What the heck am I doing?

**Michele Annette** · 02-17-2006, 12:11 PM

I had my annual review at work.

Review went good. But....No raise. They are very pleased with my job performance, etc. Asked what I was working on/towards this year. I told them more action scripting with our Flash animations for the push toward product delivery through the internet. Asked if I were happy with my work, I said yes. They asked us about a house, if we are still looking, etc. I told them that we have been still looking. Having a hard time finding something, cheaper to rent, very frustrating, etc.

I didn't mention anything about moving or the possibility of moving. I didn't mention anything about a raise. I am disappointed that I didn't get anything. Even though I said I was happy with my work I could not say that I wasn't happy about my salary especially when they didn't even have the "normal" 3% that they normally give us each year...heck, they normally give us gift baskets each Christmas, but they couldn't afford to do that either this year. Basically it's been a rough year for them.

I tried to keep neutral about things. They know about DH owning his own business and have asked how it's going. I said it's going well with work and networking.

Once the review was over though, I felt worse than I had before I went in. I wanted to run back in and them that I need more money, but no I didn't do that. I will keep on pushing myself to move on to better things.

On the upside, my bosses are great people. Genuinely caring, good people. I have worked for them for 11 years this March. But it is so expensive to live here and my salary does not reflect that. We have hardly any debt left and will be paying it completely off in about 3 months. We still can't afford to live here!

I just feel like crap about it..sorry I just needed to get it out.

**Dixie** · 02-17-2006, 12:24 PM

I know it's very frustrating not to get a raise.

**FrugalMomof3** · 02-17-2006, 12:34 PM

I had that happen to me too! Got a GREAt review but no raise we kept wondering why but found out a few months later that they were selling the company.

**Vannie** · 02-17-2006, 12:37 PM

Michele,

Try not to beat yourself up because you did not ask for more money. I think happens to a lot of us. You seem to really like the people you work for and to enjoy your work. That's half the battle at least. Maybe you could go back in about 6 months to let them know what you have done in those last 6 months and negotiate for a raise.

Do you make websites?? If yes, get a freebie website and talk about your skills. Flash seems to be in demand right now.

**Kimberlina** · 02-17-2006, 12:51 PM

**Michele Annette** · 02-17-2006, 12:57 PM

Thank you Dixie, Tracy and Vannie.

This whole thing must make me sound like a spoiled brat. I have worked so hard to get where I am and will continue to work hard doing extra design work from home. I am now the senior artist in my department. I am learning web design currently and will really hone in on those skills now as I need to pursue something different. We are almost 100% positive we will be moving anyway.

Vannie, you are right about finding good people to work for is half the battle. It is, and that is the exact reason why I have stayed here for so long. It's too bad that a good boss doesn't equal a good life for us here.

Okay, I'm done...

**Michele Annette** · 02-17-2006, 12:58 PM

Thanks for the hug Kimberly!

**Nada.Leona** · 02-17-2006, 12:58 PM

Sorry. Perhaps you could do like my aunt did: she sent her boss a list of all the things that she did -- and did well, of course! -- and asked for $X as her annual salary. And guess what? She got it!

It wouldn't be in good taste to do it right now, but maybe in a couple months or so...

**Michele Annette** · 02-17-2006, 01:07 PM

Thanks Nada, if we continute to stay, I will do that or I will have to try to find something else. I have been thinking of so many different scenarios with my situation. Staying, going, moving, telecommuting, freelance (which I do extra now). Maybe I need a VACATION...

**Michele Annette** · 02-17-2006, 01:44 PM

I wrote DH about it earlier. This was his response. I just started crying after reading it. I'm just ready to go home today.

"To soon old, to late smart...... Says it all I think. Don't feel bad about it. Your just a nice person thats committed and honest which is a rarity these days believe me. They are very lucky to have you and sometimes they probably don't realize it until you leave or decide to leave. Educational software probably isn't a super money maker, so I'm sure they do what they can."

**justmeD** · 02-17-2006, 01:51 PM

I would go in and ask if there was a reason on your part that you didn't receive a raise? If they didn't have the money they could have just told you. I'm sure you are a hard worker and big asset to them, I'd love to see you get a raise.

**Vannie** · 02-17-2006, 01:56 PM

Ooohh

I know this is a long day for you. I've there.

And, no. you do not sound like a spoiled brat. DH is right on target.

**Michele Annette** · 02-17-2006, 02:23 PM

Thanks Diane and Vannie. Some days it's just frustrating but I am thankful most of the time. I'm going to just keep on keeping on and hope for the best with our future.