I was offered my first 'real' job, but it pays crap. At $13.50/hr * 32 hours (they can't give me 40), that is only $20,000 a year (plus benefits, which are good). There are opportunities for advancement within my first year, but not guaranteed. I have a master's degree and am very overqualified for this position. What would you do?
215498
I would say it depends on the type of job and where you live.  If you're going into something like Social work (which is notoriously low paid work) that still sounds like very little money for your credentials.  Have you been on any other interviews that sound promising?  I would think long and hard about your prospects.  I took a job in Social Work that couldn't give me the hours I wanted, or the pay I wanted, and I ended up staying for almost 4 years, because they did end up giving me the hours, but not the pay I deserved, and it was just easier to stay there.  The jobs I applied to didn't pan out, but I also didn't put in as much effort into looking for something else because I was so absorbed in the job I had.\n\nI would suggest doing a search of your career, and average wages by state just to help you make your decision.  \n\nPersonally, I would keep looking.  You don't want to sell yourself short.
167696
Don't discuss salary until you are offered the job.  If they ask during the interview, say "I'm open to negotiate." or "I currently make __________ and I'm open to negotiate."  I prefer to stick with the first, not saying what I currently make.  You don't want to underbid yourself when they might be willing to pay more.  When they give you the job offer, it will include their offer of salary.  This is when you start to negotiate. You can negoiate benefits, vacation time, work schedule, office space or whatever you feel is important to you.  If you insist I pick one of the options above, I'd say "$45k to $55k thousand depending on the benefits offered."  (Benefits are a huge chuck so you have a right to have a 10k range depending on benefits.  Whatever you do, make $45 your lowest.  You know what you're worth so don't compromise unless you have to keep food on the table.
88701
I'm so glad you opened another question, because I really wanted to answer.  I have been through a somewhat similar set of circumstances, and I just wanted to tell you my observations.\n\nI was looking for work (in computers) locally, but couldn't find many opportunities.  The ones I did find were low paying, and swamped.  But I really wanted to the nearby jobs so much.  However, after being shot down a few times, I decided to head into the city (not that far, but it killed my social life).  There were much better opportunities there, but I had to work long hours, be away from family and friends (I just commuted though, I was home on weekends).  I was miserable for a good part of that 3 1/2 years.  I'm not sure to this day that I made the right decision.  \n\nHowever, I got a very nice salary, very solid experience that follows me until today.  My resume is great because of that and it helped me land a very good job locally 3 1/2 years later.  Also, since I was just out of college, I was able to work long nights and weekends, something I wouldn't do now.  So it was a like a test a fire, and now I reap the benefits.  The trade-off was being a little unhappy for a good part of my twenties, which is something too.  That was my experience.  I think what I would do different now is that I would have taken the good job in the city and left after one year.  That would have been sufficient!
469229
Try looking for factory work and opt for the second or third shift. They always pay more per hour. You also could look for piece work. Then you get paid for how much you accomplish. I would tell everyone you see & know that you are looking for work. That will get your name out there and people will think you are a real go getter. Good luck.
402415
You can't spel;l worth a crap either, but than neither can I so what the hell:).\nEngineering is a good job but you usually have to do several things to make a good living in it.\n\n!-First you need to know that it is what you are interested in.\n2-You need to know if you are best and interesting in the actual engineering design or the business side.(the business side is always where the money is.\n3-You need ot know the location.  Location is all important in making money. Do you want to live in a small town area where there is good living conditiond or liv ein soem large twon with good pay which living conditions eat up every month.\n4-You need another degree besides engineering to back you up.  The engineers with a Business degree also are the ones into the money. management makes the money, engineers do the work.\n5- Consider if you would stay an employee or move into self employment.\n6-Be ready to move every few years or sooner/ Very few enginers will stay with one company. Companies simply will not pay them. For example if you make 60 grand a year, and been employed with them for 10 years a company will usually let yuo go and hire someone else for 80 grand a year before they will pay you a dime more.  They might later hire you back say a coupla of  years down the road for 100 gand a year. But that is how companies think, and act.\n7-Be aggressive. Ass   holes make the money, good guys get left by the wayside. That;s another factor of company life.  YOu can be nice to the  people under you butin dealing  with companies  they respect aggressive behavior.\n8-Keep a record of every inch of education you have ever been inviolved in from day one.  All of those little placs you get wiht your name on thenm for acheivement awards, and certificates ect., Use them to your fullest advantage. Get a coupla of online degress, NIO one checks or very few times and often a useless degree wil get you a job where you have soenmone else dong the work.\n9-Keep a record and running diary of your accomplishments and don't be afraid to make changes when you do get a job. It's expected. If you can doone thing to get you infront of the company's news letter than you accomplished more  than a raise, \n10-Always be on the looout on way sto save the company money. Money talks everythng else walks. It's the conmon bond between companies. They all understand money.\nKeep a record of your accomplioshmenst which save money. Always look out for new methods to reduce cost, increase production, and reduce labour or increase customers.\nSome engineers are pencil pushers and soem re engineering businessmen. The business men make the money.\nIf you are not serious and willing to go for a good education than forget it.\nIf you wish to make or are happy with 40 to 60 grand a year start putting in applications in counties, states, and cities giovernments. Those are the only place ot get a decent start in computers networking and repair.  Just repair alone will starve you to death. These vocation shops are turning out computer repair students by the thousands every year with no place to, Who is going to pay you 300 bucks to repair a compute rthey can buy new for 600.\n\nGood luck
74886
You need to do some research to determine what the mean salary is for jobs like this.  You man not find something exact, but you should be able to get pretty close.  You may want to check with the Employment Office or other labor resources.  It really really depend upon the area in California.  In LA you would probably have to pay more than you would in Northern California.
