realized that finding a new job would be the way to a better future and felt disappointed in themselves for putting up with being underpaid for years.

Many users found this situation too relevant and spelled out today's workplace realities to the employee. "This is why the new mantra is - 2 years and dip. If you do not receive a promotion after 2 years, it's time to evaluate whether or not you will receive one if you stay 3 years. Changing jobs will lead to a more market-based salary and frankly, companies don't deserve loyalty," commented u/RagingZorse. "Happens probably the majority of the time for existing employees. Sadly, after 50 years of this awareness, employers have learned nothing and done nothing," said u/lurch1. "Time to broaden your horizons. They've been paying you the market price 9 years ago. With inflation, you are more behind than you might realize," added u/AtticusAesop.