When a Raise is Not a Raise…

Doesn’t the mere title just sound stupid?  Yet, it has just happened to me.  Bad Boss actually told me he was taking something away…but, mind you, he was giving me a whopping 2% raise.  I’ve not had a raise in 2 years.   The thing he took away gave me more money per month than the raise…so, now I’m down $100+ a paycheck and he sits and smiles to himself that he gave little Living Dilbert a raise.   Oh, I know…you all shout, “Quit, Living Dilbert, quit!,” but it is not that easy.   The job market is still not an generous place to navigate right now, so I will bide my time….and plan Bad Boss’ demise.  Oh, I’ll find a way alright.  To say I’m disappointed in him would be a gross understatement, yet I’m asking myself at the same time why am I acting surprised?   He’s cheap and he’s thoughtless.  He likes to try to spin things to appear as if he is doing me a favor – always.   I should have KNOWN better.   Maybe hope springs eternal.  I’m not sure, but he’s done it to me for the last time.   I’m worth a lot more than he can imagine in his little calculating brain.

I am becoming something that I didn’t think I had in my psyche – vindictive.   I’ve always thought that word sounded so ugly and could never be a “good” thing, but I’m starting to think that it is not a bad choice of coping mechanisms for me at this present time.  I can find the most insignificant little ways to make his life miserable and I plan on invoking them immediately.   He thinks he can outsmart me because he has a schlong?   I think not.   I have a lot more on my side – I am now a woman scorned and I have a score to settle.  Do NOT mess with my effing paycheck.  You have crossed the line.   Why do Bad Boss people who have a good thing have to go and screw it up?

Bad Boss, do not be cheap with me – it is not going to bode well for you in the long run.  Trust me on this.

Tomorrow – The Power of a Smile (and How Bad Bosses Just Don’t Get It)