I feel stuck between working hard to make my way up but also tired of feeling constantly exploited no matter where I work.

I’m a 29 year old guy and every job I’ve ever worked at I notice that I am typically one of the better workers and have noticed that all I’ve gotten in return is more work while everyone else gets to slack off for the same pay.

Recently I did get a $2 raise but it just doesn’t feel that rewarding because 1. It’s not making that much of a difference in my life financially. 2. I have more responsibilities added on top of what I was already doing but the pay doesn’t really match because I’m also picking up other people’s slack. 3. Ironically right after getting my raise I found out my jobs health insurance is going up so it’s like I finally worked hard to get a raise and now I’m not really getting the full amount.

Maybe I sound immature but idk I grew up being told having good work ethic means something and if you work hard you’ll be rewarded. But to be honest I feel like I’m just burning myself out for not that much more pay and I’m tired of it. I don’t really know what else to do.

It’s to a point where I feel like I just don’t want to work anywhere because of tired of it. The understaffing, the under paying, the cliques, the bullshit corporate stuff etc.

It’s just all starting to feel like a sick game that I don’t want any part of anymore. And I know I’m sure I’m “preaching to the choir” here. It’s just tough having these feelings now.