It probably is a good idea to come up with some justification of worth. It's been a while since I've interviewed anywhere. Truth be told, I've made more at before at previous employers. I've also made less. The average market salary is below what mine, but I believe I'm an above-average performer. I think my employer would agree with that as well.
A part of me feels/hopes that a growth in salary could grow with the value of my contributions to the company. I juxtapose this to the idea of asking for a raise because of what I could get elsewhere.
+1 If OP isn't underpaid based on comparable jobs, I don't understand the issue. This is inflation.
@stoptothink: I guess the post title is misleading.
What bugs me is knowing I'm making less now than I did 2 years ago. That's where the inflation idea kicks in. The real issue is feeling like I'm being paid below my merits, as judged by performance. We don't have 'performance reviews' as a company.
I also just wanted to say this is passive aggressive and may not be received well. I
@MrJedi I understand how that could come out that way, and only worded it such for brevity in the post. I meant this as a short way to suggest I ask my boss the reasoning behind the raises and justification. My fault here for being over-simplistic.
@Watty solid reasoning. I think the main truth is the company doesn't do budgeting/forecasting very well and this was their attempt.
Sorry, but I never understand when someone asks "How should I react?"
@JoeRetire: How I really feel is underpaid based on merits and all the contributions beyond the experience of the average employee in the company. I really appreciate the responses to this to help me sanity-check my reaction and normalize it some. In truth, this is a great job and I can continue working here for the same pay. What I'm afraid of is in the back of my mind feeling like I'm being taken advantage of. E.g. why work as hard / care when it's not going to make a difference. And try not to be frustrated when others get rewarded the same for less work. I know I shouldn't base my emotions based on what others do... I only say this to honestly relate how it really feels sometimes.
Your pay should match your performance. If you’re performing better, or contributing more, then you should be worth more. Maybe your company doesn’t see it that way, or maybe they don’t value your contributions that way.
@Normchad: Yeah, this captures in a large way how I feel. Also: "This is why it’s good to own the company. Keep the profits for yourself." <- Definitely agree there. Perhaps for peace of mind, looking around is wise.
There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is having lots to do and not doing it. - Andrew Jackson