I've been having a clear out this morning and found an old payslip from 10 years ago. My net take home has only gone up £600 in that time. I'm in a public sector career and have had 3 promotions and reached the top of my grade over that period (I had both my children before then). I feel a lot better off, largely thanks to not having to support my useless ex any more, but £600??!! I have no potential to earn more really without quite a major step up that few will make so that's it. I feel really flat now...