Introduction

In Singapore, a perplexed employee recently took to social media to express his shock at discovering that new graduates at his company were earning more than he was, despite having over a year of experience. The post, shared on the popular Reddit forum r/askSingapore, quickly sparked a discussion about salary equity and the challenges faced by many in the workforce.

Revelation of Salary Disparities

On September 13, the employee recounted a team dinner where a newly graduated colleague casually revealed their salary. "I’ve been at my company for a year, and it was eye-opening to learn that the juniors’ starting salary exceeds mine, especially after my recent raise," he shared. The comparative pay raise highlighted a concerning trend within the company, where fresh talent was being compensated more generously than those with experience.

Frustrations Among Employees

Despite feeling slighted, the employee emphasized that he bore no ill feelings towards the recent hires, acknowledging that they were not the ones who set the salaries. He voiced his frustration, stating, "Earning less than a fresh hire after a year of hard work feels like a huge slap in the face." With the job market tightening, he lamented the difficulty in finding new opportunities, hinting that many might feel forced to accept their current situations.

Resonating Experiences on Reddit

His post resonated with many Reddit users who chimed in with their own stories of salary disparities. One participant recounted how he discovered that his salary was lower than every other member of his team, including new graduates. Feeling undervalued, he sought an internal transfer along with a 15% raise. “I think this disparity exists because the salaries of new grads are adjusted to inflation, while ours are not,” he noted, echoing a sentiment shared by others.

Personal Stories of Struggle

Another commenter revealed that he left a job after learning that a new employee with a polytechnic diploma was earning more than he was—despite him holding a degree. “I had to train her and fix her mistakes,” he shared. “During my exit interview, I made sure to tell HR why I was leaving. They were shocked to learn the truth, especially since she had connections with one of the interviewers.”

A Growing Sentiment Among Employees

Others detailed similar frustrations, with one mentioning how he decided to stop mentoring new hires when he discovered their salaries outpaced his own. "Why should I go above and beyond when they’re earning more than I am?" he mused, reflecting a growing sentiment among employees who feel their loyalty is taken for granted.

Implications for Companies

This conversation highlights a troubling cycle where companies risk losing experienced talent as their pay structures fail to reflect the realities of inflation and market demands. Workers often reflect on why many colleagues jump ship after just a few years—it's the perception that loyalty is often rewarded with lower pay, leading to high turnover rates.

Conclusion

As more employees share their experiences on platforms like Reddit, it becomes clear that salary disparities and potential undervaluation are pressing issues that companies need to address if they wish to retain talent. **Could these revelations lead to a wider movement for salary transparency and fair compensation?** Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: employees are increasingly unwilling to accept being paid less than their less experienced counterparts.