I work as a Store Manager and just had my compensation conversation with my boss and I didn’t get a raise but instead was given a one time lump sum which is not even close to what my annual raises have been.

7 Comments

1. GirlBossanova934974February 20,2026 at 4:25PM UTC

   The problem with sticking around a company for 10-20 years is that after a series of annual raises, you TOP OUT on the compensation range for a given role. I would be looking to transfer to another role at the company you are at. Since it is a larger company, there may be other roles that are open. In this economy, insiders get the EDGE on the open positions so that is good for you.

2. Dr. Patty GrossFebruary 20,2026 at 4:34PM UTC

   It sounds like you got a bonus instead of a raise, and you have every right not to be happy about it. The reason is that next year's compensation adjustment would be based on the base salary, not including the bonus. This puts you a year behind in raises, unless they can assure you that the "lump sum" will be considered for your next adjustment.

   The only time I have seen this sort of thing done was when someone has topped out of their title's salary bracket. If you have been over-performing for the past several years without a promotion, this is a distinct possibility. Have you exhausted your promotion potential? If not, what is holding you back from asking about that?

3. AnonymousFebruary 20,2026 at 6:46PM UTC

   Is the company going through financial hardship? Perhaps they changed their compensation strategy or you have hit the ceiling in terms of salary there. Either way having a direct conversation about cost of living needs and getting more compensation is tricky so treat gently with the discussion unless you want to rock things. Show how your value has added to the bottom line and revenue and assure them of your continued commitment and getting a share in the pie, if they just don't see your value any more then it might be time to look elsewhere. Good luck.

4. AnonymousFebruary 20,2026 at 8:41PM UTC

   Yes, this is how they marginalize long-term employees who have topped out in compensation.

5. Liza SivekFebruary 23,2026 at 1:22PM UTC

   I hate the comparison of other people didn't get raises. Because one, I'm supposed to be happy they people I work with didn't? And 2, this isn't about their performance it's about mine.

6. Celena BartonFebruary 24,2026 at 1:52PM UTC

   They know that employers own the market right now. Finding a job is really tough so they are banking on you not leaving.

7. AnonymousMarch 3,2026 at 8:27PM UTC

   Could you be capped? Before my last promotion I was at the cap of my salary range and they could only give me a lump sum. While it sucks, it could be why.