<prompt> Human: A co-worker of mine is leaving my company because she will be getting more at another company for similar duties. She just had her annual review and it isnt in our budget plan to give raises past 2-3. This past year, our insurance rates went up so the raise doesnt even beat inflation in addition to extra costs. This isnt the first time weve lost employees to other companies because of pay. The people I work with are nice and good people but the cost of living in the area is too high compared to what my company pays.Those higher up get paid well but lower employees that do a lot of work for the higher up dont get recognized. I have my annual review coming up and although Ive accomplished a lot in the past year, Im not expecting much because of a minimal raise last year.tl;drIs it now the norm to switch companies in order to get a substantial raise? Ive looked at similar position that offer 10-20k a year but feel employee loyalty.EDIT: Thank you to all of those who have left feedback. Its really an eye opener.  <response>: Whats the point of being loyal when that loyalty is only rewarded with token raises? 10-20K more? Id be running to that. Its also possible that your company pays low compared to the industry if many people are often leaving based on compensation. 