434837
I'm going to tell you something you don't want to hear because you will think I'm trying to be your mother....\n\nThere really aren't good paying jobs out here without a college education.  Even with a college education, you will not start out with a great salary.  You will need to saty at a job for a while and build up your salary....A company pays you for your experience.  \n\nThe best thing you can do is go to college.  Perhaps you can go part time in the evenings and work during the day.  You could also look at getting a skill or trade.  You really do need some type of education or training.\n\nIf you can't afford college, you could do what I did.  I joined the military (Air Force) and while I was in I went to school...It took me a long time to get my degree but eventually I did it.  I ended up enjoying the military and stayed much longer than I thought I would.  I had a wonderful career, and last year I started a new one with a private company.\n\nThere are possibilities out there, but be sure you look at  your options!  Good Luck to you!
18940
I have a pet product import and manufacturing company. I love my job. I am 31 and started the company 10 years ago during college at UC Berkeley. I make between $300,000 and $400,000 a year depending on how sales go each year. I am investing the extra money in real estate development and that is starting to take off. If you are thinking about a new career, I highly recommend the career that no one ever thinks to recommend...consumer products' design and manufacturing. When I was thirteen I wanted to be a fireman or a pirate. When I was 19 I wanted to be a plastic surgeon or an orthodontist. Now I am glad that I am in manufacturing because I get paid the same even when I don't show up.  One piece of advice, get paid for what you know, not what you do. My dad and sister are doctors and they only get paid when they are working...they are ALWAYS working.
88872
As a general rule, non-profits and government jobs pay LOWEST and for-profits like hospitals and nursing homes pay quite well. \n\nI make 38K in a non-profit while my for-profit nursing home counterparts pull in 80K, but that's a lot, even for a for-profit. \n\nThis job at 38k is the first job I got after graduation because I got a masters in social work with a concentration in something really unique. Had I not, I might could expect the lower 30's to start. (I'm in Texas, by the way).\n\nYou'll find a niche in social work and become financially comfortable. Everyone does.\n\nHope this helps! Good luck!
280627
First you must put a firm starting point.  You have to feel that if the benifits aren't up to snuff then you can ask for more, and if it's a job that you really want then you would be ok if they offer less.  But they ask for salary requirements for a reason, and that is for a starting point not to waste your or their time.
540729
Allright, I don't mean to sound like I'm preaching but this is truly what I would advise someone that is 19 years old.  Although I can imagine you really would want some extra cash right now you should think of the long-term picture.  Imagine if you're having a tough time right now, how you would be able to support a family when you grow up.  You really need to upgrade your skills so you can get a better job and the best way to do that is go to school.  I would suggest that you continue staying at home, work and try to save up money and try to get into a good college.  Hopefully with a combination of financial aid, loans and savings you'll be able to get a degree that will allow to move upto a job that pays significantly more.  I used to deliver pizzas when I graduated out of high school, but was able to go to college at the same time since my job was mostly working evenings/nights.  I graduated with a computer science degree and paid off all my college loans within two years after I graduated and worked another two years to save some money.  I then went to graduate school for an MBA and currently earn well over $100,000 and have a net worth over $500,000.  I am not telling you this to pound my own chest but so that you understand that it is very possible and that it really pays off to think of the longer-term.  I hope this helps and sorry I didn't answer your question directly.
