Unexpectedly more

When it comes to financial matters, "more," happens quite a lot these days. More costs I mean.

Of course, "more often comes with less". I'm talking about shrinkflation, that fairly common thing where products become smaller but stay the same price - it's a price increase. And more doesn't usually relate to more income either.

We expect it I think, the higher cost of living, we've been conditioned that paying more and shrinkflation is the norm but sometimes more is unexpected and not a bad thing at all...when applied to the right thing.

On my return to work in 2026, and after a very productive first week, the Director of the organisation came to my office and pulled up one of the chairs I keep there for meetings - he had a sly smile on his face as he handed me a sealed envelope and we chatted about something that had occurred that day then he left. A bit weird.

Curious, I opened the envelope and found an official letter and in the text found some numbers...10.5%. Yeah, you see where this is going? I received a 10.5% pay increase annually effective immediately. I did some quick calculations taking into consideration my tax rate and sat there looking at the in-hand figure I'd be left with thinking it was pretty decent. Very decent.

What was really cool was how the letter was worded.

The pay increase wasn't a programmed or expected increase, it was given to me based on effort, performance and what they felt I "brought to the company" which wasn't just results but "a dynamic that improved culture all-round" apparently. That was very pleasing to read because I work hard at that.

My salary is very solid and I get paid fairly hefty bonuses so to receive an additional 10.5% on top of my annual salary, (a condition that now cannot revert), makes me feel pretty happy and sort of justifies all the effort I put into my job which is considerable. It was a nice way to start the year.

Have you ever received a pay rise?

Was your pay rise for effort and results or one of those programed incremental pay increases? How did you feel about it? Was it enough or too little and did you feel grateful or somewhat short-changed? Did it make you work harder or did you maintain the same rate of output? Did it change your life for the better?

If you want to talk about it, make a comment below.