I am feeling hard done by

[mooneus]

So 4 months ago during my performance review where I pushed for a pay rise I was told I would get one in 6 months time if I took on extra work and it was successful

So for the past few months I have been working really hard. Then today my colleague handed in her notice because she wanted more money. My boss negotiated with her and offered her a big pay rise to stay.

While I am happy for my colleague and she deserves it, I feel really hard done by. Why do I have to work my ass off for something she gets so easily. And may I add it is not guaranteed I will get a pay rise

Could you threaten to leave too? Maybe give it a few weeks and say you have been given a new opportunity, or mention it to a colleague who may inform your boss?

If you are certain this has definitely happened and not hearsay, you could try having an open conversation with your manager that you feel disappointed that another employee has been fast tracked to a pay rise when you have shown loyalty and hard work to earn a pay rise. Say you hope your hard work will be rewarded and ask for a specific commitment when you would get your pay increase. Give a list of your accomplishments.

I wouldn't fall into the trap of asking for an unconditional pay increase, just because a colleague got one. Likely, it could fall on deaf ears. Not fair, but their circumstances are different to yours in the employer's eyes.

I wouldn't offer an ultimatum, they never end well especially if you can't back it up with action.