[Need Advice]
I have been working with this client for almost 5 years now. I started at $9 per hour and I am currently at $14, and honestly every increase felt like a struggle. 🫢
In the beginning there were two of us. But since the company was still small with limited tasks, the other one was let go. I ended up handling the workload of two people, which meant more hours and more income, but also more responsibility.
Over the years it became just me. I handled almost everything, invoicing, social media, website maintenance, and more, except for some specialized video and graphic work. The client is nice, but to be honest I do not feel appreciated. I understand it is a business at the end of the day and a small company, but it has not been easy.
Eventually I burned out. I suggested hiring another person, and the client agreed. But what caught me off guard was that the new hire was given the same rate as mine.
(Dang, I have always just let it pass, but I am just tired.)
Now I am honestly torn. Part of me wants to let go and take a break for my mental health. I do have other gigs, but leaving this would still impact my finances.
I do not know what to do. Five Years, Same Rate as a Newbie [Advice]