Can you say "Conflict of interest".

Step 1 - Explore the local job market and position yourself for a job move
Step 2 - Book off sick for stress leave from your present job
Step 3 - Sue for loss of wages, pain and suffering due to his blatant conflict of interest.
Step 4 - You will get a very good severance package $$$$

Yes I'm joking but if you're serious, it'* an open and shut case.

Someone wanna tell my father-in-law this? My wife is one of his bookkeepers and she'* the lowest paid person on the payroll. Even the cashiers make more than she does! He'* on the other extreme - he goes out of his way to make sure there is NO chance for a conflict of interest. So I get hosed.

Go in an have a respectable talk with your boss, Leslie. Point out your strengths and tell him why you deserve a raise as well. Tell him you're not buyin' the "I can't afford it right now" excuse anymore. If that doesn't work, go out and scare up another job BEFORE you stir the pot. Once you've secured another job, THEN you can go for his jugular if you so desire.

Why not take the high road and find a new job?

You can't fix stupid. So, why waste your energy trying to convince him to give you a raise? Use that energy toward finding a new job.

I tend to agree with vital, your employer doesn't seem to appreciate the effort and hard work you put into your job. Sounds like it maybe time to start sending out resumes, this way the ball is in your court should the time come.

Lol, I've been looking for a new job for 6 months. It'* just that the job market is really shitty here right now.

I can appreciate that. Michigan is having tough times too.

Why not do BOTH? While you're at work badger the boss for a raise. When you're not working, step up your efforts to find a better job (and keep at it until you find one).

I don't see hitting up the boss as a waste of energy when you're on the clock. Better than sitting at your desk stewing over it.

Or you can apply Homer'* advice on striking - "Why strike? Just go in to work every day and do your job really half-assed. It'* the American way".

Well, if it were me, I'd be looking for a new job while at work! I guess that'* a benefit of working in an office! LOL

Also been doing that Vital