I got a ~50% raise last year by changing jobs and switching to 1099. This year I did not get a raise, contract just renewed as is. So I got a 50% raise to start the year and after inflation took a 10% cut at the end of the year. I like the job but I think I have maxed the salary there so going to have to find a new one at the end of this year. Pretty unfortunate but I can't eat a pay cut every year. I have a feeling most software engineers are in a similar situation where the market is good, why take a cut or only 3% raise during out of control inflation when we can jump and get a 20% raise.
They might be referring to inflation in their specific area or in their specific budget. I don’t think you can apply average national or global inflation rates to an individual in a specific location.
I 100% agree with this. I go to the grocery store on average twice a week. My bill was generally $100. Now my bill is ~$180. I know this is anecdotal and I buy a lot of meat which is definitely up but it seems like everything has come close to doubling.
Fuel prices are high. Housing is high. Food is high. Car prices are high. Education expenses are high. Healthcare expenses are high. Literally everything we spend most of our money on is outrageously expensive.