When I tell you the disrespect in this corporate world is unmatched, believe me.
I had been at my job for three years, working hard like my village people were chasing me. I took on extra projects, trained new hires, and even covered for my manager when she went MIA (which was often).
I asked for a raise twice. Twice oo! and both times, I got the same script: *“The budget is tight. We value you, but now isn’t the right time.”*
Fine. No wahala. I took my talents to the job market, and lo and behold, I secured a new offer.
Not just any offer, double my salary. When I tell you I danced like David danced?
So, like a good employee, I put in my resignation. I kept it classy, thanked them for the opportunities, and gave two weeks' notice. I was ready to pack my load and be going.
Then, out of nowhere, my boss called me into a ‘quick chat.’
*“Hey, so we’ve been reviewing compensation, and we’d like to offer you a raise.”*
I blinked. A raise? Now?
He slid a paper across the table. It was exactly the salary I had asked for six months ago.
I stared at him. *“Interesting. Where did this money suddenly appear from?”*
He chuckled. *“Well, we value you, and we don’t want to lose great talent.”*
Oh, now I’m ‘great talent’? When I was begging for a raise, I was just an expense.
I smiled and slid the paper back. *“Unfortunately, I’ve already accepted the other offer.”*
His smile dropped. *“Let’s not be hasty. Maybe we can match-”*
I stood up. *“You know, if you had valued me when I first asked, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. But you did me a favor - now I know my worth. I hope you find someone else to work twice as hard for half the price.”*
And just like that, I walked out, head high, into my soft life era.
Moral of the story? Know your worth. And if they say there’s no budget, just start applying elsewhere. The money is always there. It’s just not for you until you really show them.
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