Dear Jamal:

It is understandable to me that you feel distressed and depressed over not receiving a significant raise in the last four years even though you’ve been giving your all to the company and significantly contributed to its successful growth from its conception. The injustice of a new, fellow employee receiving 80% more salary while, I understand, is not more skillful than you and is not contributing as much as you do and have is a painful reality to live with- would be for me.

You talked to your boss without results and you are thinking about leaving. If you asserted yourself with the boss, told him or her about the injustice and unfairness of the situation, with no results, and if further assertion is not going to result in a significant pay increase, then I think it is fair and wise for you to explore employment opportunities elsewhere.

Wherever possible, it is a good idea to correct unfairness and injustice. If asserting yourself doesn’t do it, and leaving will- so you can be better compensated for your work elsewhere- then do so.

anita

Jamal,

A few more ideas for you – you got to market yourself more. Do not let any opportunity go where you can beat your own drum on the value you have added to the company. Many people sit in a corner, put in the hard work and fail to market it – unfortunately in today’s job market, you got to brand and sell yourself.