My boss, of course, is fairly cheap. But he gave me a raise last year with my christmas bonus.

This year I have had to work much less, which only actually began this september...I changed my availability to weekends-only because of Lyme.

He is well aware of my conditions, and is on a "keep me posted" basis.

With the holidays making everything nuts at the store, I told him I could be on call for personalization (we personalize products for the kids on the premises, its a free service but I'm the only one they trust with bigger items).

Since telling him this, I stop in during the week 1-3 days for 1-3 hours each time--time I SHOULD be resting.

My best friend there just quit, and during the fiasco another coworker told us the boss was giving raises to everyone to keep them there. We thought it humorous that this other fellow was going to quit despite the raise (he had another job on the side).

I opened my paycheck today. My bonus is less than last year and I DIDN'T EVEN GET A $0.25 RAISE.

I am so absolutely horrified, insulted, and angry.

The coworkers I discussed this with are also horrified, insulted, and angry. I pondered if I'm being laid off for less availability/illness, but was assured from the guy who does schedules that this isn't the case (and if it were, you can bet I'd take legal action!)

This post really has no point other than that I know you guys understand how I'm putting myself out there to work in the first place in addition to school, let alone to be on call and drop in on a moments notice to sit in a room that smells of paint by the time I'm done!

SIGH!

And don't worry, I do plan on bringing this up next time I'm in. I realize money isn't a measure of appreciation in other realms of social contact, but in an employer-employee relationship, it most certainly is!

*rips hair out!*

How frustrating!

NOT good!

Unfortunately folks don't know.. and usually have NO CLUE how hard we have to push ourselves to do even the slightest of things.

WE know how hard it is.. but until they walk a mile in our shoes.. they will never know.

If they paid us for effort alone.. we would all be millionaires!

One thought I have is perhaps part time folks aren't able to get a raise? And they may base your bonus on hours worked or money paid already for the year. I know I have seen places do that. So perhaps it isn't "personal".

My second thought is...

He is.. like you said...

Cheap.

Don't let a quarter get your knickers in an uproar.

Think of the children who will smile when they see their toys.

I KNOW... I know..

Smiles won't pay the bills.. but it will come back to you in other ways.

Stay true to your heart. OK?

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If you get the choice to sit it out or dance...

Though I do know its not a matter of status...I am one of the longest standing employees and a supposed "favorite" and "necessity". I got a raise last year doing part time too, so it's not that. My mother is certain its just an "oversight" or "mistake" and can't be a conscious decision.

I plan to let my thought ring aloud when it comes for year end evaluations, believe you me!

He'll hear plenty of the effort it takes to work while having Lyme, trust me