After three years at $55K, I watched a new coworker get hired for $95K—same role, same workload. When the office asked everyone to contribute $70 for his birthday gift, I refused and said his salary was gift enough. My boss didn’t like it, and the next morning HR called me in, saying my comment “caused tension” and questioned my attitude.
I wasn’t jealous—just hurt by the pay gap and the expectation to celebrate it. Now I feel judged and uneasy at work. I don’t want to lose my job, but I also don’t want to feel guilty for being honest. How do you stand your ground without becoming the office problem?
