Having said that, if you really feel that you are worth that much, have a talk with you boss. But most likely, you might have to look outside your current company and even then, a 35% raise is very tough to negotiate in current market.
Having said that, if you really feel that you are worth that much, have a talk with you boss. But most likely, you might have to look outside your current company and even then, a 35% raise is very tough to negotiate in current market.
They are taking huge advantage of you at 45k. They know this. If you have other offers in hand, or even make it known you are looking around, your current company will try to give you incentive to stay (in $$$). If they don't, they probably are not worth staying with anyway.
But, that was fairly exceptional.
In another role at another corporation, I was repeatedly lauded by my coworkers -- the ones with whom I actually worked and who had real technical chops. But my immediate org structure was more than a bit political, and my role was defined by corporate as a fairly mundane and low-level role. 4% was the cap, and almost no one got that. Ability didn't rule the decision: Executive-level budgets and politics did.
So... You've better assessed your value. Be prepared to move one, before and when asking for it. You may have to. If you have a solid competing offer, this may also strengthen your argument/negotiation with your existing employer. Don't "threaten" them; rather, an offer shows that someone -- an "independent party" or even a "competitor" -- considers that valuation to be fair.
A final caveat: If you get to the point of having that offer, it may be best to leave and take it. As others, I seem to recall, have pointed out, here, causing your existing employer to match a competitor's offer may breed unexpressed resentment on the part of your management. And, regardless of that, they will worry about whether they will end up having to explain and justify the bump to other employees if and when asked about it and without facing wholesale escalation in their wage structure.
TL;DR: Having stuck out assignments having low raises, I'd say you may have to -- and ultimately want to -- change jobs/employers.
As I do that, my networks are fairly active and they understand my capabilities. I will continue my search outside for other opportunities to cover the worst case scenario.
My only logical unemotional hindrance for leaving my company for greener pastures is that I would like to build up good foundation of credible experience over more than just one years time. I want to have a longer record that shows my continuous improvement and dedication to innovative solutions, such that future employers or top tier MBA programs will have no problem realizing my potential.
Thanks everyone for the multiple points of view. I have been taking everyone's opinion into consideration.