I know I should be grateful, but..

I got my annual raise at work. Its not much at all, and I am rather disappointed by the meager amount. Especially that I am working two jobs, struggling to pay my rent and I do a LOT for this company.

I stay late, I come in early, I work on a lot of private label stuff that no one else will. Everything gets turned in on time (or early), I am always hearing "good job, Karen!" and other nice comments.. especially from the buyers.

I am certainly not getting paid enough to do what I'm doing (and a lot of people has said this.. for someone in my field, I should be getting at least quarter more than my salary now).

I've been looking forward to this raise, only to get 1k more. That's it? 1k? I feel like I've been slapped in the face!

I know I should appreciate it, knowing there are many people without jobs, but still.. it hurt. I would've liked at least 2k.

I've considered looking for another job with more pay, but I am scared to leave this place.. it has great benefits, its a mile from where I work and I know I am secured here and not going anywhere. I doubt I'd get the same kicks at another place.

Sorry, I am venting. No one else to vent to (Especially here at work). Thanks for listening.

Maybe you should look around at other jobs, just to see what is available. And if you get an offer, there's no better negotiating tool for more money at your current job! It sounds like you are not being appreciated, and nothing makes an employer sit up and take notice like the threat of losing an employee who accomplishes a great deal of work every day. I don't know your situation of course, but maybe this is a good time to pull back a little and stop the unpaid overtime. Do only what you are getting paid for.

It's sad but true in some situations we get appreciated less and less the more we do. I don't get it but I've seen it happen many times. 

You say you're venting and that you should be grateful, but you also say that your position would pay much more normally. So, I'm wondering: is there a good reason that you aren't being paid more that you accidentally left out in this post? If not, I would definitely look around. If the "kicks" you get at your current job aren't enough to make up for the lack of a realistic pay, then it seems the best option is to move on, or, as SwampWitch said, use it as leverage for better pay at your current job.

On the other hand, if there is a good reason . . . For example, I work in a charter school, so I make much less than someone working at a regular public school makes, especially considering that I have a Master's Degree. But we barely even have the buildings we need, so I understand that they really can't pay more. I still feel unappreciated sometimes, especially with the pay thing, but I have to filter that through the reality of where they are. So, if that's why you are just venting and feel like you should be grateful for some raise rather than none at all, I understand! Vent away! And look for other signs of appreciation.

You also might want to talk to whoever is responsible for the raises and express your concern. I know it's not comfortable to do that, but maybe there IS a good reason (see paragraph #2) that you don't know about and they can find another way to make you TRULY feel appreciated. Then, everyone would feel better.