Cost of Living

[susan silva]

I would think we all think we should make more money (which is true.. we ALL should), but looking at things realistically, do you think your pay rate is balanced to the area you work?  Someone from a major city may make more than the small town assistant due to the basic cost of living.   Do you think you fall in the "I get paid fair" range, or do you "think you should make more" becuase everything around you is more?

[Cozwaz]

I come into the 'I get paid VERY fair' range.  The salary in my new job is a lot higher than my previous job and also the benefits I have in my new job are 100% better!  I think it would be hard for me to find a similar job with similar benefits that I would love just as much as what I am doing now.  I still have to pinch myself sometimes!!

[DenaS]

I live in a large town near London where everything is bordering on London prices - apart from my salary! I've had to take a pay drop to secure a contract (after being made redundant 18 months ago) and as a result am left with very, very little extra income of a month. Essentially, I earn enough to keep a roof over my head and if I'm lucky I can splash out on the odd coffee. If I had a working parter then I'd obviously have disposable income, but living alone is an expensive business!

[Atlanta Z3]

Between ex husband and current husband I worked three jobs not to have a roommate and pay off a debt that really wasn't mine.  It took about a year but the day I was able to only have one job and support myself was a big winner!  While I don't like to discuss salary I will say for my current situation I am able to fund the retirement account and a bi-weekly Starbucks habit.

[claudiamag]

I would say I am fortunate in that I am very fairly compensated and it allows be to live a lifestyle I am comfortable with.

[msmarieh]

I am definitely fairly compensated.

[Katie G]

I'm probably paid a little bit above average for my area, but it's not keeping up with the cost of living, particularly since my health insurance contribution went up by about 30% (after a similar jump last year - we're now at $370 a month!) and our local taxes are going up again.  The house budget has been trimmed to gas, groceries, prescriptions and utilities.     

I don't mean to sound bitter, but I've just sat through another half-a$$ed promise of a review of my position and a raise/promotion, but they've been making that promise for years now, and despite stellar reviews and going above and beyond, it never happens.

I wouldn't feel so disgusted if it weren't for the fact that they've given a third promotion to the person who's only been here 18 months and continually makes a mess out of everything with his bull in a china shop tactics - and doesn't learn from the mistakes!  He's cost the department thousands of dollars in wild goose chases, nearly landed us in legal trouble for making promises he had no business making -- and HE gets three (substantial) promotions.   Someone explain this to me?!