563906
sounds like you are very well spoken and you have your "ducks in a row".\ni would present your case to your supervisor and ask why you are compensated signifcantly less than the people that you are training.\nare you getting compensated for training??  often times, in my experience, trainers usually received more money for training or some other type of compensation or "perk" for the extra work.\nit's very tricky because you don't want to "rock the boat", however, long term employees get the "short end of the stick" sometimes when it comes to wages b/c the employer forgets about their wages and does not perform a wage "wrap" when inflation raises wages in the entry workforce.\ni have also known management employees fight the company b/c they have dedicated many years to the company and someone with a degree comes in and in 2 years they are making the same or more than they are....after many more years of experience.\nthis often leads to management turnover in companies...which i wish they would realize.\n\ni would present your case to your immediate supervisor (or who ever has influence over your salary) and inquire about the possibilty of a raise due to the wages of the newcomers and the fact that you are training them.\nbe prepared for them to tell you that obtaining a degree will help you get there....try to compromise on this.  see if they will increase your wage based on credits earned.  this way you can take one or two classes a semester and start to earn more after 1 semester.  also, get in writing exactly what you agree upon.\n\ni experienced this at the last company i worked for....a supervisor was being deterred from promotion because of his education.  first, he was told that any degree would help.  so, he got his associate's.  then, they said he'd need his bachelor's.  well, he never got anything in writing so he had to deal with the "run around" he was getting from upper management and HR.\n\ni wish you luck, but please have a back up plan in mind in case they tell you "tough luck".\nstart looking into other opportunities at other companies. perhaps, you could find a better salary somewhere else.\n\ntake care.\n\nP.S.\nkeep any negotiations to yourself.  i've seen people blab about their agreements with the company and b/c of it the company renegged or retaliated in some way.
499071
I am 36 and this is my eighth year teaching.  The first 1-3 years are tricky because you have to figure out how to NOT spend 2-3 hours after the fact grading papers.  It took me about 2 years to figure out what works for me and what doesn't.  I spend a lot of time around positive people who love their jobs and who are willing to share and receive new ideas.  I keep a binder of ideas, good and terrible, to help me keep from making mistakes over and over.  As far as the pay goes...yeah, I'm underpaid.  But you know what?  I work 180 days a year from 7:30-3:30.  I am out of school when my child is out of school.  I do something everyone of those 180 days a year that really matters.  Talk to people who love their jobs and see if they say things that sound appealing to you.  Truth is...nobody ever decided to be a teacher because the pay is awesome or because it is easy as pie.  Folks who love teaching either feel called to do it, love kids, enjoy the opportunity to do something different in the summer (I got my real estate license and sell at my will), etc.  If you have a deep feeling that it isn't the right thing for you, move on.  There are children who deserve a teacher who wants to be there and who feel good about their work.
537989
I cannot tell you how many people who are earning the minimum wage but it is pretty close to the number of people who didn't pay any attention to much in high school.\nWhile that is not completely fair,mostly because it excludes the manual workers still left from the production line jobs which are fast disappearing in the US such as at the auto industry, it does demonstrate a point; you need focus to be able to have a worthwhile future in a civilized country.  Asking others to raise how much you make really doesn't solve the issue.\n\nFor example, when I was 16, I was working at Burger King.  I did that so I had some spending money, especially for dates and the car, should I be lucky enough to borrow it from my father.  When I was there, there were several adults working there full time.  I knew they were making more money than I was and that was ok with me as they worked 40-60 hours to my 15 or so and used it to support themselves.  However, it didn't take a math genius to figure that paying for food, rent and a car with what they earned wasn't going to leave a lot left over.  Hence I was smart enough at 16 to know that even as a manager, it  wasn't where I wanted to be in 10 years.\nNow I confess that after I went to college, I was expecting someone to knock himself over to hire me to do something after I graduated.  When that didn't happen, I had to do a lot of things I really didn't want to do and relearn what I should have already known.  However, in addition, I had enough smarts to know that I had to dig myself out of the hole, not expect someone else to do it for me.  \nIf you need training, go find something you can stand and get trained.  Personally I am tired of all the anti-social attitudes manifested in demanding higher pay for standing in front of a cash register.  Learn how to be nice to people and learn a skill.  It may take a while to finish the training but it will be worth it.\n\nTo answer your question after this long diatribe, for which I apologize, there are way too many people earning minimum wage in the US.  We have fostered the idea that we have the right to a job that will pay us what we want for far too long.
267186
I have a Master's and still found I wasn't getting paid enough to have a comfortable living. After all of the studying and all of the loans, I decided it was more profitable to own my own home based business and put all of my hard work for my benefit instead of my time being bought for wholesale and being compensated at retail. Now my entire check is mine, with no overhead. I was a day late and $70,000 short in learning that lesson. I won't make the same mistake with my children. I am teaching them how to own jobs instead of getting a job. Good luck with your degree.
303190
People will always follow the higher salary/ better working environment -condition.\n1stly you would choose a job that pays better, then you see the shitty working conditions and look for a job that doesn't pay so well but with better working conditions.\nThis is all a evil cycle and once you are satisfied with your working condition you don't make enough money so it begins again.
621540
Call and tell him/her that you calculated your needs and you need to adjust your minimum salary requirements if you said that to the agency (e.g. recruiter).\n\nIf you said that to the company directly, you may be able to get the recruiter to advocate for you and renegotiate a better starting salary.\n\nIf you get an offer of the lower amount, you may have to accept it or pass on the offer if they won't budge.\n\nGood luck.