All of this anger is not about the wage the employee agreed to, it's a result of the perceived expectations that were set. Maybe OP was stupid to believe the

All of this anger is not about the wage the employee agreed to, it's a result of the perceived expectations that were set. Maybe OP was stupid to believe the employer or maybe OP completely misread the expectations from the get-go. Regardless, it is BEST for the employer to ensure proper expectations from the start so they don't end up with a mess like this. If there are not tons of opportunities and room for growth, employees will still agree to work for companies! I had similar expectations at my first company because I was told I could have them. I do not have similar expectations going into my next company, but my job search was filled witch a barrage of recruiters and hiring managers saying they want someone to be committed to the company for long-term and there's lots of room for growth. I'm taking a job based on what is great in the here and now with expectations to move in at least two years. I think it's a better way, but was painful to learn.