These bitches...why did I even go to college?

Re: These bitches...why did I even go to college?

• JennyColada member

  

  September 2014

  Is it possible to discuss this with your HR manager? Do they just not have the resources to pay more, or do they think that you would be happy with that? Is there any wiggle room? Definitely don't settle for less than you deserve, but at the same time, you may not have to feel like you're forced to give up an otherwise great job for a few dollars.

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• theycallmelinz member

  

  September 2014

  @JennyColada

  
  

  I tried, it's non-negotiable. They say that's all they can afford to pay us but this is a HUGE agency. And it's not that I think they're lying, I'm just annoyed and disappointed I guess because I do deserve more than that. I'm not trying to get rich from this job and make $70K a year because that's just not realistic for mental health, but I'm actually going to be making about $9K/year less than what the cost of living is in my town. 

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• OliveOilsMom member

  

  September 2014

  Sounds like this is a government job?  If so, they have pay structures in place and you may not be able to negotiate.  But if this is a private job, ask to negotiate!

  

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• JennyColada member

  

  September 2014

  There's definitely no harm in telling them something like "well that's really unfortunate, because I really do enjoy working here, but I might have to consider reviewing other opportunities that can assist me better financially." If they have ANY wiggle room then they'd understand that it's wiggle or lose you. And if you're not important enough to value for just $8000 then you don't want to work there anyway.

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• theycallmelinz member

  

  September 2014

  JennyColada said:

  There's definitely no harm in telling them something like "well that's really unfortunate, because I really do enjoy working here, but I might have to consider reviewing other opportunities that can assist me better financially." If they have ANY wiggle room then they'd understand that it's wiggle or lose you. And if you're not important enough to value for just $8000 then you don't want to work there anyway.

  Yeah I'm definitely not important enough for that^^ haha. This agency has over 500 employees, so I'm just a number. When I say I love my co-workers, I'm referring to the 7-10 people I see on a daily basis, and unfortunately they don't help decide who gets paid how much. I'm just going to have to find something else and keep in touch with these peeps.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• JCbride2015 member

  

  September 2014

  That sucks.  I hope you can find something else that will pay you at least a living wage!

  
  

  
  

  
  

  "I'm not a rude bitch.  I'm ten rude bitches in a large coat."

  
  

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• lc07 member

  

  September 2014

  lulu411 said:

  JennyColada said:

  There's definitely no harm in telling them something like "well that's really unfortunate, because I really do enjoy working here, but I might have to consider reviewing other opportunities that can assist me better financially." If they have ANY wiggle room then they'd understand that it's wiggle or lose you. And if you're not important enough to value for just $8000 then you don't want to work there anyway.

  Yeah I'm definitely not important enough for that^^ haha. This agency has over 500 employees, so I'm just a number. When I say I love my co-workers, I'm referring to the 7-10 people I see on a daily basis, and unfortunately they don't help decide who gets paid how much. I'm just going to have to find something else and keep in touch with these peeps.

  You never know. I worked for a big company and was a low on the totem poll taking calls in a call center when I first started for $13/hr. I did, basically, what Jenny was explaining and outlined my performance and they actually created a new title for me - I became a "Senior" Claims Clerk and gave me a pay raise so they could keep me because they didn't have any openings in the job that would have been the next step. And then I also got the next promotion over people who had been there longer. 

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• SBmini member

  

  September 2014

  That's bullshit. You are totally right to find another place to work- a place that respects you and pays you what you are worth. Good luck in the job search, I'm sure you'll find something soon.

  
  

  
  

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• Chipmunk415 member

  

  September 2014

  I understand where you are coming from. Hopefully this doesn't sound entitled/snarky/bitchy/snobby...

  
  

  I am not impressed by these efforts to increase pay for fast food workers to $15 per hour. I made $15 per hour as a law clerk, while in law school, following graduation from college with honors.  As a practicing attorney in a government agency with 2 years of experience under my belt, I make approximately 44k before taxes- my hourly rate once my benefits package is removed (for billing defense counsel purposes) is about $21.00. That's 21 bucks an hour, with 7 years of education, 2 years of practice, and 3 months of study for the licensure examination under my belt. 

