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  • #2082641

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    by jawilson ·

    I work for a small environmental services company in Oklahoma. Although my job title is Computer Systems Technician, I have a hand full of duties and jobs, including: Product programming and design, web site design and management, network and computer system administration and maintenance, graphic design, etc. I think you get the point.

    Currently I am making $10.00 an hour working full time. I have worked at the company for 2 years this month and have been working with computers (non job related) since the mid to late 80’s (I’m 21). I currently have no certifications or degrees. Before working for this company I was getting a degree in Architectural Engineering, but I have since moved on to getting a degree in Information Technology.
    Would it be wise for me to seek a new job? or ask for a raise? Note, the president of the company is very tech dumb and views computers as a means to an end, not a neccessity.

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    • #3895829

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      by calves ·

      In reply to Salary

      Hi,
      I am here for the points, but let me tell you something, if you’re half as good as you say, you are wasting your time.
      You’re no kid, if you’ve been working with this puppies (computers) since the dark ages, I’ll say,
      If I was you, first I would move where the technology is. That is why I live where I live. Get a certification, because that’s what the employer wants to see: A piece of paper that says that you can read a technical book and follow it. Experience is what counts most, after the certifications, and you seems to have it. So, with so many companies willing to pay for relocation and what have you, botton line, you’re wasting your time.
      I had a job in a small evironment non-profit in Washington, DC and b4 I had any certifications I was making twice what you make.
      I hope I got you wondering…

      Good Luck!

      • #3734312

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        by jawilson ·

        In reply to Salary

        The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

    • #3895797

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      by rdendtler ·

      In reply to Salary

      Would it be wise? Always!

      One of the fun things about small companies is the ability to work with many different areas, giving you the ability to find out what you really like to do, and what you are good at. HOWEVER, small companies don’t often pay market rates. They do this for a number of reasons, one of which is the fact that if you aren’t complaining, it must be ok!

      Now: The question you must ask yourself is “what do I want to do”. The answer appears to be “work in IT/IS”. Great! Going to school and getting an IT related degree will definitely get you on that path. Experience, as always, is the great difference maker. Experience will get you a better job, a degree will take you further down the road (note: you don’t have to have a degree in this field, but it does help in the long run: management, etc.)

      My suggestion would be: If you are happy at your company continue on, ask for a raise. However, you need to be in an environment that will support the continued learning you need to

      • #3734313

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        by jawilson ·

        In reply to Salary

        The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

    • #3895706

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      by matt_falenski ·

      In reply to Salary

      You have to ask yourself a few things:
      When was the last time you received a raise?
      What type of area do you live in?
      What is a comparable salary? Do you enjoy your job now? Would the employer be willing to pay for training and/or certification?
      Is it a good environment? Stressful?
      I know of people in the same situation making from $6 to $20. I worked doing about the same for $11 while I was going to school and learning. It’s tough, but hang in there!
      Good Luck!

      • #3734314

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        by jawilson ·

        In reply to Salary

        The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

    • #3895680

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      by snubber ·

      In reply to Salary

      Start moonlighting to test your present market value. Start with $15-30 range and see who bites. A good place to start are your local school systems for tech and basic networking. I realize you are still attending school and have little time throughout the week, but sacrice your days off from class and weekends for school work and consulting and your career will start rolling quicker and quicker.

      • #3734315

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        by jawilson ·

        In reply to Salary

        The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

    • #3895605

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      by raymond_rio ·

      In reply to Salary

      It’s time to move on once you have finished school. Look on the internet for salary comparisons in your area and then ask for a raise. If you do not recieve a raise want until it is time to leave for a new job. Don’t let narrow minded individuals get to you. Our ecomony and nation run on technology. Beside this is your chosen profession. And somday you may need to support a family.

