Comments on: Is being underpaid better than no paycheck at all?

By: Kacie

Kacie — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:22:11 +0000

Thanks for letting us know how it went! I’m sorry this one didn’t work out, because it’s gotta be a relief to just have a job and be done with the search. Still, I’m confident in you and your skills and I’m hopeful that your interview will go well. Good luck!

By: Rachel

Rachel — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:33:54 +0000

Dear all,

After spending time visiting the publication, the company and I have both decided that we are not as good of a match as they had initially hoped–money or no money–and I have graciously turned down the job. It turns out, leaving my hometown of Chicago is worth a lot more than 25k and sacrificing my own happiness. They picked up on this.

I read each comment sincerely and afterward, I really wanted to want this job, but I guess some things aren’t meant to be. I have another interview next week in Chicago. Wish me luck and hopefully a bigger paycheck!

Thanks so much for your help!

“Raquel”

By: Mrs. Accountability

Mrs. Accountability — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:59:29 +0000

This is exciting! I hope "Raquel" reports back and lets us know what decision she makes! I think she should take the job, too. My current job I actually volunteered for eight hours a week (2 four hour days) for one year before I asked them to hire me. By then they felt I was so valuable they paid me what I asked for, and I'd asked for $5 higher an hour than I would have liked to be paid! I hope she can get them to go up a little higher, and maybe she can find a roommate situation so she can get by on the low income. Good luck! .-= Mrs. Accountability´s last blog ..NuRide – Earn Points for Carpooling, Biking & Telecommuting =-.

By: Financial Samurai

Financial Samurai — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:28:02 +0000

Raquel, absolutely take it! I would work as a janitor in McDonald’s if I had to. There’s no underpay/overpay/pride in working. Work is work.

Do a great job for them and everything will fall in place. You can ask for a raise, or leave next year bc your work will shine in front of competitors who will gladly pay you “market rate”.

Best of luck!

By: Rachel

Rachel — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:23:22 +0000

Thanks, all. I’m heading there this week to negotiate an increase and to check out the town.

-Raquel

By: Charlotte

Charlotte — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:20:07 +0000

This is a REALLY tough situation, you mention todays economy and all, my husband has been laid off for just shy of a year (6 weeks shy of a year to be precise) and I am disabled, he has looked everywhere, including base jobs, there is Nothing available in his field or others, he is going back to college and his degree should pay about $50k a year, but where we live its paying less than $12 an hour and requires 5+ years experience, so I would take any job that will offer that step ladder of experience because its proving to be more important in the modern economy. Remember though to use it as a stepping stone and continue to look for a better job as your experience increases. .-= Charlotte´s last blog ..I don’t feel good =-.

By: Kacie

Kacie — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:59:53 +0000

Thanks for commenting, everyone! It was nice to hear from some of my old journalism pals who are still in the business. I miss you guys!

By: Bobbi

Bobbi — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:15:22 +0000

Take the job. You can always learn som and keep looking for something that pays more later. :)

By: Cassie

Cassie — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:02:35 +0000

If that is all she can find and she desperately needs a job, I would say take it. But wow, that is crazy underpaid. What a slap in the face! She deserves much more than 25,000. I agree that she could probably make more as a waitress. Sheesh!

However, this may present better opportunities down the road, so that’s another reason I’d consider taking the job.

Good luck Raquel… I mean, Rachel. :)
.-= Cassie´s last blog ..I like Sunday’s. For now. =-.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:35:08 +0000

We make about $28,000 a year for a family of three, and we don't have health insurance! I'm thinking she'll be more than fine for one person on $25,000. You can live well with a simple life. :-) .-= Rachel´s last blog ..Check out my sweet deals!! =-.