i work for a water works and sewer board that extremely underpays me even with my degree in cad design?

Question

it didn`t give me enough characters to get it all out but i was hired straight out of school i wasn`t even looking for a job yet had no ideawhat i should start at it was supposed to be temporary but after 6mos. they offered me a $2.50 hr raise so i thought i was doing good now i find out most drafters especially with all the added qualifications i have start out around 30 to 35 k a yr i started @ 20 k and now make 25k which after deductions and taxes i only net 19k a year my wife left her job to care for my mother my father paid her $200 a wk which was more than she got after taxes at her old job but now mom in nursing home dad found young girlfreind he quit paying her moved out left us with $1200 a mo in extra bills and without the $800 he was paying her she has been trying to find work but we live in a tiny alabama town w/out opportunities we have had to take out loans to make it so now i can`t just quit and we can`t make it hope this clarifies my question a bit thnx for any help

Answer 1

A true negotiation is one where you're willing to walk. If at first a talk with your supervisor about a raise gets you nowhere, then you have to tell them you are willing to resign. In my experience, you cant get a solid raise any other way. But this method has worked for more than it hasnt.

Answer 2

Given that you're working there it would seem that they're paying you exactly the right amount.

Remember, that no one is holding a gun to your head. You're free to leave if someone is willing to pay more.

Answer 3

Why don't you get a different job that pays you what you should be making then?

Answer 4

Whats the question? all you said is your underpaid, join the rest of american citizens who feel the same way.

Answer 5

well, you can ask for more money or find another employer who will...

Good luck