Treated like 'office Wi-Fi' but called important. Frustrated worker asks for salary hike, told 'just be grateful'

In today’s workplace, employees are often praised as being essential or “indispensable,” but that recognition does not always translate into fair treatment or better pay. Across industries, many workers report that long hours, high demands, and personal sacrifices are rewarded with little more than verbal appreciation. This disconnect between words and compensation has fueled online discussions about the imbalance of power between employers and employees.

Overworked and underappreciated

A recent Reddit post captured this sentiment when an employee described being called “indispensable” by his company, only to have his request for a modest raise dismissed. The worker said he had just completed a 14-hour shift, missing family time and even basic self-care, but still felt his dedication was treated with indifference. He likened himself to “office Wi-Fi”—always expected to function, yet rarely acknowledged.



When he asked for a 5 percent pay increase, management reportedly told him that gratitude was part of the company’s culture. The employee expressed his frustration, questioning whether gratitude could ever make up for being underpaid and overworked. He further noted that while a side hustle helps him cope financially, his primary job has become a daily battle against the feeling of exploitation.

Online reactions

The post quickly drew strong reactions on Reddit, with many users sharing personal experiences and advice. Some encouraged the worker to quit immediately, with one user saying that companies who call someone indispensable are admitting the person is worth more but still refuse to pay accordingly. Another suggested that if management expects gratitude, employees should remind them that appreciation does not pay the bills

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Others described coping by mentally checking out while still collecting their paycheck until they found new employment. Several users noted that they had gone months doing the bare minimum once they realized their extra efforts would not be rewarded.