Yay I got promoted.. again?

[aidan80 9]

I'll cut a fairly long story shot here.. in 2006 I get my first job in the US, not my ideal job but still a job as a general office person II. Last year I got promoted from general office person II to general office person III.. Just recently I get promoted from general office person III to general office person V with a big $2 an hour raise ($4 in total since I started at the end of 06, which isn't bad I suppose for a job that needs moderate skills). I hate to be ungrateful so I be nice and pleasant and accept the offer while thinking I'm worth at least $4 more per hour and I'm not a fcuking office person.. grrr!!.. I'm actually an IT person, certified, trained and experienced yet I'm stuck in an office and dying to get out. The people in the office (apart from managment who know fine well) only see me as an office person because that's all I've done so far here... The office people are all very happy with what I do, I can do excel, word, access.. etc... and a million other things which are unused and they are very happy with the many changes I've made with how I've streamlined things, automated things and made life generally easier. I mean I'm not being big headed saying this and I hate to say I did this and this and this and everything.. anyway I deployed my IT skills into the office environment and well helped get the applications do more of our work.. it isn't hard at all is it?

I mean I really do hate to appear ungrateful as there are plenty of people out there working like mad for less than what I make (which isn't a whole lot) but still.. I mean I feel I'm worth more than what I make? They know it and they know I'll leave very soon but yet they don't appear to offer enough to keep me in place?.. strange is it not? I mean I hate to make this into a rant about how good I'm, I'm just a person I can do my real job and this isn't my real job. Although it's a very nice job which I'm glad to have I'd like to go back to what I feel I do best?

Am I being ungrateful in thinking I deserve more than what I've got? I mean when I got here almost 2 and a half years ago it was just my wife working making almost half of what she makes now which is the same as what I make at the minute.

[STEPHnRIA 2]

Aidan, you know why you are like that? Cuz you know your potentials and dying to show them. They are probably so greatful and know you are the best but can't offer you a higher salary because well...maybe they can not afford you. Go to a place where you can be really appreciated and...be well compensated. I know the feeling.

[Ana&D 0]

I don't think u've been ungreatful! If you have more knowledge/potential and your employer does not allow you to use it, time to change work places! And it's not a smart move moneywise only. Psychologically it must be hard to feel underestimated. IMHO, if you don't feel happy where you are - move on!

[vbtbmrt 2]

well wonderful you got promoted, but all you need to do is just keep your eyes on the papers and internet for a better job that more suits your skills and education and a little challenge for you.

but you know what the only thing i hate about having a job is looking for a new one. you have to try to sell your self and me i am not a talker i am a person that gets things done

anyway congratulations and good luck

[HighwayStar 0]

What you feel is something I have felt for years here in Italy... I've been working for 21 years, and my current salary is €1,300 - and no chances of promotion or anything of that sort in sight. Moreover, I can't change jobs, because at my age (47) in Italy I wouldn't find anything at all (and I work for the government too). Note that I am very highly educated, speak five languages including Italian, and am one of the best workers at my office.

So, yes, I do think I am worth much more that that, and I also don't subscribe to the school of thought that you have to be grateful to have a job (a far too common attitude in Italy). After all the time, money and energy I spent on my studies, I would think I have a right to think I deserve more. The good thing for you is that you're much younger than me, and you'll eventually get the recognition you deserve.

[Gemmie 142]

Oh I hear ya.

See here for my own rant about it.

It's not fair at all, you have a right to feel frustrated.

[melusine 5]

hee... well look for a new well paid job in your industry... that sound simple.

[Nutty 2]

If it isn't the right career path, then now is the time to change it. You have been there a while now and been promoted. That is enough to demonstrate your a good, reliable employee. It is only natural at your next job (in your profession) that this current job was a stepping stone and that you want to move back to your chosen career.

On point to note, many immigrants have to take lower level jobs than their previous ones. My husband for example is a chemical, industrial manager who ran a factory with 100 employees under him. But since he is from Iran, his english not fluent enough, he will more than likely have to take a Chemical Engineer I position or even technician position. It sucks. But you do what you gotta do.

Tina

Lowly office worker, with high worth

[TBoneTX 46,125]

Start a business. Part-time and after hours, at first. Part of the situation is that you have skills to offer, and you feel inadequately appreciated. Think about individuals and groups whom you could help (put them all on a list, freestyle, without stopping to prejudge or evaluate what comes to your mind), and then take each item on your list and develop an outline of a plan of how to reach and help them.

This will give you something to look forward to, other than days of unappreciated drudgery. Eventually, you'll derive some income from your efforts. Just stick with it, view it as a process, be flexible, and remain focused on your goals.

[ginger1981 0]

Have you spoke to someone in the company about it? Sometimes all it takes is speaking up. One of the men I assist in my job is the top dog in his field (leasing space in shopping centers) and I point blank asked him to teach me how to do deals. He's basically done the same thing with some of his past assistants and they later went into leasing, so he seemed like a good person to ask...and it is also convenient for him to have someone very knowledgeable helping him with intricate details of the job.

