Otto Maddox wrote: Is anybody just elated with their current situation?
No. But I've got a bum knee and have been throughly unemployed for about five years, so I've got a reason to complain I think.
Otto Maddox wrote: Is anybody just elated with their current situation?
No. But I've got a bum knee and have been throughly unemployed for about five years, so I've got a reason to complain I think.
Otto Maddox wrote: Is anybody just elated with their current situation? All I hear is people going on about how bad their situation sucks and then they point out that they never complain about it.
I am more or less content at my job, too. It was more fun when I was making 25% more money, but given the climate and job market, I'm happy to have one in my profession at all.
He's been holding out for a management position.
Otto Maddox wrote: Is anybody just elated with their current situation?
I was, when I was working 3 days a week, and getting paid generously for 5. The plant was supposed to close, so I took an offer at another division 20 miles away (40 closer). I'm back on the tools, making about the same, but now I have to work rotating 12 hr shifts (which I don't mind), instead of the 3 12 hr days in a row.
The company we supplied just stepped up ($$$) to keep the plant open. I could probably go back to a very comfortable situation, but have to commute 1 - 1.5 hours a day, for the same money - at these gas prices. That's my predicament. I don't like this job nearly as much, but at the end of the day, I have more time on my hands, and a little more money in my pocket. I was pretty happy until I had a choice 
Zomby woof wrote: If Alberta is anything like Ontario, the Canada/US tax situation is not nearly what you think it is, especially now.
But combined with the cost of living it is. Hell, Ontario cost of living is significantly cheaper than Alberta. Alberta has the highest rental costs alone out of all the provinces! And I kid you not, our produce prices are close to 50% higher than yours.
Is anybody just elated with their current situation? All I hear is people going on about how bad their situation sucks and then they point out that they never complain about it. I am more or less content at my job.
If you would have asked this yesterday, I would have complained. I now feel I am getting paid approximately what is acceptable for my education and skills. The biggest issue is no upward mobility, and the pay is less than industry standard. The upside is relatively slack work, but that's not really how I roll :( I'd rather be busy nose to the grind stone then sit around on GRM all day ;)
poopshovel wrote: I says. "I'd play milk the berkeleying trouser-snake with my boss every day for $70k a year!" I would. Seriously. Any takers?
here's my new plan:
to the person who asked if anyone is happy out there: me, yeah, kinda. my experience in my profession allows me some pretty cool opportunities. but work is still work. i'm happy to have the job i have.
I'm pretty happy with my job. It isn't the most exciting thing, but I'm pretty good at it, get paid fairly well, and they just promoted me and gave me 20% more money into a new higher pay band, and seem to like me. People I work with are nice, and management is decent to those that they like. My boss is easygoing, and I get plenty of vacation time.
Really, I'm not elated, but am pretty damn satisfied.
Pat and Poopie: you guys are so cute
Dude, try being the boss, you lose a contract because the company who you served lost their contract. No fault of yours. Yet, your bills stay the same, your staff still needs to be paid, insurance goes up and up, but you have to survive on 33% less income.
Guess who doesn't get paid first.
It seems to me that everyone has turned against each other in the wage department. I think we should go after the overlords ( those in political office). Cut their wages in half and tie their employment to the unemployment rate.
I am all for that! I know my Director's bonus was directed tied to how much money he could save the company. that was why he halved my department from 18 to 9 people... while the building and work traffic doubled at the same time
Sonic wrote: I'm pretty happy with my job. It isn't the most exciting thing, but I'm pretty good at it, get paid fairly well, and they just promoted me and gave me 20% more money into a new higher pay band, and seem to like me. People I work with are nice, and management is decent to those that they like. My boss is easygoing, and I get plenty of vacation time. Really, I'm not elated, but am pretty damn satisfied. Pat and Poopie: you guys are so cute
+1 The work is not terribly exciting or challenging but the company respects its people, provides awesome benefits and has made me one of the most overpaid HS graduates in the US I'm beginning to believe after reading this thread. I get to travel to Europe on a regular basis (still undecided if that's a positive) And they still pay bonuses. All things considered I'd rather not work for a living, but if I have to then this is a pretty damn good gig.
With all due respect to everyone here I cannot fathom why everyone wants to tie their "worth" to their degree either. A degree says you learned how to do the job, now how well you do it. Your worth should be based on that 2nd part, not the first. Not saying you are all slackers if you aren't getting paid well, just that an employee's value should be based upon what they can do for me, not what they had when they came to me.
Did no one read his post on the last page? Explaining how he doesn't get solid hours, etc etc etc?
All the whining about NetFlix and then this guy gets piled on like this? 
Otto Maddox wrote: What is with all these people getting paid by the hour? I haven't been paid by the hour since I made minimum wage at a record store working my way through college. Smart companies pay salaries so they they can work you 60 hours a week at no additional cost.
Us young guys who have employment options that's who. We all know what salary means and don't want to work that. Call me spoiled/babied or whatever that's fine.
redrabbit wrote: It seems to me that everyone has turned against each other in the wage department. I think we should go after the overlords ( those in political office). Cut their wages in half and tie their employment to the unemployment rate.
