<prompt> Human: Im kind of an idiot and Im so new to this adulting thing. I love my job so much but Im finding that I need a paycheck advance each month because Im struggling to pay my student loans, medical bills I have a chronic pain syndrome, and rent. Im drowning in debt and any little bit of money helps.Monday I went in to my bosses office to sign my new contract. This previous year I had been making 13.77 hr on my paycheck and I was bumped to 14.25. The whole staff got a 3 raise and then I was bumped I love my boss and we got to talking and I just signed it. It was dumb especially because I had a whole plan in my head not to sign it and tell her I needed more. But I signed it again dumb new adult. I was told when hired Id get a raise once I got my degree. I got my degree in December and thought Id get it then. I didnt so I gave them the benefit of the doubt and thought Id get it this time around. I got .04 more. I got home and was talking to my boyfriend about it who was livid that after 2 years working there and on my degree I only got that small of a raise. Thats lit a fire under my ass and now I too am livid I dont do number didnt really pay attention to how much it was. Is there anything I can do? Any advice? I think Ive just kind of fucked myself over- but hopefully theres something I can do because fuck Im going to be in more debt when I get surgery and have to be out for a month. EDIT: I work for a very small non-profit preschool with only a few employeesAssistant: if your job has one, tell human resources there was a clerical error on your contract, perhaps it was prepared before you got your degree, upon receipt of which you are due a raise of ___ per mrms ___. give them an out to 1 blame the paperwork, and 2 give you the raise. if they dont, then theyll surely feel a need to say why, then you can think about your next course of action. Human: I just edited my post to say this but I work at a small non-profit preschool with a very small staff. We have a board of directors which are parents. I think my plan is to let my director know I did my budget and I cant make it on this pay and because Im so sick I really cant get a part time job. Im going to say I know she said shes done what she can but Id like to go to the board and talk to them myself about my raise and the promise of a raise with a degree... hopefully that works?  <response>: Its common advice not to argue for a raise because of your needs. You have to frame this with respect to the company. Why should they give you a raise?...well, because you are educated and now have a degree to support your role and authority. As harsh as it sounds, they dont really care about your budget and arguing raises though personal matters will not help you. 