<prompt> Human: I think I may be in one. Im in management. Im in charge of 5 people, and each person makes .50 to 1 an hour less than I do. I definitely want everyone to be paid fairly, so its not about wanting to be superior or anything, but I have a lot more responsibility than they do which should come with higher pay. Right? When I ask for a raise, Im asked to be patient. Two of my subordinates recently received a raise. They have been with the company approximately 6 months. Ive received 1 raise 1 an hour in the past 2 years at the 1 year mark. Am I being used? Is this a dead end job? Should I believe the when the company does better, youll make more money line I keep getting? The company is profitable.  <response>: It doesnt matter what your subordinates are being paid, you thinkknow youre worth more than youre being paid, you bargained for a raise, they said no. What more do you want? Its time to leave, because youre not going to get it there.People ask for a raise for one of two reasons: theyre ruthless entitled asshole money grubbers who dont know any better, or they thinkknow what theyre worth. In your case, you dont just demand more money because fuck them, I should get whatever I can squeeze out of them to the point of risking my job... So on their end, they have to take into consideration what kind of person you are. They weighed you, and figured if they say yes, theyll keep you, if they say no, youre a flight risk. They decided youre not worth it, that its more valuable to them to bet youll keep your head down and shut up, and if you leave, oh well, theyll plug the hole with the next most senior guy whos paid 50 cents less than you because thats how much the job is worth to them - as little as possible.So my advice is look for more gainful employment. Loyalty to a company is worthless and gains you nothing. This is a false value encouraged by employers - so long as you think they give a fuck about you, youre willing to make personal sacrifices for their benefit. Always look for work. Always have a strategy. Id say you give a company a year or two, so you dont look like a ship jumper on your resume, but once that window is up, just take a look at whats out there. Talk to people. Be willing to entertain another option. Maybe you can find something thats better, maybe you can use it as a bargaining chip with your employer to see if they are willing to match or exceed the offer to keep you. If not, that tells you what they think of you. 