Oh yeah, I’m severely underpaid in my current job, even for where I live and what my role is. But I’m happy with my bosses and my colleagues. They’ve got my back more than not and I can be happy knowing I’m not in a hostile work environment. They are my genuine friends. Also helps that I enjoy the work I do. It’s not going to be my forever job but I’m savoring it while i can before I move on.
If they’re genuine friends they’ll be receptive when you ask them to pay you fairly.
I already get paid more than the three directors, we’re a small company with very little money at the moment, and under threat of going under. They want to pay me more. It’s just if they did, the company goes under next month instead of a few months down the line if no new clients come to the table and actually commit to working with us.