ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / ECONOMY & WORK

Video Shows How ‘Boomer Bosses’ Are Unaware of Current Market Rates and Offer Paltry Raises

TikTok illuminates the generational salary gap—$0.10 raises, stagnant starting pay, and the plea for equitable compensation.
PUBLISHED FEB 1, 2024
Cover Image Source: TikTok | @chris_gerb
Cover Image Source: TikTok | @chris_gerb

Two TikTok users, @maryefrost and @chris_gerb, recently shed light on the challenges of working under what they playfully dubbed a "boomer boss." Their anecdotes, while laced with humor, highlight the stark contrasts between salary expectations and the current economic landscape. In a stitched video that has captured the attention of viewers, Mary kicks off the conversation by boldly asserting, "Your whole generation is so out of touch with what the going rate for everything is." Her sentiments reflect the frustration of many younger employees grappling with the disconnect between their financial realities and the expectations set by their older superiors.

TikTok | @chris_gerb
TikTok | @chris_gerb

Chris, sharing his own experience, recounts the shock of earning $9 an hour as a bank teller fresh out of college. His take-home pay was a mere $1,200 a month, a figure that, despite working full-time with a finance degree, left him struggling to make ends meet. Highlighting the struggles of a bygone era, he recalls the disbelief in his boss's eyes when he couldn't contribute $30 towards a colleague's wedding present. This prompted a conversation about his financial predicament, with Chris laying bare the reality of making $18,000 a year in 2008, a time when gas prices soared to $4 a gallon.

Despite his financial constraints, Chris's boss delivered what she believed to be good news: a raise. However, the celebratory moment turned out to be a mere ten-cent per hour increase, equivalent to a meager $200 for the entire year. The irony of the situation was not lost on Chris who humorously reflects on the apparent lack of awareness surrounding the impact of such an incremental raise.

TikTok | @chris_gerb
TikTok | @chris_gerb

The TikTok video resonated with viewers, sparking a wave of shared experiences in the comments section. Many chimed in with stories of stagnant starting wages in certain industries, with one woman highlighting that her son, working as a bank teller today, earns the same $9 an hour that she did two decades ago. The viral video not only serves as entertainment but also underscores a broader issue–the challenge of bridging the generational gap when it comes to salary expectations. The dynamics of the workforce have evolved, and the cost of living has surged, creating a discrepancy between what was considered reasonable in the past and the financial realities faced by today's employees.

TikTok | @chris_gerb
TikTok | @chris_gerb

To address the generational divide in the workplace, both employers and employees need to engage in open dialogue. Understanding each other's perspectives, expectations, and financial constraints can pave the way for a more harmonious and equitable work environment. The playful banter between @maryefrost and @chris_gerb sheds light on a serious issue in the workforce. The viral TikTok video serves as a lighthearted yet insightful commentary on the challenges faced by workers navigating the complexities of salaries, inflation, and the evolving economy. Fostering understanding between generations and acknowledging the shifts in economic landscapes is crucial for ensuring fair compensation. It's a reminder that, in the pursuit of fair compensation, understanding each other's perspectives can pave the way for a more equitable workplace.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
Sadler said while the anchor's job was a dream come true for her, the pay gap was too hard for her to swallow.
14 hours ago
The notes with printing errors tend to be worth way more than the face value.
14 hours ago
Her low-profile approach also stands in contrast to Bezos’s high-visibility commitments.
2 days ago
In 2022, a Kentucky woman claimed that picking up a dollar bill from the ground nearly killed her.
2 days ago
She shared a video that demonstrated how she got fed up with the slow-moving line at Walmart and decided to take action.
2 days ago
Choe shared the story of his multimillion windfall in an episode of CNBC’s The Filthy Rich Guide.
3 days ago
The H-E-B grocery store helped hundreds of customers amid a severe snow storm in 2021.
3 days ago
The dedicated teacher wanted to see his students through the final exams.
4 days ago
The man told the server that she was free to share the amount, thus the tip was split nine ways
4 days ago
The Home Depot staffer requests the individual's tax-exempt number, which the individual declines.
4 days ago
The story resonated with thousands of fans who made sure to set things right for the hardworking man .
5 days ago
She was only offered $6,600 as a “goodwill gesture” for being the winner. 
5 days ago
Perry's comments about splitting bills and the women being the breadwinner did not go down well with many.
5 days ago
Walmart worker confronts the return scammer, sparking a viral debate on ethical consumer behavior.
5 days ago
It even knocked off $3 billion from his own stake in Tesla as investors started taking out their money.
6 days ago
The 1975 "No-S" dime is missing the letter "S" which signifies it was struck at the San Francisco mint.
6 days ago
The video gained so much popularity that some users even advised Amazon that it could be their next commercial.
6 days ago
Later, she finally found a way to get rid of the Tahoe after three years of paying $1,400 a month.
6 days ago
Most users are vexed by how Amazon does not show results even slightly related to the search keywords, making the shopping experience tedious. 
7 days ago