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“Emily is questioning her offer.”

“That sounds like something you should discuss with her.”

“She says she won’t stay if the company doesn’t address the pay disparity.”

I raised an eyebrow.

“And?”

Karen shook her head.

“You two have created a mess.”

I laughed softly.

“No, Karen.”

I stood and picked up my bag.

“The company created the mess.”

She didn’t argue.

For the first time in six years, I walked out of that building without feeling guilty.

My new job started the following Monday.

The salary was $92,000.

The benefits were better.

The hours were better.

And, perhaps most importantly, my new manager actually asked what I thought my work was worth.

I gave her an honest answer.

She listened.

A month later, Emily called me.

She had negotiated a raise.

Not to $100,000.

Not to anything dramatic.

But enough to make her feel valued.

She also told me that the company had finally reviewed the salary structure for the entire department.

Several employees received increases.

Others started looking elsewhere.