5 years local experience, getting $3.8k only. Small firm (<10). Worked for 6 months. Previous firm worked for 4+ years, from $2.5k to $3.5k. Then an expat came in and he got more than I did.

Unfair or not, employers know how to squeeze the most out of their workers. Bosses pocket the profits, while staff gets hell. This is definitely the norm today. So if I am getting paid pittance compared to what is available out there, then I better focus on getting my work-life balance right.

And yes, I admit to selling out by asking for lower pay. Perhaps should move on to a bigger firm that pays better. A $1k increment possible?