I dropped the meat on her desk, my voice deadly calm. "Joanna, I'm getting back to work. Remember to transfer me the money for the meat."

I sat down and woke my computer. A notification popped up immediately—a trending post: *Don't let small companies steal your passion.*

The top comment read: *[The boss's way of rewarding your ability to endure hardship is to give you more work, not more money.]*

I froze for two seconds, reflecting on my last two years.

The first year, the accounts showed results. One viral video brought the company 100,000 in revenue. Blake's reward? Assigning me five new accounts.

The second year, all six accounts broke 500,000 followers. The company's quarterly revenue topped a million. With no change in my workload, Blake assigned me even more content.

I had asked for a raise twice. Both times, Blake said young people shouldn't be too calculating. He told me to look at the long-term returns—stock options and a partnership once we went public.

Every application for a salary increase was rejected.

I opened a recruiting app and uploaded my resume.

In less than ten minutes, my inbox was flooded.

**Isabella Lambert:** *[Ms. Floyd, your experience and skills are a perfect match for our Operations position. Probation salary is 8K, full benefits, and housing allowance. Do you have time to chat?]*

Before I could reply, Blake Rowe called me into his office.

He sat in his leather boss chair, sipping tea. "I heard what Joanna said earlier. Ms. Floyd, don't argue with her. I recognize your professional ability. The accounts you manage have generated significant revenue. You alone are worth several employees." He paused for dramatic effect. "After we hire more staff next year, we'll move you into management."

I adjusted my coat and looked at him in silence.

He said the same thing last year.

He said the same thing the year before that.

But the recruitment notice was never posted.

Why? Because I did everything. Blake held meetings and made decisions. Joanna handled the money—tightly—and only hired a part-time accountant for the books. Copywriting, editing, operations, client relations—that was all me.

I was worth several people, so there was no need for him to waste money hiring anyone else.

I stared him down. "Since I'm worth several people, why do I only get 4,500?"

Blake blinked.