I'm only making 27k at my job in HR. I have an HR degree. Can I make more than that?

Question

I just graduated this May and have minimal HR experience. I took an HR job that pays only 27k, and I'm struggling with my bills. I have student loans, car payment, and all of my living expenses to pay and it's HARD. Can I make more somewhere this close out of college? Should I keep looking?

KIMBERLY.. YOU'RE A JERK. No I don't think I deserve more money because I pay bills. I'm wondering if 27K is accurate for my line of work? Maybe there's something out there that's better for me and for my income. A person has to live. Quit whining you pathetic loser. Go clean your trailer.

My apologies Kim, you're such a nice, good hearted person. I hope you have a wonderful and happy life. GOD BLESS YOU FOR BEING SUCH A SWEETIE. YOU'RE THE NICEST PERSON I KNOW.

Answer 1

Personally I don't think it would look great on the CV that your first qualified job was only for a very short time and then you left. Stick with the low income and get the experience - in the end that is what it all comes down to. Try to look at the big picture and not the 10 bills that come in all at once... I know, it is hard!

PS I agree with your edit 1... I think Kimberley was being quite rude and interpreted your question in her own little way. There is comprehension and interpretation peoples....

Answer 2

I wouldn't go looking for a new job 3 months into getting hired. When I interview a potential candidate, I look at the time spent at the last job, if it's short, I wouldn't even consider them, unless there's a good explanation.

Hang in there at least a year and get some non-school related exposure in the work force.

On the salary range, there's more money to be made in HR, but that comes with time. Keep an eye open for what other companies offer via monster.com or careerbuilder.com, you'll get a better idea of what to negotiate during your next interview.

good luck,

Answer 3

Keep the job a full year then look for another after your annual review. If you get a decent raise you may be tempted to stay but the raise gives you more bargaining power at the next job and they will try to beat what you have.
Try to learn everything about payroll processing from union to certified payroll, construction payroll and different industries like restaurants and commercial fishing. HR is important these days but if you can also supervise payroll you will be much more in demand. We have Longshore and Harbor workers union employees with lots of safety issues our HR person also does safety and envornmental and the payroll clerk does some things that should be HR it is all interrelated.

Answer 4

Definitely look around, but experience counts for something. If you can manage to stay in your current position for a year, it will make a tremendous impact on your marketability for future positions. I had a similar dilemma, at the time, I worked at a video store on the weekends to help make ends meet. It was tough, very tough and seemed like all I did was work. But it made a huge difference on my resume and resulted in higher paying jobs after that. (most employers found it impressive that I worked a second job while I had to) Good luck!

Answer 5

I once wanted to get a job in HR. A friend who already worked in HR gave me some advice-- "don't"
He explained why the entry pay was so low. It was because HR depts usually are small in terms in the number of people who are needed, and there is certainly no shortage of people who want to work in HR.
Basic economics, too many people chasing too few jobs. ((He stayed with it, and moved to corporate HR manager>))


It's your call, look elsewhere, or stay with it and hope to move up.

Answer 6

That's probably reasonabe pay for someone just out of college, unless you are in a very high-cost area of the country.

Answer 7

You've been out only 3 months and already you think you're owed higher pay? Here's a clue: Budget, find out what can be reduced and/or gotten rid of, consider roommates, and well, be thankful you landed a 27k position right out of college with little experience.

I can assure you that just because you have bills to pay doesn't mean you deserve higher income. I work my butt off at my job and my income is ho-hum compared to you (22k before taxes). And I've been a graduate for a year and in my position for 5 months!

Spend at least a year or two where you're at, gain the experience and skills you need, and then seek something differently. Right now you need experience, not income. And making a move solely for income when you don't have the experience is a major career no-no.

EDIT:

It was not my intention to come off rude so please, save your immature insults for someone else. All I am saying is that we ALL have bills to pay. I do, you do, my parents do, my friends do, EVERYONE. You are no exception. And I'm also letting you know that getting a 27k job right out of college is a GOOD thing. Did you fail reading comprehension?

After taxes I clear around $1425 a month in income. Of that, $650 goes to my rent (my apartment, not trailer dear), $80 to power, $100 to my car payment, $70 insurance, $68 cable/internet, $70 food, $50 gas, $60 cell phone, $50 credit card, and damn, there's another high payment in there and I can't remember. Regardless, even on my income I've learned to work out what I have and still come out ahead.

All this of course depends on cost of living for your area (I'm in Vegas btw). Kind of cheap here but then kind of not.

I don't know how old you are but honestly, you need to calm down and not be so quick to turn on people for giving honest feedback. I won't dare sugarcoat something and when it reads to me like you're demanding more than what you deserve, I'll say so. If you can't handle feedback then perhaps you need to shut off your computer and go outside.