I would try to identify someone like that in the company...someone who would be willing to help you move up in the company. They don't even have to be someone you work directly under...just network with some co-workers who have some influence and see how it goes. Personally, I would suggest scheduling lunch or after work drinks s a good way of networking but keeping it somewhat casual.

[aidan80 9]

Thank you all for your responses! I shouldn't complain too much I mean it could be a lot worse!

[aidan80 9]

Have you spoke to someone in the company about it? Sometimes all it takes is speaking up. One of the men I assist in my job is the top dog in his field (leasing space in shopping centers) and I point blank asked him to teach me how to do deals. He's basically done the same thing with some of his past assistants and they later went into leasing, so he seemed like a good person to ask...and it is also convenient for him to have someone very knowledgeable helping him with intricate details of the job.

I would try to identify someone like that in the company...someone who would be willing to help you move up in the company. They don't even have to be someone you work directly under...just network with some co-workers who have some influence and see how it goes. Personally, I would suggest scheduling lunch or after work drinks s a good way of networking but keeping it somewhat casual.

That's the thing, I have spoke to people. I've talked to a lot of people I've made it clear that yes I'm very grateful to have a decent job but.. that isn't the job I would normally do. My manager knew before they hired me they where hiring an IT person to fill a office person position. I very badly needed a job at the time and they well got a good deal on an office person I've since talked to my manager and said, look I want to go back to IT.. I've made them very aware that I'm experienced, trained and even certified here in the US as an IT Technician.

I've been looking for other jobs but there isn't anything out there at the minute. The cities, counties and state don't appear to have anything available. Private companies at the minute appear to be offering not so good pay/leaves/benefits compared to what I've got right now. I've seen the perfect job pop up for me in another state, only thing was it's federal and I'm not a citizen I am looking into working outside office hours but, the cost of setting up is quite a lot I mean so many different jurisdictions, taxes, licenses.. I mean can't things be run from the top down, so many layers all doing the same thing. Then there's insurances' lots of insurances'...

[PlatyPius 5]

Thank you all for your responses! I shouldn't complain too much I mean it could be a lot worse!

I don't know what the job climate is like where you are, but here in Indiana right now; if you have a job, you keep it. IT jobs are paying $12-$17/hour right now. Why? Because there are 1000 people for each job. I'm making that range working in a bike shop, which I enjoy much more and don't have to get "dressed up". My satisfaction of a job done well comes much sooner, too. lol

Anyhoo, the raise you've described isn't very common in these parts. It tends to be more like 50 cents - $1.00 per hour each time.

I miss the days when there were IT jobs all over Indy and they were paying GOOD money!

[Big Papa Zone 93]

Thank you all for your responses! I shouldn't complain too much I mean it could be a lot worse!

I don't know what the job climate is like where you are, but here in Indiana right now; if you have a job, you keep it. IT jobs are paying $12-$17/hour right now. Why? Because there are 1000 people for each job. I'm making that range working in a bike shop, which I enjoy much more and don't have to get "dressed up". My satisfaction of a job done well comes much sooner, too. lol

Anyhoo, the raise you've described isn't very common in these parts. It tends to be more like 50 cents - $1.00 per hour each time.

I miss the days when there were IT jobs all over Indy and they were paying GOOD money!

I have a mate in Terre Haute (who did the K3 thing) and he moved over there from the U.K. last December. He's a programmer by profession. He bummed around for a few months whilst waiting for AOS, then promptly landed a programmers position at Indiana State University, with all the benefits that go with a position at an educational establishment, not least the 4 weeks vacation (which is bog standard here, but amazingly good there), but I guess he got lucky.

Here's hoping Missouri's job market isn't too grim in '09.

[trailmix 77]

Thank you all for your responses! I shouldn't complain too much I mean it could be a lot worse!

I don't know what the job climate is like where you are, but here in Indiana right now; if you have a job, you keep it. IT jobs are paying $12-$17/hour right now. Why? Because there are 1000 people for each job. I'm making that range working in a bike shop, which I enjoy much more and don't have to get "dressed up". My satisfaction of a job done well comes much sooner, too. lol

Anyhoo, the raise you've described isn't very common in these parts. It tends to be more like 50 cents - $1.00 per hour each time.

I miss the days when there were IT jobs all over Indy and they were paying GOOD money!

Aidan you just sound like a nice guy who is grateful to have a job, as you already know (Aidan and I have discussed this subject) the job market for IT personnel in Central Florida is atrocious - so I understand where you are coming from. I don't think you are being ungrateful at all, just because you have a job doesn't mean you can't want a better job - more suited to your skills.

Someone said that your employer does realize what they have - that is probably true, someone also said that they probably can't really afford your skills - that is no doubt true also.

On an up-note - Apple is moving in to Orlando very very soon (like in the next couple of weeks) - for a few months - approx 5 - they are hiring 400 people for technical support.

They are paying $ 14 an hour.

Now the good part of this, as far as I can see, is that it will potentially take 400 tecchies off the job market for 5 months

Edited August 24, 2008 by trailmix