  
  

  Like I said, I feel your pain.  Good luck with job hunting!

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• chibiyui member

  

  September 2014

  Having worked shittier retail jobs then what I work now, I had years where I barely cleared 20k, working full time. Working full time and a part time job I made about 28k. pre-tax. 
  
  I still might only clear a little above 30, but I'm also only averaging 30 hour weeks, instead of 70. 
  
  You should definitely look around for a better job, but shit. You have a job in your field, and experience in your field. Thats pretty good these days.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

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• lyndausvi mod

  

  September 2014

  I hope I do not sound mean, but did you not know the average salary just starting out at this company?     Did you just assume it would be above a certain number?  I guess I do not understand why you didn't have a better idea what your salary would be after your probation period was over?

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  What differentiates an average host and a great host is anticipating unexpressed needs and wants of their guests.  Just because the want/need is not expressed, doesn't mean it wouldn't be appreciated. 
  

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• LittlePeachBlossom member

  

  September 2014

  That really sucks . Hope you find a job that pays better!

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• theycallmelinz member

  

  September 2014 edited September 2014

  @lyndausvi‌ I've been with the company for over 2 years and was only told I would get a raise after receiving my license. They said it had to be calculated and couldn't give me an exact number then. I just assumed it would be higher given the national and state average for someone in my position. But you know what they say about assuming...

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• larrygaga member

  

  September 2014

  lulu411 said:

  I hope this doesn't make me sound like a complete snob. If it does, please forgive me, that's not my intention  

  
  

  Anywho, I have an undergrad degree and a masters, and I just got my license as a Marriage and Family Therapist, meaning I no longer need supervision and can have a private practice, etc. Now prior to this, I was literally making peanuts for an income working as a non-licensed therapist. But hey I get it, I wasn't cheap. I was a liability. Not only did they have to pay me, but they had to pay someone to supervise me and be responsible for me if I do something illegal that's therapy-related. Luckily that didn't happen. But once I got my license (officially a week ago), I knew I would get a raise because my supervisor told me I would. SWEET!! I can really use that to help me plan my wedding. 

  
  

  Oh little did I know. I met with HR about the raise, and I will now be making $31K/year. BEFORE taxes. After taxes, I'll be bringing home about $24K/year. Are they serious?! I could make more money than that working at McDonald's and have way less stress than what comes with being a therapist to rotten kids that are court-ordered to see me!!! I'm so annoyed. I was SO looking forward to not living paycheck to paycheck anymore. 

  
  

   I'm going to look for another job because I KNOW I can make better money than that. I have a friend from my cohort that isn't licensed yet and makes almost $39K/year. She's in another state but its in a rural area so that's really good money. But it sucks to get another job because I LOVE my coworkers and this job has a lot of good things about it, but I just can't survive on that. Not with planning a wedding and me and FI trying to buy a house. 

  
  

  Anyway, I just wanted to post on here that my dreams of going shopping with my first increased paycheck have been ruined because working in this career in the state of Alabama sucks and the 'raise' I get will be spent paying for ONE of our 3 car tags next month. Thank God for that. Thanks for letting me whine

  
  

  
  

  Edited because TK doesn't like paragraphs

  Dear god don't tell me you are an MSW.

  
  

  
  

  Also, in my state MSW's (which are licensed therapists) can make about 50k starting out. So I think you should totally aim higher! My state is a poor ass state. (It's Michigan, surprise)

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• reginaphalange1 member

  

  September 2014

  lulu411 said:

  I hope this doesn't make me sound like a complete snob. If it does, please forgive me, that's not my intention  

  
  

  Anywho, I have an undergrad degree and a masters, and I just got my license as a Marriage and Family Therapist, meaning I no longer need supervision and can have a private practice, etc. Now prior to this, I was literally making peanuts for an income working as a non-licensed therapist. But hey I get it, I wasn't cheap. I was a liability. Not only did they have to pay me, but they had to pay someone to supervise me and be responsible for me if I do something illegal that's therapy-related. Luckily that didn't happen. But once I got my license (officially a week ago), I knew I would get a raise because my supervisor told me I would. SWEET!! I can really use that to help me plan my wedding. 

