Upward

Weeks Ago
K (3:32): You're lucky I like you.
A (3:32): Of course.
A (3:32): In this instance, why?
K (3:33): In your absence, I have [list of ridiculously tedious tasks].
A (3:33): Ah. Thanks!
K (3:33): Rather perfunctory, but sure.
A (3:34): All else is well?
K (3:34): I suppose. Well enough.
A (3:34): Unwell = ??
K (3:35): People are talking about what they bought or where they're vacationing with their bonuses. So I still feel hurt in general and angry with you for not fixing this sooner.
A (3:37): Katie. These things take time - they're done on a schedule so while I'm sorry you're hurt, there's really nothing I could have done.
K (3:37): Sure.
K (3:38): You know what irritates me though? You sent an email to the Whole Team (minus me) and didn't bother to communicate it to me. Which isn't appropriate.
A (3:38): Agreed. I meant to discuss it with you live - and would have done so - but I ran out of time with meetings and travel and such.
A (3:39): I am sorry you found out from the team and were surprised. That was my responsibility and I blew it.
K (3:39): It made me cry.
A (3:41): I am very and sincerely sorry about that.

Today
"Busy?" he asked, stopping by my office and flopping down in one of my spare chairs before reaching to nudge the door closed.

"Generally," I replied, glancing up at him to smile before sending an email and giving him my full attention. "What's up?"

"I come bearing good news," he confided. "There were raises this year for the team - from naught to 3.5%. You should see the 3.5% on your next pay stub, so congratulations. It's well deserved."

"Thanks," I replied promptly, thinking that a bit over $3k isn't all that much reward but at least it's something.

"In addition," he continued, "you will be promoted to the next level in this organization and, belatedly, of course, will be formally known as a polar bear rather than a cub. With that move, you'll receive another 3% salary increase."

I nodded as I reminded myself that it's way more money than I was personally capable of making in academia. And that I do love my job and it's OK if I don't make as much as senior members of the team.

"You are very valuable to what we're trying to do here - there is a consistent sense that you're smart and talented and I believe you'll continue to see rewards for that."

"I deserve to see rewards for that," I replied before I remembered I had just decided to be gracious. "I work very hard!"

"I know!" he replied, grinning at me. "That's why I argued for two raises instead of one and the reason I came to congratulate you."