I feel like I'm in a Catch-22 and I don't know what to do. Any help?
Hi everyone, I’m new to Reddit and hoping to connect with people in similar work situations. I’m currently feeling quite desperate; my employer (a law firm) recently denied me a cost-of-living raise, telling me I 'bring no added value.'
I know it sounds cliché to claim I’m a hard worker, so I’ll skip that. I’m just looking for perspective. My only path to increasing my income is a $50 incentive for every 5-star Google review that mentions my name. This has created a painful Catch-22: to improve my own financial situation, I have to generate positive publicity for a company that disrespects me. If I swallow my pride and chase the reviews, I’m fueling an exploitative employer. If I refuse, I remain trapped in a cycle of debt on my low income. Has anyone else been in this position, or do you have advice on how to navigate this?
Before anyone suggests just quitting, please know that I have been actively applying for other jobs. However, I’m heading back to school next semester, and I can't afford to lose the stability and health benefits this role currently provides. I'm essentially trapped between needing the security of this job and hating every minute I spend there...