      Ray Rio

      raymond_rio@lnotes.bankofny.com

      • #3735059

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        by jawilson ·

        In reply to Salary

        The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

    • #3892216

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      by spruce ·

      In reply to Salary

      I think you posted this question because you feel underpaid and unappreciated. If so then you’re right! You are young and have more time than I but don’t waste it.
      I’ll just tell you what I’m doing now and I hope it helps encourage you. I’m 49, wasin construction 20 yrs. I played with computers while using them for my business. I quit construction 3 years ago to do a job very much like yours for 10.50 hr. for a non-profit. I got another job in an IS dept of another non-profit last year for 13.50. Last month I got my best job ever. Applications developer for 17.50, benefits, and they pay for all my education. They are pro-education. The company environment made all the difference in the world! (I’m still working on my Certificates)

      • #3735060

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        by jawilson ·

        In reply to Salary

        The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

    • #3891994

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      by olopez ·

      In reply to Salary

      Never be afraid to ask your company for a raise. The worse it can happen is they will say NO and if you don’t ask you would be in the same place as well. My first question to you would be if you immediate Superior think of you highly. If he does he is more likely to fight with you to get you the additional $$$ you deserve. You should always keep your eye out for a new job. You never know what else you can find out there. If you see something that catches your eye send your resume. At the very least it will help you develop valuable interviewing skills. Good Luck.

      • #3735061

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        by jawilson ·

        In reply to Salary

        The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

    • #3893348

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      by themole01 ·

      In reply to Salary

      Well, I have been in your shoes.

      After I finished college, I took a job with a small company as their only tech person. I was the “jack-of-all-trades” type. After 2 years of busting my butt for the company, hoping for a decent raise (that nevercame.) I took all my facts in to the CEO and asked for what I deserved. I was told that they couldn’t afford to pay me anywhere near what I was asking. So I polished up the old resume and sent it out. Within 3 weeks I had a new job as Network Admin, a nice $$ raise and the new company was going to pay for all my MCSE training.

      Final words…. ASK then prepare to move onward and upward.

      • #3735062

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        by jawilson ·

        In reply to Salary

        The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

    • #3893064

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      by webmaster ·

      In reply to Salary

      You’ll never know what you are really worth unless you go out and interview. Once you start interviewing at other companies and start to get job offers you’ll have a very accurate sense of what your value really is.

      Getting a job offer is almostas good as getting a new car. It’s a great feeling.

      hash07@hotmail.com

      • #3735063

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        by jawilson ·

        In reply to Salary

        The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

    • #3895448

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      by babygummi ·

      In reply to Salary

      I am a Degree holder in It as well, and like you, i am lowly paid! Im 21 as well, and just started working 2 months back.
      I am holding to this job for these reasons:-
      1.Experience in all aspects, i do networking, to admin to troubleshooting…
      2.Experience
      3. Experience.

      Truthfully, i am planning to move to another company in 10 monts time(completing a one year). I would suggest that u start looking for a new job, go for the interview. If you got hold of the job, ask for 2-3 days to decide before giving an answer.

      Then approach your boss, demand/negotiate for a raise. You will have the bargaining power then. Furthermore, you know the companys technology more than anybody in the world. If no agreement is reached, leave!

      Best of luck! And i think you deserve a much better pay!

      • #3735064

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        by jawilson ·

        In reply to Salary

        The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

    • #3895424

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      by mike.erlich ·

      In reply to Salary

      Let’s assume you like the company, but you want the raise. The first question is for your area and level of expertise is your pay reasonable (i.e., how much room is there for you to ask for)? You can find this out from you local State Employment Department (http://www.oesc.state.ok.us/lmi/default.htm). These sites have labor market information regarding wages for various occupations. If there is room (let’s say the average wage for a computer support person in OK is $13.00) the question becomes–how easy is it to replace you at your current wage? If it is very easy for the employer to do that, and you don’t really want to leave, then don’t ask for your raise. If it is difficult for the employer to replace you, then you have bargaining power! Now the questions become, how do you approach the employer and how are you going to react and what are you going to do if he/she turns you down.? Your approach to your employer depends upon your knowlegde of their personality and your relationship to him/her.

      • #3735065

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        by jawilson ·

        In reply to Salary

        The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

    • #3894229

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      by pat estes ·

      In reply to Salary

      It is time for the job search. Not a job change necessarily, as you may not even want to interview. But you need to find out some of the “market” rates.

      Forget looking in the paper, they rarely give any good salary ranges. Go to the HR departments of your city, county and state governments. Ask about comparable job titles, and positions. This can show you some of the lower end salaries. Then go to some private companies, and try to do the same. The governments will give you all the info you ask for, since it is a matter of public record. The companies may not, buy you can sometimes get lucky. This data can let make an intelligent choice.

