| Author | Thread |
|
|
02/07/2007 09:56:39 PM · #1 |
Sorry about the long post, but you need to know all the detailsâ¦â¦.
I started working in my current job nearly four months ago, and today I finally had my 3-month review.
My boss is VERY happy with me, but he has several people higher up in the food chain, and very little freedom to make decisions (like pay rates).
I work for a very lousy rate - nowhere near the local minimum âhousing wageâ as they call it when youâre able to afford a very basic apartment on your income.
I had big hopes for today's pay-rise, but it turned out to be a grand total of $1.00.
I find the amount insulting and want to write a formal complaint. Before I can do that, however, I need to find out some facts and figures, so I really know what Iâm talking about.
Please tell me (hopefully supported by some sort of evidence) what YOU think my position should pay. Please make it a realistic amount, not something that only a lucky few actually get.
Here are my details:
The company: a hardware store chain around Seattle, WA. Familiy owned, about 500+ employees, 7 stores.
Job title: Web product specialist
The project I work on: getting their website into shape
What I really do: product photographer. I take photos of the products, post-process them ready for the website, upload to website. Occasionally I get time to update/add some descriptions of product on the website (all that on a very very basic secondhand computer and Photoshop 6)
Hours etc: In theory I work 30 hours a week, but usually do about 34. I get NO medical benefits, no sick leave, and only 5 days of vacation after a whole year.
What do you think a fair hourly rate would be?
Thanks for your help.
|
|
|
|
02/07/2007 10:06:00 PM · #2 |
i have no way of knowing, but if i wanted to find out, i'd research the heck out of it in your local market. start with the temp agencies and the placement firms--find out what they are getting for their people. check the want ads. check out websites like monster, dice, etc. talk to a career counselor.
my guesses: minimum $12.50/hr, avg $17.50/hr, max $20/hr.
btw, a $1/hr would be about a $2000/yr raise, if you were working 40/hrs a week. |
|
|
|
02/07/2007 10:46:21 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by Beetle:
What do you think a fair hourly rate would be? |
Something around $10-15/hr would be my guess. |
|
|
|
02/07/2007 11:03:18 PM · #4 |
I can't speak for anyone else, but for $10.00 per hour I wouldn't bother getting out of bed.
When one factors in little things like the cost of going to work, (transportation, clothing, lunch, etc), childcare (if you have children), oh and the tax man... what is left is not worth the effort, particularly when one considers that you in all likelihood are not provided benefits such as medical and dental insurances.
If they can't (read won't) pay you what you consider if fair... you can always let them you you may consider taking a walk... and believe me, doing just that can be ever so exhilarating.
Ray
PS: To answer you question $15/hr sounds like a good starting point.
|
|
|
|
02/07/2007 11:04:55 PM · #5 |
I get paid $17.90 an hour to serve beer lol
|
|
|
|
02/07/2007 11:06:40 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by xXxscarletxXx:
I get paid $17.90 an hour to serve beer lol |
And I for one appreciate it! |
|
|
|
02/07/2007 11:46:09 PM · #7 |
Thanks for the answers so far.
I have tried monster and craigslist but can't find another job just like mine.
Not sure how much luck I'd have with temp agencies. I bet they'd want me to go through some lengthy enrollment process before they'll give me any answer at all. |
|
|
|
02/07/2007 11:48:10 PM · #8 |
I don't know the cost of living where you are...so that is a big deal
If housing costs can be used, around here the average home (3 BR 1.5 bath on 1/3 acre, usually with a basement and garage) sells for $140,000. Rents for apartments run $400-600, unless you get into the bigger newer complexes with all the amenities (pool, launndry facilities, etc) than $800-1200.
The help desk, midnights, at the local hospital has an opening, $13.20/hour, with benefits.
the zinc plant, blue collar factory work, pays about the same.
the local grocery store pays $6.25 and is union, so your dues come out of that.
the assisted living home next door pays $6.25/hour for a receptionist
my friend is CIO - chief info officer for a medical lab and makes $51k ($25/hr)
PS folks can be had for $10-12/hour no problem
my wife's company, one of the larger employers in the county, pays 'counselor technicians' $9.01 and benefits for full time, less for part time (no degree required) their top computer job was open last year and paid $49k - 500 employees inteh company and 2 techs in the dept.
One can wait tables and make $12/hour. You can go cook in a restaurant for $7-10/hour, most retail pays less.
Does that help any?
|
|
|
|
02/07/2007 11:51:30 PM · #9 |
Have you tried Salary.com?
|
|
|
|
02/10/2007 10:34:30 PM · #10 |
| I would look for a different job, but don't give this one up yet....because I would have an agenda if I were you. Build your resume up with this job, and find contacts. Lots of them. Then, get a different job for the benefits, but start your own web publishing /designing business. Small businesses starting up and even some bigger ones who don't value their web publishing guys may be prime for the picking. You can be a great asset if you can also take some pictures yourself. My web guy says he won't do any more web designs for under $1000 a year. fortunatley he gave me a bit of a break to start. You can sell your contacts a "sale" price for the first 6-12 months, then go with a regular price. If they are happy with you and bring in business, then getting the full price shouldn't be a problem. Good luck!! |
|
|
|
02/10/2007 11:05:26 PM · #11 |
Thanks Chris, that is a good way of looking at things, and I'm trying to take it into account.
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
Have you tried Salary.com? |
Yes I did, but the closest thing was just "photographer", which paid considerably more, but the bosses won't allow as comparison
Originally posted by doug61853:
I would look for a different job, but don't give this one up yet.... |
Yup.... that is pretty much the way I am looking at it. I'm not actively searching, but should I see an offer that looks really good, I'll probably apply.
Meanwhile, my pay is rather lousy, but I have found out that I AM very much appreciated, and that's a nice feeling. I also love my immediate boss and my co-workers, so I guess I'll stick around for a bit. |
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 08/02/2025 01:32:22 PM EDT.