They should also have to put their children in public schools in whatever district they ran in.
and take away their politicians only privileges, such as health care, retirement etc.
How about this.. Any advice for someone fresh out of college with an engineering/materials science degree (bachelors) in regards to finding a job so I can join you in complaining about pay cuts?
Really don't mean a flamewar about this. Any advice? I am looking for jobs in Pittsburgh PA.
Still cant wait to have my first "real job" (and make well over $12k a year) Currently being a research assistant at the university I graduated from for FAR less then minimum wage. (calculating it out would depress me, gotta be about $2 an hour for 40 hours a week)
Be willing to take a job you don't want, below your pay, etc, if it will give you experience to get the next one. It's what I had to do to change fields. Best sacrifice I ever made.
Apexcarver wrote: How about this.. Any advice for someone fresh out of college with an engineering/materials science degree (bachelors) in regards to finding a job so I can join you in complaining about pay cuts? Really don't mean a flamewar about this. Any advice? I am looking for jobs in Pittsburgh PA. Still cant wait to have my first "real job" (and make well over $12k a year) Currently being a research assistant at the university I graduated from for FAR less then minimum wage. (calculating it out would depress me, gotta be about $2 an hour for 40 hours a week)
Broaden your search beyond Pittsburgh. Granted, I left "da 'burg" 25 years ago when it was nothing but failing steel companies and coal mines, and I understand there's alot of high tech stuff out there now, but you may find the grass is greener somewhere else. As was suggested in another thread, while you are young and single is the best time to be able to pick up and be available to jobs anywhere.
Be prepared to work in jobs/fields that are only peripherally related to what you want to do while you build up the experience and credibility to get into the jobs you do want. Alot of the fresh kids that come to my offices think they are going to be making high 5/low 6 figures within 5 years. It takes a long time, if ever to get to those levels. Not saying you are that way, just that the concept of "paying your dues" in lower pay, not quite related jobs still applies.
Consult professional placement agencies, some of my best jobs have come from my relationships with headhunters.
I did it.. usually in a Union Trade Setting.. you have to work up to journeyman.. I bypassed all that by working at a Theatrical Rental house for FAR too long earning 10/hr
What a bunch of sorry suckers. Some of you guys are atleast 40 and compaling that a guy could make 70k or makes 40k. Why don't we just become socialized so that no one who actually did something with their life can make more more money than you. We can all be bitching about a 5 dollar Netflix increase. He has a job good for him sucks that he only makes 40k a year. I would personally just get a new job. But crying because you accept whatever someone else will pay you is stupid as hell. If you don't think your making enough get a néw job or look at it like this the world needs fry engineers so you serve a purpose but stop bitching because someone makes more money then you.
Well, a lady friend is involved in regards to why Pittsburgh.
I will have to look into job placement agencies.
Already looking outside of "my field". My experience (and where I want to be) is in NanoTech, microfabrication, etc. One of the primary things I do at the current job is operate an electron microscope and similar instruments and analyze results. Finding entry level in that is pretty much not gonna happen.
The real plan right now is to try to work for a year then go back for a Masters degree. (I just graduated in spring and missed fall application dates)
In all seriousness, I am considering anything over $30k a year right now. Hopeful for more, but any port in the storm that is this economy.
having read the first page and not the rest, this may have already been said.. but..
if you think you got such a bad deal, then quit and find a better job.
Apexcarver wrote: Well, a lady friend is involved in regards to why Pittsburgh. I will have to look into job placement agencies. Already looking outside of "my field". My experience (and where I want to be) is in NanoTech, microfabrication, etc. One of the primary things I do at the current job is operate an electron microscope and similar instruments and analyze results. Finding entry level in that is pretty much not gonna happen. The real plan right now is to try to work for a year then go back for a Masters degree. (I just graduated in spring and missed fall application dates) In all seriousness, I am considering anything over $30k a year right now. Hopeful for more, but any port in the storm that is this economy.
Ahh, women....always a problem ;)
Not so much job placement agencies but headhunters, if your career field has them. They are quite different, they usually foster very good relationships with the hiring managers of the companies they deal with and will tailor your resume to meet what they know they want to see, they will rehearse you for the interviews based on the personalities of the hiring managers. They are your fairy godmother. Results may vary. The best one I ever worked with happened to be an executive level headhunter who just happened to have a lower level requirement in my specialty handed to her by one of her clients. Although I was outside her normal realm we ended up working together on a few placements because her first placement of me educated her on what I did and opened a door for her into the niche market I fill. It is probably her contacts, abilities and credentials that got me into jobs I was "under-educated" for early on and once I got past those barriers and had those experiences on my resume the rest of the doors opened up.
And OP, sorry kinda got derailed a bunch but I feel for ya. Living in NJ I know what you are saying about the cost of living and that's a big cut to take around here. Wish I could offer advice but I've got nuttin'. The folks in charge down in AC are all about lining their pockets and not yours I'm afraid. Lemme know if there's anything I can do for ya.
How does one find these people?
(look for headhunters on google?)
novaderrik wrote: having read the first page and not the rest, this may have already been said.. but.. if you think you got such a bad deal, then quit and find a better job.
Yeah, its a robust economy geared toward employment seekers!
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