In my current position I work as a “generalist”. I manage AD with 85 users; handle all of the internal “helpdesk” issues for all software installed on all client PCs; set up and support our ethernet network; perform some administrative tasks on our internal mail server, document retrieval systems, and mainframe; and generally do whatever else is asked by my boss (VP of Information Systems). More or less, if it involves a Windows-based computer or server I’m his “go-to” guy. If something needs to be installed, replaced, upgraded, or fixed I’m the one who does it.
I had a little free time today and googled “compare salaries” and found I make a few thousand $’s lower than most of the sites call the “lowball” amount. Bear in mind I have no certifications or degrees, and everything I’ve learned has been through experience and online research. Still, I’m able to accomplish what’s required. If I don’t know how to do whatever it is that needs to be done, I learn how to as I go.
The company president says I definitely deserve a raise but due to low sales the last two quarters it’s just not going to happen. And then he drives away in his new company-provided Cadillac. Or maybe he rides away with another VP who is driving a $40,000 SUV, also bought by the company.
Just curious how many of you have tried comparing your salaries and have gotten discouraged by what you found. How does your salary compare to the national averages listed on sites liek payscale.com and monster.com? Are these numbers intentionally high so they stir enough dissent to encourage potential customers to buy into their services?
Overall I like my job and the people I work with, but I don’t like to feel like I’m not doing my best to provide for my family. Money’s not the be-all / end-all as far as job satisfaction goes, but I don’t like thinking I am being taken advantage of.