      • #3735066

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        by jawilson ·

        In reply to Salary

        The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

    • #3777134

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      by plantogo2000 ·

      In reply to Salary

      Is your question answered or not?
      I went to answer your question. Provided an answer and before I submitted my answer I saw status as answered yet question remains in to be answered category.

      • #3735067

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        by jawilson ·

        In reply to Salary

        The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

    • #3777001

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      by plantogo2000 ·

      In reply to Salary

      Gartner sounds like MSN competitors. Is it sour grapes or good management analysis?
      To suggest and argue that MSN is monopolistic (again or still) is a dead horse. Taking MSN out of the formula leaves no leadership except a large number of small companies trying to be a MSN.
      There is nothing wrong with charging for what you provide and making a profit at the same time. The shift as Gartner points out – drive companies to less restrictive server operating systems such as Solaris and Linux- is a very good alternative; and may affect MSN pricing. This is all about competition.
      No, I don’t think the cost of Windows 2000 licensing supports the idea that Microsoft uses monopolistic practices. Every business should consider the alternatives and do what they can afford and justify including alternative operating systems.
      It seems like Gartner is becoming an NBC or a CBS and is trying to form opinions rather than reporting information and making an analysis including a recommendation.

      • #3735068

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        by jawilson ·

        In reply to Salary

        The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

    • #3783634

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      by basteg ·

      In reply to Salary

      you did enough work in the company,go out and look for a change.Upgrade yourself every 2 to 3 years so long you are below 35 years.
      Get experience and get certyfication.Put a Goalpost in font of you should get by 25 USD 20,,,,

      • #3735069

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        by jawilson ·

        In reply to Salary

        The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

    • #3782701

      Salary

      by steve.greene ·

      In reply to Salary

      I recently made a job change last February after working for a small network consulting company (6 people). I got hired as the Sales Manager based on my 12+ years in high tech sales – however, when I interviewed for the job, I let the boss know what I ultimately wanted to do – tech work.

      While I got to do some of the network installation work, it was clear that I would never get to the goal I had set for myself.

      I started looking on the http://www.dice.com web site and found many opportunites (one of which landed me where I am now!). Since my experience was not too extensive in tech support, the CNE certification I just completed was what got my foot in the door.

      It sounds to me like your experience (work related or not) needs to be incorporated into your resume and you will find what you are looking for elsewhere. After all, your current employer clearly does not understand the importance of the technology so you can’t expected much in the way of being paid what you are probably worth.

      • #3735070

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        by jawilson ·

        In reply to Salary

        The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

    • #3789255

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      by spritcha ·

      In reply to Salary

      It would be very wise for you to seek a new job. $10/hour is extremely low for
      what you are doing. Even though you have no certification or degree you do have the work experience. Computer technicians are in high demand, and that little bit of work experience that you have is enough to get you going. I recommend looking over your resume and making it look spectacular, and send it out just to see what kind of responses you get. Post it on a resume website.

      • #3735071

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        by jawilson ·

        In reply to Salary

        The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

    • #3790469

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      by careerhope ·

      In reply to Salary

      Lesson learned! Never ever work for a company or an employer who resents computers and deems technology as a necessary evil! No matter how much you could negotiate in terms of a raise, you will never be paid industry standard because your employerdoes not or chooses not to value the worth of technology or those deploying it. You have more than enough experience to jump back into the waters. Don’t wait another momemt and go find a company that offers tuition assistance. Give them all you have in exchange for a a more respectful salary and college degree coupled with relevant certifications’ training.

      Marta Driesslein
      http://www.careerhope.com

      • #3735072

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        by jawilson ·

        In reply to Salary

        The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

    • #3772971

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      by abbey742000 ·

      In reply to Salary

      Hi,

      A word is sufficient for the wise. If you are as good as you proclaimed, then get out of that company immediately. Unless you are bound by contract or any such agreement, you should get out. You should be making at least 18.00/hr (minimum).
      Goodluck my friend.

      • #3735073

        Salary

        by jawilson ·

        In reply to Salary

        The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

    • #3734311

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      by jawilson ·

      In reply to Salary

      This question was auto closed due to inactivity

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