if you were at a job that gave you on the average $1,000 per year raise, how long would you stay? i've been at my gig for almost 10 years and have picked up $10,000 in salary, but i'm getting that itch to start looking what's out there. i think i'm more in love with the benefits, especially the great HMO deal. i'm not particularly excited to work there, but i certainly don't hate it either. just don't really know if i wanna stay there collecting $1,000 a year (which really ain't a whole lot on my check, about $40 every two weeks)

I think that a yearly raise should at very least cover the cost of living increase, and if they value you as an employee - above that. Otherwise you are working on a financially negative curve throughout the years.

However, there are alot of different factors that come into play when determining your ideal job - not all are financial.

If you like your job (for the most part) but feel you are worth more, doesn't hurt to ask for more Or go window-shopping to see what else is out there!

Sounds okay to me, all depends on how much you make now i guess.

There's a really good thread on here about the grass being greener on the other side.

If you like your job and the people you work with, be sure to place a value on that.