Quote from thecalip:
Welcome to the USSA.
Here is my story.
Three years ago, I started a new job and the salary between my friend and I were about the same. Actually, my salary was a few % higher. Fast forward to present, my salary is rename flat, in the matter of fact, I actually get paid less than when I started 3 years ago due to company wide salary reduction. However, my friend now making 50% more than what I am making.
Our positions were the same. So why is such a different? Well, I work for a private sector, as a IT analyst, while he works for the IRS.
He started with the IRS after college, in less than 5 years, his salary double. He still in the same position.
This is not an one off. I have another friend who accepted a job in DC 2 years ago, and is now making 50% more than what he started with in this job.