May I come in?
Come in, please.
I'm sorry to trouble you, but I'd like to ask when I will get a raise.
In 3 months or so.
You said the same thing three months ago.
Did I? Well, anyway, you will get your raise when the economy starts picking up.
You mean that I won't get a raise until the recession ends?
Yes.
I got the message. I'm quiting.
Nah, don't be so fast. We like your work here, but this company is on hard times and I can't be handing out raises for anyone.
I've been here for 3 years, and I haven't had a raise in all that time. If you like my work, it should be reflected in my pay, and I feel it isn't.
I hear what you're saying, and I wish there were something I could do.