There it was.
The compliment.
The kind of compliment companies sometimes give employees instead of raises.
You’re the best person to do this.
You’re reliable.
We trust you.
You’re invaluable.
But apparently “invaluable” had a salary ceiling of $55,000.
I looked back at my screen.
“Sure,” I said.
Karen seemed relieved.
“Great. I knew you’d be cooperative.”
I smiled.
“Happy to help.”
I meant it differently than she thought.
That weekend, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
For six years, I had worked my way up from an entry-level administrative position to a senior operations coordinator. My responsibilities had grown steadily.
My salary had not.
There had been small increases over the years, but nothing remotely close to the increase in responsibilities.
I’d asked for a raise twice.
The first time, I was told budgets were tight.
The second time, I was told the company was restructuring.
