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How can I be more appropriately compensated for the work that I do every day?

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Posted 6 months ago

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


I was on the email and received an email from WomenCo. and I opened it up and there was an ad inquiry that  wanted to know if I wanted to make at least $45K if I were to go to school and receive my degree.  The ad said that the average college degreed person averages $71K.  So I responded with this question because while I have been going to work diligently and very frustrated with the work ethics at the work place- I have to do something- quick!  So I responded by typing this and it was suggested that I put this out for disscussion and perhaps I may get some help from one of you.  Thank you sincerely and this is what I wrote: 


"Thank you for that information about the possibilities of my earning a potential of at least $45, 000.00 per year or more if I have a degree and the average persons with degree's having a salary of $71, 000.00



I am reaching out for assistance to anyone that may think that they can be of some assistance to me and my family.  I am in my  early 40's and started off with a salary of $26,000. at least 10 years ago and now I'm making less than $35,000.00 for a salary.  I am looking for a career opportunity where I can at least feel like I'm being compensated for the work that I am doing, my experience, and education.  I work in St. Louis, MO. and am willing to drive in the surrounding Metropolitan area for a career that is not only sociably rewarding, but also financially compensating.  I have one son that is about to enter college with one son already in college and a daughter in 6th grade.  They are all beautiful children and great students; however, I have explained to all of them that if they are interested in college and furthering their education, make sure that it is worthwhile and not wasting precious time or money. Child support and insurance has been addressed in the courts for years, but dad refuses to meet his responsibilities.  I want for my children what I wanted for myself- still want for myself and that is  having a lucrative career in their interest that will provide for them the finances that will allow them to live the life that they are dreaming of : basics like housing, food, clothing, insurances, and transportation)-



My degree is a Bachelor's in Sociology with 2 -1/2 yrs. of graduate work and I find myself "stuck" at a point so to speak (not for long).  I am out on medical leave for awhile and would appreciate anyone that is willing to assist me with finding an opportunity that will provide a higher salary.  My degree in Sociology has afforded me many experiences in and around my field.  I would be willing to share more details and my resume with anyone who is willing to help with this success story because I will not stop until I can comfortably provide for my children and be able to continue to teach and mentor other young people about the benefits in having a degree.  



I believe  my references,  experience, and character would be an asset in most companies and I'm assured that you would feel comfortable in possibly giving me leads to openings- I am a pleasant person to work around that can get positive outcomes and complete work within deadlines.   Thank you ...



P.S. This is the first time I have ever taken a medical leave or time from a job that I have worked since receiving my degree.  I am a healthy person and do not have any disabilities that would restrict my performance in any way.



Please send this out to only those that are seriously looking for good workers. Can you help?"  "Can anyone help?"



Sincerely,

SynMarie

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Rate This | Posted 6 months ago

 

Hi Marie,


Could you rephrase what kind of advice, exactly, you're looking for?


What is your career experience? What degrees, exactly, do you have?

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Rate This | Posted 6 months ago

 

Sorry if I was not clear enough and thanks for your further inquiry...  I'm looking for someone that could give me some type of employment lead in the St. Louis, MO. metropolitan area or even if they know someone in the Metro area that they may give my information to so that I may possibly have an opportunity to talk to an employer if my skills match what they need.  This may be an odd way of looking for better employment, but I think one that holds possibilities. 


Delima:  I've had a Bachelors of Science degree in Sociology for 12 years with a minor in Women Studies, I've had 2 -1/2 years of graduate studies and one paper away from my thesis paper in Sociology.  My career choices have given me the opportunity to experience a lot of social work issues and life changing situations( wonderful & rewarding); however, I am very frustrated that I have worked this long and my salary remains at a entry level position salary and most of the jobs that I have worked don't start very high, but they are also not paying very much, so I'm trying to make either a career change with higher pay or same area with a higher pay scale. 


My career experience is where I have worked for predominately minority, non for profit, social service agencies.  Most times my experience has been where your work promotions are based on who you know or who you really know...


So I'm looking for a job that will provide a career for me where honesty, work ethic,  integrity, and hard work will promote me rather than whom I've made intimate friends with or who's party or social activity I participated with on the weekend, etc...  I'm not naive to think that relationships don't matter- I know that they do and I typically get along with everyone surrounding me; however, when it comes to the boss or supervisor there is a wedge of power conflict or something - Can't figure it out.  I try  not to seem intimidating, yet show leadership.


I have at least 7years experience in management of small and large groups of employees and volunteers.  Other areas of experience have been in Quickbbooks, fundraising, other areas of finance, counselor, coordinator, teacher, nurses aid, undercover security, building inspector, and more.


Is there anyone that may know anyone who's looking for a kind hearted, hard worker with great work ethics, and creative development to contribute to their company or establishment?  I have great references and would like a chance to chat, interview, or just explore some of the possibilities in areas employment. 


 


Thank you again!  


Marie-


 


 

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Rate This | Posted 6 months ago

 

Hi Marie,


I have a very long background in the non-profit industry and hear your woes. The non-profit world is a very personally fulfilling one to be in, because you are working on issues you care about, but it can often be a very thankless job, particularly in terms of monetary rewards.


I'm confused, though, why you have accepted a starting salary even though you have 7 years of experience. Salaries ought always be commensurate to experience.


I don't know that we can point you to someone who's hiring in your area specifically (though you should use WomenCo's job search tool to do that yourself!), but maybe we can find out exactly why you're being only considered for starting-level positions despite your experience.


Do you have any ideas why to get the conversation started?

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Rate This | Posted 6 months ago

 

I appreciate your thoughts on this topic and I am looking for some very honest answers and solutions to a greater pay.  To answer your question directly about why I accept these jobs at an entry level position:  perhaps LilaK it may be because of two things that come to mind.  First, I'm not sure how to negoiate my experience with the specific job titles and responsibilities, and then secondly,  each time that I have accepted a job, it was because I was currently out of work and really needed to accept the position to maintain my bills or play catch up- I was desperate.   Again, being a single mom of three children, having my living expenses (housing, car, car insurance, food, etc...) I figured that if I just get my foot into the door, perhaps I'll have a fighting chance to work my way up or even negoiate later.


Each time I dissapoint  myself and honestly say after getting these jobs, that I have wasted my time.  For the first time I have spoken up in the position that I'm currently in and said to my supervisor that I need a higher pay.  I agreed to come in at a particular  salary and then once I accepted my job description, title, and responsibilities changed because it was a new pilot program starting for the first time in this organization.  So I accepted the responsibility, but did not speak up right away, wanting to make sure that the  job was not only done, but done well.  I am still doing the job of a manager and getting paid at an coordinator position.  I may need a to seek legal help- not only that I accepted this position and it turns out that when I accepted the position that they actually needed a certificate that I had to start and maintain the program.  They are currently using this certificate of mine and have been over the last year with again, no monetary compensation.  Do I have a "leg to stand on?" Are there any grounds for  possible legal action? I really don't know.


I think if I show more assertiveness in the beginning of these job offers, I may have better luck.


Also thanks for mentioning about the Job Search tool on WomenCo. this is my first time joining any type of online group. 


Thanks Again!


Marie