  
  

  Oh little did I know. I met with HR about the raise, and I will now be making $31K/year. BEFORE taxes. After taxes, I'll be bringing home about $24K/year. Are they serious?! I could make more money than that working at McDonald's and have way less stress than what comes with being a therapist to rotten kids that are court-ordered to see me!!! I'm so annoyed. I was SO looking forward to not living paycheck to paycheck anymore. 

  
  

   I'm going to look for another job because I KNOW I can make better money than that. I have a friend from my cohort that isn't licensed yet and makes almost $39K/year. She's in another state but its in a rural area so that's really good money. But it sucks to get another job because I LOVE my coworkers and this job has a lot of good things about it, but I just can't survive on that. Not with planning a wedding and me and FI trying to buy a house. 

  
  

  Anyway, I just wanted to post on here that my dreams of going shopping with my first increased paycheck have been ruined because working in this career in the state of Alabama sucks and the 'raise' I get will be spent paying for ONE of our 3 car tags next month. Thank God for that. Thanks for letting me whine

  
  

  
  

  Edited because TK doesn't like paragraphs

  You sound like a very compassionate individual. I would love to have you as my therapist.

  

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• RebeccaFlower member

  

  September 2014 edited September 2014

  reginaphalange1 said:

  lulu411 said:

  I hope this doesn't make me sound like a complete snob. If it does, please forgive me, that's not my intention  

  
  

  Anywho, I have an undergrad degree and a masters, and I just got my license as a Marriage and Family Therapist, meaning I no longer need supervision and can have a private practice, etc. Now prior to this, I was literally making peanuts for an income working as a non-licensed therapist. But hey I get it, I wasn't cheap. I was a liability. Not only did they have to pay me, but they had to pay someone to supervise me and be responsible for me if I do something illegal that's therapy-related. Luckily that didn't happen. But once I got my license (officially a week ago), I knew I would get a raise because my supervisor told me I would. SWEET!! I can really use that to help me plan my wedding. 

  
  

  Oh little did I know. I met with HR about the raise, and I will now be making $31K/year. BEFORE taxes. After taxes, I'll be bringing home about $24K/year. Are they serious?! I could make more money than that working at McDonald's and have way less stress than what comes with being a therapist to rotten kids that are court-ordered to see me!!! I'm so annoyed. I was SO looking forward to not living paycheck to paycheck anymore. 

  
  

   I'm going to look for another job because I KNOW I can make better money than that. I have a friend from my cohort that isn't licensed yet and makes almost $39K/year. She's in another state but its in a rural area so that's really good money. But it sucks to get another job because I LOVE my coworkers and this job has a lot of good things about it, but I just can't survive on that. Not with planning a wedding and me and FI trying to buy a house. 

  
  

  Anyway, I just wanted to post on here that my dreams of going shopping with my first increased paycheck have been ruined because working in this career in the state of Alabama sucks and the 'raise' I get will be spent paying for ONE of our 3 car tags next month. Thank God for that. Thanks for letting me whine

  
  

  
  

  Edited because TK doesn't like paragraphs

  You sound like a very compassionate individual. I would love to have you as my therapist.

  Seriously? She's venting and didn't even say anything super offensive. Back off. 

  
  

  Edit- pre-coffee spelling.

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• abbyj700 member

  

  September 2014

  I get she's venting...but I kinda thought the same thing. In order to be really good at a job like that - you need to enjoy it and want to help people. Rotten court ordered kids just doesn't sound like it's something she really enjoys, it makes it sound like she hates it. 

  
  

  I can see your frustration with your salary. Look elsewhere, start your own private practice - whatever it is that will make you happier and more money! 

  
  

  More importantly than all of this - CONGRATULATIONS!!! Getting licensed is a big step and you should be proud! 

