Over the past two years at my current company, I’ve consistently worked 12+ hours a day. During this time, I’ve received multiple client appreciations, completed four certifications (one every six months), and successfully delivered several POCs and solo projects for the team.
Despite these efforts:
In the first year, I received neither an increment nor a performance-based rating.
In the second year, I was promised a good rating and a decent increment. However, I was again given an average rating and just a 1% salary hike. (For context, my expectation was only 5%—nothing extravagant.)
This experience has left me disheartened. I've lost the motivation to continue putting in the same level of dedication.
As a result, I've decided to limit myself to the work assigned during regular hours and use the remaining 3–4 hours a day to pursue moonlighting opportunities.
I've recently received an offer for such an opportunity. While I'm inclined to take it, I’m struggling with the moral aspect of it.
By nature, I enjoy working hard and expect just moderately fair compensation in return. I'm unsure if moving forward with this decision is the right thing to do.