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I started working at a company that boasted (when I started working) the title "Largest Manufacturer of Concrete Statuary and Decor" in the US, about 2 years ago. I was first labeled the "data entry clerk" for our customer service and order department, but due to the lack of work caused by the speed with which I completed my tasks I was soon given another title, Inventory Control. Soon enough handling 2 departments wasn't enough, and I was given duties that had to do with shipping and receiving, safety, MSDS, and just yesterday the responsibility of dealing with new product waiting to be released. I've gotten 1 raise of a whopping 20 cents since my first day, and that was given just last August, and all my reviews have been top notch, with the only complaint being my tardiness (I admit, I'm not a morning person). The company lost it's biggest retail accounts at the end of last year, OSH Hardware and Target stores, which resulted in losses of over $500,000 in sales revenue. Our annual review and raise date came and went in February along with the promises of a "worthy raise" and cost of living increase. Now I learn that not only did it come and go, but I might be looking at another year with no increase in my wages, but with a substantial increase in my responsibilities. I've voiced my displeasure about the situation, and had nothing but smoke blown up my ass and figures shoved into my head. I'm extremely pissed off that I'm still making the same lame ass amount on my paycheck (even though I'm a good $1.50/hr above most people that work in our offices) but I can't decide whether to take the plunge and find a new job or tough it out. The job market in California is terrible right now, so it seems to me it'd be smarter to stick it out, but I figured I'd post my plight and avail on our users' infinite smarts to give me a little insight into what I might should do. Thanks

I'd let them know that you are considering looking for a new job. Maybe they will re-evaluate how valuable you really are.

20 cent raise since your first day of employment doens't sound like it is even close to covering infation, therefor your real buying power is decreasing even though your not earning less. I would atleast make sure that you dont lose real buying power and if they deny you that then i would seriously consider you looking for another job if you feel like you could get one in a stagnent california job market

To "make it up" to everyone, we're getting an "Employee Appreciation Lunch" this Friday, with a speech by the owner of the company, no doubt telling us how bad the economy is, no raises this year, doing great keep up the good (underpaid) work! Plus a $100 bonus! Oh my god, I think I might shit my pants! It's ridiculous. I've planned to go back to school and get my Construction Estimators license - friend has a job available to me when I have it making about $10/hr more. Screw this place. :P

Thanks for the feedback folks.