You never get a raise (above inflation) by doing your current work "better" or "harder". You get a raise by changing roles completely or adding on responsibilities that expressly is worth some extra pay. Or changing company.

But as an employee, I've come to realize that I don't value my pay as what I do, but how much time per day I dedicate towards my work. Time is all we have, really.

Ive come to learn that employers are not paying you for your labor but for your time.

Commuting time should be salaried.