<prompt> Human: I am a college student getting ready to graduate in a year. I have been working with the same company a bank part time for the last 1.5 years. I just received my annual review 6 months late. The review granted me a 2 increase in wages. This moves me from 11.50 to 11.73. I realize that based on an average inflation rate of 3. In order to be paid the same real wage as when I was initially hired, I would need to be compensated 12.00. Not to mention I have been with the company for 18 months and expected some sort of raise. I suggested 12.50 an hour which is roughly an 8 increase. I was told this was outside of the companys control and their is no possible way this could be met apparently they can only give raises up to 2.5. What do you all think? I am not that thrilled and am considering leaving sooner than later. I can not fathom being paid less than when I started, especially considering I was hired without experience.  <response>: Your employer is under no obligation to give you a raise. Likewise, you are under no obligation to continue working for your employer. You tried negotiating for a higher wage. If you feel your current job is not paying you a fair wage then you should consider looking for a job that will. 