I work in a company where the culture was, for several years, to raise the salary of almost every worker at every year. This increase was usually between 2%-5% and was related with the employee performance.
I've received one raise in 2009, another in 2010, another in 2011, 2012, 2013 and... it stopped and I'm writing this in 2016.
Since my company is in deep financial problems, since 2014, and had to fire near 90% (1000) of all employees, things changed drastically. My company just not bankrupted because it is backed by another bigger company and that my team (100 people), the last one that survived, has a healthy cash-flow.
I can understand that I'm not receiving any raises due to these financial issues. The problem is that I'm a workaholic. I really love to work and I work hard, for many extra hours per week. My performance is very high and I'm recognized for that.
When my salary was above average, comparing to other companies, I was feeling ok. But now, without any raises for a long time, my salary is below average and I'm feeling constantly angry and deeply sad.
I've talked with my boss for many many times asking for a raise and every time he agreed with me that I truly deserved to receive a raise, but the company's president was not allowing this due to the financial issues. Every time that we talk, he gives me a new date, something like "I expect that you'll be promoted in three months". I wait for this time and nothing happens. I talk with my boss again and I receive an excuse with a new promised date.
I can see the following options:
1- Look for another job: I've already tried that but I couldn't find one. Due to the financial issues that my city is suffering, I would need to move to another city.
2- Stop working so hard - if they don't pay me what I deserve, so I'll not work with a so high performance: that's what I want to do and what I want to tell my boss. I don't want to reduce my performance without telling him because he can feel that I'm not so good as he thought. I want him to know that I'm performing worse because I'm demotivated by not receiving a raise, but as soon as I receive one, I'll work again at full speed.
How can I tell my boss that I will work at a slower pace until I receive a raise without risking my job?