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• theycallmelinz member

  

  September 2014

  lulu411 said:

  I hope this doesn't make me sound like a complete snob. If it does, please forgive me, that's not my intention  

  
  

  Anywho, I have an undergrad degree and a masters, and I just got my license as a Marriage and Family Therapist, meaning I no longer need supervision and can have a private practice, etc. Now prior to this, I was literally making peanuts for an income working as a non-licensed therapist. But hey I get it, I wasn't cheap. I was a liability. Not only did they have to pay me, but they had to pay someone to supervise me and be responsible for me if I do something illegal that's therapy-related. Luckily that didn't happen. But once I got my license (officially a week ago), I knew I would get a raise because my supervisor told me I would. SWEET!! I can really use that to help me plan my wedding. 

  
  

  Oh little did I know. I met with HR about the raise, and I will now be making $31K/year. BEFORE taxes. After taxes, I'll be bringing home about $24K/year. Are they serious?! I could make more money than that working at McDonald's and have way less stress than what comes with being a therapist to rotten kids that are court-ordered to see me!!! I'm so annoyed. I was SO looking forward to not living paycheck to paycheck anymore. 

  
  

   I'm going to look for another job because I KNOW I can make better money than that. I have a friend from my cohort that isn't licensed yet and makes almost $39K/year. She's in another state but its in a rural area so that's really good money. But it sucks to get another job because I LOVE my coworkers and this job has a lot of good things about it, but I just can't survive on that. Not with planning a wedding and me and FI trying to buy a house. 

  
  

  Anyway, I just wanted to post on here that my dreams of going shopping with my first increased paycheck have been ruined because working in this career in the state of Alabama sucks and the 'raise' I get will be spent paying for ONE of our 3 car tags next month. Thank God for that. Thanks for letting me whine

  
  

  
  

  Edited because TK doesn't like paragraphs

  Dear god don't tell me you are an MSW.

  
  

  
  

  Also, in my state MSW's (which are licensed therapists) can make about 50k starting out. So I think you should totally aim higher! My state is a poor ass state. (It's Michigan, surprise)

  Haha no LMFT. I think the MSWs around here make about that much too, but basically the only jobs for them is at our equivalent to child protective services and the people who work there that I know personally absolutely hate it because its SUCH a tough job, and the turnover rate is insane. 

  
  

  @reginaphalange1 That may have sounded harsh, but the problem is that I AM compassionate and I do give a shit about these kids, so it's incredibly stressful to build a therapeutic relationship with a juvenile delinquent, and watch them throw their lives away to drugs and gangs. It's stressful to be the only adult in a child's life who sees potential in them, but you only see them for a couple of hours a week and that's not enough to drag them out of the shit hole of life their terrible excuse for parents have put them in. At the same time, some of these kids are straight up assholes and are, indeed, rotten, compassionately-speaking or not

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• wandajune6 member

  

  September 2014

  Congrats on your license! Now get out there and find a new job!
  
  You're in an under-appreciated field. It's not easy. But now is the time to start looking.
  

  

  

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• theycallmelinz member

  

  September 2014

  So this is completely "ass-backwards" from what I've been saying, but I feel awful looking for another job!! I've already applied for 3 so I don't feel bad enough to not better myself haha, but I feel bad about leaving this one. I do love 95% of my clients, and I LOVE my coworkers and my supervisor. I even feel like I've been "cheating" on my job by applying for others.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Sugargirl1019 member

  

  September 2014

  Lulu, I hear you! Being a nurse means we are supposed to be compassionate and patient - but that doesn't mean when I have a grumpy person who curses at me and calls me names and tries to hit me and demands the strongest pain medicine more frequently than it can be safely given that I am wrong for feeling stressed or thinking that this individual is "rotten" or an asshole. I feel it everyday but there's the good situations that balance it out and make it all worthwhile.
  
