Keep in mind the economy this year....

I put in a STEALLAR performance this year. Extra hours (that were not negotiated up front). I'm talking 2am phone calls. 5am phone calls. Sunday morning work (unplanned). I was praised. Most difficult year of my life and I am NOT bipolar. I was promised I'd be rewarded. I also moved to California where my cost of living skyrocketed.

My jaw hit the floor when I was told "3% raise"

My boss thought this was GOOD and I'd be HAPPY and that I was 'ahead of the pack'

I was and am terribly insulted and I'm fighting it. I couldn't have put in a better year.

The fact is, the economy sucks and companies are trying to pretend this is a good thing (having a job) and really treating people like they are replacable.

So, take it with a grain of salt. At least you didn't lose any percentage points like a lot of people did this year.

I'm supposed to be happy with my 3% but it felt like a slap in the face.