Not making enough money but love the company...advice?

Question

I have worked for my current company for almost a year, and I really enjoy my job, the plce I work, and the people I work for and with. (I work in a feild office of a huge oil corporation) However, I don't make much money. I am a single mom, and just looking to keep my head above water. I don't live extravagently, (modest 2 bedroom apartment, older model car, etc.) But I do need a pay increase of about 25% just to get by. It is a struggle every month to pay bills.

I have mentioned this to my supervisor, but due to corporate policy, her hands are somewhat tied. Raises are given annually...and only at around the rate of 3-5%. Again, I love my company but I just can't afford working here anymore. I have thought of a second job, but I would like to also spend some time with my kids. So do I look for other jobs that make more money? (There are plenty of those in my area.) Or do I stick it out and continue to scrape by?

Answer 1

If you really like the company, you might try to find another job internally, that pays better. Since they already know you're a good employee, you'll have a leg up on other external applicants. Not to mention the fact that many companies appreciate having employees who want to better themselves, but don't want to go away.

Other than that, finding another company to work for is probably the only way you'll get a bigger pay check...I work for a large company, and I know that we're stuck with the same type of limitations on when raises can be doled out, and for how much. There's really no getting around it.

I have to say that getting another job would be the last on my priority list...Your kids are really important, and unless you're really at risk of moving into a cardboard box, you should make a serious effort to spend time with them. Not to mention that you'd probably have additional child care expenses if you had to spend more time away from home.

Try to think about other ways to reduce your expenses...Talk to your power company, to be sure you're on the best billing plan for your usage, or even ask them if they have programs for those in lower income brackets. Look for other single parents in your area who might be willing to share in the costs of groceries purchased in bulk. There might even be other single parents who could use a reliable babysitter for their Saturday shift, which might end up being fun for your kids, and would end up helping both families. Since you have a job, you probably earn too much to qualify, but you might look into getting food stamps, or even free milk or cheese through your county or state offices.

Answer 2

I think the supervisor gave you good information regarding the rate of increase. Every company I worked for had an annual cap of 3%.

About 90% of the battle every day is whether you're happy with your job. The other side of the coin is that you need more to support your family, so there is going to have to be a trade off somewhere.

I think if you look around enough you will find something that pays better, and that you can be happy with. It doesn't HAVE to be with another oil company.

And I wouldn't be looking with expectations of increasing my income by 25% unless you have something in the way of skills or knowlege to offer that is above the average.

I wish you luck!

Answer 3

The fact that you love your job is half the battle. Not many people can say that, so you're at an advantage there. Chances are you will work your way up in the company, especially considering your positive up-beat attitude...that goes farther than most people think!
I would stick it out and supplement your income with a home business. I have one in health and wellness that markets a product that is beneficial to everyone. I started out as a small business and because of the results of the product, it isn't such a small business anymore! Not only would you be earning an excellent income on the side, but you would also get tax breaks which might help you pocket even more each month. If you are interested, contact me and I will help you every step of the way to ensure that you start to live comfortably. You meet some awesome people and all of them are successful and willing to help out in any way.
This wouldn't interfere with your job in any way.

Answer 4

I understand how you must feel. I too, am in the same situation. I loved my old job, though it did not pay well. I was able to survive for 5 years doing what I loved, but it came to a point where I had to consider other things. I switched to another job that pays better. I now am receiving almost triple of what I got from my old job, but everyday is a struggle. I get bored easily and never look forward to going to work.

If you really need the money, then sad to say you must look for another job. Who knows, you might even find one that you enjoy doing. Bottom line is we are all working for the money and if the money is not enough, then what's the point of working, right?

Answer 5

As a child, and a teen I was always told to persue a job where happyness is. Unfortunitly it does not always work that way. Your means are above you. Find a different job. Find joys and pleasures in every job you work. You need more money. I left a job I loved. I was not getting paid much there, but the job is where I made all my friends. I am still friends with them, and I hear of where they are at. For me to get the money I am making now, I would have to have stayed working with that company 5 more years.

It sucks. I loved that job. It had its problems, every job does, but you have to do whats best for you.

I have a wife, and a kid, and one on the way. The income was not appropriate for the circumstance I am in. So I may not be overjoyed to work where I am at, but I am overjoyed to be able to offer my family what I do. I come home from rough days, but coming home to my beautiful wife, and son who greets me with a running large hug and a huge "Daadddyy!!!" makes all my toils worth while.

Ask for money, say you understand that it is out of your boss'es control. Explain to her you are going to persue jobs elsewhere, and just let her know you won't be quiting any time soon, but let her know. She might be able to disuade you form the job movement.

What do you do?

Answer 6

Take another job and leave your current one on good terms. Contact your manager in a year and see what is open. After a year you would be considered a new employee and you could negociate a better salary (if that position pays better and one is open)

Answer 7

If you found a job that you like, I would stay there. That's so important! You could concider 1 night a week delivering pizzas or bartending or something that you can make tips at, but I really would stay at your job