I know of a number of people that haven't had a wage rise for 1-2 years now. I'm one of them.
Nothing for 2 years now and the last one I got was less than 1%! I can't keep up with the costs of living with that sort of increase....so yes I will be looking for a new job soon.
Totally agree with Club sharer's comments.
There's a 3 yr old townhouse at the end of my street thats bee up for rent for about 2-3 months now. They want $420/week for it. I live in a 5yr old 2 bedroom unit & pay $290/week. I'm amazed the owner hasn't lowered their price just to get a tenant in.
Not sure how rents can rise with more and more appearing on the market. I think this has been the case due to FHB's. Perhaps once everything settles down they might increase..but right now in this economic environment...I'm not so sure.