This year, my annual pay raise was 2%. Perhaps the lowest I've ever had. Rest assured that it's not a reflection of my performance - which was "strong". No, I think this is because I'm already one of the top earners at my particular level. And yes, I could probably rectify this by getting a promotion - but I really am not seeking one, because I don't want the extra stress and responsibilities that come with that. I did get a fairly decent bonus to make up for the measly increase in base pay, but still this pay raise is less than the current US inflation rate - which means that it is effectively a pay cut. Which is disappointing to say the least. Not surprising, but definitely disappointing. Even more so when you consider how hard I've been working since the start of the year, and how stressful it's been. But what can you do. There just isn't the abundant job market out there for my kind of position any more.
