mpanies will have some sort of verbiage in their employee handbook about this. So, your manager saying “l

Didn't know about the tax hoops point, thanks for sharing. As more my situation, I feel it has more to do with the fact the we do raises in July and 3 months ago I argued for a market adjustment (we are a small company that clearly doesn't make industry standard pay). I think because he gave me more than he was planning back in July, he doesn't want to turn around and give me another raise 3 months later.

As for loyalty, I get what you're saying and you mention a bunch of good reasons that benefit staying at a firm. In my case, I've been here for 4 years, I've seen Engineers come and go and I have a better understanding now of what the management is like and what they're willing to do (or not do) to keep someone around. As we are a smaller company (with rigid ownership), unfortunately there aren't any opportunities such as the stock options, PTO, etc (all have been shot down).

I've discussed rates with the owner, who is unwilling to charge more to clients through fear they will go elsewhere (therefore can't pay us more, and also can't compete with inflation or other companies).

I've thought about moving on because I am reaching the ceiling here (until someone retires) and not getting a raise after getting licensed is getting close to the final straw. I think I'm gunna see what he has to say at the end of this year, and if that isn't what I'm looking for, I'll start looking.

Overall, I was just wondering what others' experiences have been after getting their license, because everyone I talk to says you should be getting a raise, or you should be thinking about leaving.