Boss rewards frustrated worker for a job well done with more work and responsibility: 'You're salaried not hourly so there is no compensation increase'

There's no motivation in life like receiving a hard-earned reward—our brains are literally wired this way.  When it comes to work, you might hope that that reward would be increased compensation that matches your increased contribution and efforts. But, unfortunately, at a lot of organizations, showing a willingness to take on more work is only showing that you're willing to be paid less for it, leaving you with more to do in the same amount of time with little to no increased compensation. 

Let's be honest: we live in a world where no one wants to let go of any money they don't have to, and if there are no outside pressures encouraging your employer to pay you more, it's not going to happen—just like asking your landlord to lower your rate isn't going to eventuate any time soon either.

As it's often said, "The second mouse gets the cheese," and sometimes being the first "go-getter" to stick your neck out is only going to do you harm. Being the first mouse in this situation is only going to spring the trap, netting you, in this case, with more work than your fellows. Meanwhile, you're going to be fighting your employer all the way to give you a raise or increase your compensation to match your newfound responsibilities.

That all being said, it remains that some of the best opportunities come from working hard for the right people who are willing to reward you for what you prove to them you're capable of. So, who is to say what the right approach is?

This, of course, was the topic of conversation in this online discussion after this worker shared how their boss refused to give them more compensation to go with their ever-increasing responsibilities. They shared their experience with this online community, sparking responses from community members.

See the original post along with some key responses from that original thread, below.