I walked into Mr. Harrison’s office feeling ready. I’d prepared my metrics, my contributions, everything I’d done for the past three years. This wasn’t a request; it was a simple matter of recognizing the value I brought to Stellar Dynamics. I asked for a modest, yet fair, 15% increase.
“Elara,” he sighed, leaning back in his big leather chair, the kind that cost more than my monthly rent. “I wish I could. You’re invaluable. Really. But the board just handed down a firm mandate: budget cuts across the board. Zero exceptions for salary increases right now. We need to tighten the belt, you understand.”
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