  I got called a bunch of profane names of one day, and then a pill pusher. Oddly, that one pushed me over the edge and I thought to myself, I am glad to be a pill pusher for you because you do not want me using my other super powers on you. (Advanced cardiac life support)

        
  

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• theycallmelinz member

  

  September 2014

  Sugargirl1019 said:

  Lulu, I hear you! Being a nurse means we are supposed to be compassionate and patient - but that doesn't mean when I have a grumpy person who curses at me and calls me names and tries to hit me and demands the strongest pain medicine more frequently than it can be safely given that I am wrong for feeling stressed or thinking that this individual is "rotten" or an asshole. I feel it everyday but there's the good situations that balance it out and make it all worthwhile. I got called a bunch of profane names of one day, and then a pill pusher. Oddly, that one pushed me over the edge and I thought to myself, I am glad to be a pill pusher for you because you do not want me using my other super powers on you. (Advanced cardiac life support)

  
  

  
  

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  I can't imagine the stress you get from your job! Even though you love it I'm sure it's horrible dealing with some patients, or even the good patients when they're having a bad day. Kudos to you!! Nurses are heroes in my book
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• DanikaMarie0227 member

  

  September 2014

  I completely feel for you! I finished my Master's degree recently & basically feel like I have 2 freakin' expensive pieces of paper and not much to show for it (besides awesome amounts of student loan debt). Plus, I think we got matching raises recently which barely feels like a raise (although I know it could be worse and I could not have a job so I'm thankful). But, if it weren't for FI's income, I'm pretty sure we'd have to live in a cardboard box since it's insanely expensive to live in NYC. Sorry to rant on your thread! Stay positive. You'll figure out the best move for you personally. I'm rooting for you to either get more $$ at your current place somehow or find an awesome new job that pays you lots of money

  

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• emcme22 member

  

  September 2014

  @lulu411 First I wanna say that sucks I'm sorry, what a let down.  Second sorry to thread jack but your post also bummed me out because I really wanted to get my Masters in Counseling and become a Marriage and Family Therapist but my undergrad grades sucked, for a few reasons, so I can't get in to any Masters programs.  Sucks.  I hope you find a better paying job soon though, you deserve it.  

  
  

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• theycallmelinz member

  

  September 2014

  @emcmac87‌ I'm sorry that really sucks. Could you not get in anywhere on a probationary status? The school I went to let in a few people who didn't have great grades, they just had to maintain a B average to get off probationary status.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• jnrsgirl member

  

  September 2014

  I'm sorry. I can definitely feel for you. Between my three degrees and state and national licensure I'm stuck making $27k a year pre-tax working 60-70 hour work weeks.
  
  Don't feel bad looking for something else. You deserve to have a job where you are more than a number and get paid a decent salary (at least one that is equivalent to the cost of living).

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• southernbelle0915 mod

  

  September 2014

  What the average salary for someone in your field who just got their license? 

  
  

  Sometimes I think more education doesn't necessarily mean more money. It depends on the field. My sister was a consultant in DC while getting her master's in public health. She was making BANK. When she got her masters in public health, she took a job directly in her field working for a city's health department. She doesn't make shit now. But that's because of the field she chose.

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• theycallmelinz member

  

  September 2014

  southernbelle0915 said:

  What the average salary for someone in your field who just got their license? 

  
  

  Sometimes I think more education doesn't necessarily mean more money. It depends on the field. My sister was a consultant in DC while getting her master's in public health. She was making BANK. When she got her masters in public health, she took a job directly in her field working for a city's health department. She doesn't make shit now. But that's because of the field she chose.

  The national average is between $41K-$70K. I'm assuming the lower end is those that just got their license. For Alabama (where I live) the average is around $37K. The cost of living in my particular town is around $41K. 

  
  

  So yeah, I'll never be making bank in this career and that's fine because that's not why I chose this. I just wish I was making at least average. At my current job, we get a 2% raise every year (as long as the board approves it), so it could take YEARS for me to even reach the state average, which is still lower than the cost of living in my town. I'm looking into jobs in GA because the pay is WAY better and I'm right on the state line so I wouldn't have to re-locate.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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