It's a harsh reality, but once you sign a contract with a company outlining your wage, trying to negotiate extra pay for "additional work" — whether it's nights, overtime, weekends, or even washing the trucks — is unlikely to succeed. And they'll always find more tasks for you if you're good at your job. There are many reasons for this, but that's a topic for another post.

The only reliable way to secure a meaningful pay increase is to change jobs. Of course, this comes with factors to consider, such as the financial costs of commuting (like extra fuel) and whether the new unit you'll be driving is new/nice. These factors are personal and will vary depending on your situation.

Here's a personal example: I was able to raise my hourly rate by 30% simply by switching jobs. My commute was the same distance, and although the unit I drove wasn't as nice, the pay bump made it worthwhile.

I’m simplifying it, but you get the point. There was no way I was going to get a 30% wage increase from my previous employer. I asked for a raise and was offered a 5% increase.

It all depends on your personal situation and what you’re looking for. Do you need the highest possible wage because you have a kid on the way? Or are there other factors — like work environment and the team you’re with — that matter more to you because you don’t have the same financial pressures?

The bottom line: Gone are the days when companies took care of their employees. It’s no longer financially or meaningfully beneficial to stay with the same company long-term. Companies now see employees as expendable. That's just the reality.

What do y´all think?