Like many new grads starting out in their career, I was hungry and eager. I wanted to perform well in my new role, with the hope of reward and recognition for my hard work—the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, if you will. But rather than that pot of gold—be it a spot bonus, a salary increase, or equity—I was left with an empty cauldron of a “thank you” for my hard work in the form of an employee recognition award. I also received many dry promotions—all the responsibility of a new title but without the pay and benefits that come with it.
