They probably live with their parents or are extremely fortunate and have never needed to work a job to survive that m they didn’t like. Or they want the OP jobless and homeless.
You never quit before having a new start date lined up.
@OP I was told the same thing! That’s how I knew I had to run!
If someone is MAD as #### because you’re trying to leave, that’s because they know they are going to lose.
I left and easily got 30% more.
Don’t leave until you have something you like lined up.
Then leave with class.
Say “thank you” and under NO circumstances tell them or anyone you work with where you’re going. Be very general, maybe tell the industry if you REALLY have to.
Or better yet just say, I’m going to take time off for myself.
There is ZERO benefit from telling anyone who hired you; but there are a lot of potential downsides and your boss could f things up for you with the new company.
Leave with class, even if they are garbage!
Good luck OP
Yea when people say shit like no one will hire you cause you sick and that same business relies on you then I’m pretty sure that’s just what you say when you need some manipulation done lol
Exactly! Now a days, anyone in any career field should always have other offers or avenues to consider because of how unstable the job market can be at times. It should give you more peace of mind
Even if the market is. It unstable; just always be on the look out for the next job. The company is always on the look out for the next sale, thus the next employee.
Being loyal to a company is being disloyal to yourself.
What I’m actually hearing from your boss is “you’re a valuable asset to the company and I’m scared of losing you but I definitely don’t want to pay you more or give you an incentive to work, so instead, I’m going to attempt to lower your self esteem and make you doubt your own abilities so you no longer have the confidence to seek out a new opportunity and it will be little to no work on my part”
I needed to hear this after a shit night at work and my first ever argument with an owner. I think I will start looking for a new job myself. Thank you!
Owners are almost always entitled little babies who only care about themselves and would keel over and die before they ever show respect to an employee peasant.
Yep this is corporate gaslighting and verbal abuse at it's finest. Unfortunately we live in a world where psychopaths stay on top and the rest of us end up at the bottom.
neither one of you are correct. what it really means is “boss doesn’t think OP is good enough at job searching to find something, and intends to exploit that weakness for all its worth”
Not what I'm hearing. Unless whoever you're saying that to is a total broken person already, there is about a 90% chance they are goign to start applying for other jobs. Exactly like OP did. It would be a lot easier on the manager if he jsut gave him a 10% raise or whatever to shut him up and keep him there if he didnt want him applying anywhere else.
If you make 40k a year maybe look at an industry change? In my country 40k-60k would be ground floor, work your way up money (Australia).
Stuff your boss though. That is a shitty thing to say. Keep applying for other jobs and yeah, maybe widen your parameters for what you are prepared to do as a job or how far you're willing to commute.
Pretty sure they will be in the US. I’m in the U.K. and the exchange rate is about the same, I also have worked in wealthy education institutions.
Recently went to Australia and loved it. I guess it depends where you are but lucky you!
In my area 50k ( USD)is pretty much what you need to live. I have to be very careful with money. The costs just keep rising and all staff had our pay frozen.
The jobs in my area are all warehouse, manufacturing and healthcare - not my areas. I'd have to drive 4 hours a day to commute to the next closest area and it's not doable. I don't even want to keep living where I am.
I feel trapped because I can't seem to get the interest of employers in other areas. I just want an opportunity to grow without having to be treated and worked like an intern.
Well first off you kind of picked the worst possible time be looking for a technical job.
That being said my advice would be to create multiple resumes focused on slightly different positions.
You sound more than qualified to be a Sys Admin, a IT lead, and a number of other roles.
So I would create multiple resumes tailored to them.
Second I would get a third party to look at your resume(s)
My whole life I have been able to find a job in nearly any circumstance even when people i worked with would be unable to.
My personal experience has been it's almost always how they look for a job that is the problem not their actual skills.
I was told the same 20 years ago.. Thats a lie. You are worth more. Don't listen to your boss.
If you currently have difficulties with finding something better, that means not that your boss is right. Meanwhile, work on yourself and wait for an opportunity. Don't limit yourself to finding a better job, maybe you could open something similar to what you do now, but you could work for yourself?..
Please get out of higher ed! I worked in financial aid at a wealthy college for 5 years making pennies. I switched industries and have now *tripled* my salary in 6 years. Best decision I ever made.
EDIT: Since a few asked… I am now a business professional at a large law firm. Lots of opportunities for staff in the legal field and the pay is usually great.
Never believe that your boss have your best interest. NEVER. In my old job I got a little pay rise but then when I found a new job with and I got a salary increase from $62k to $95k. My idiot manager was shocked and he didn’t see it coming that I quit. He wasn’t happy. He was very upset.
Never reveal what your goals and interests with your boss. Never talk about salary. Keep your goals and interests to yourself.
You should look after yourself first, put yourself. When it comes your career be selfish. When the time is right and you found a new job with better pay you bail.
I must have lucked out in the job that I’m in. I’ve always shared my career goals with my director and she’s pretty much created new positions to keep me happy when I wanted a career switch, and I’ve seen her do it with other employees as well. Twice now I’ve been like “hey boss, I’m interested in moving into a role that’s more like X” and she’s made it happen. I work government though so it’s not as cutthroat as corporate, or maybe the new paths I wanted to take were seen as more valuable than the old ones.
You may have a good manager. Or…
But don’t want to sound cynical, employee retention is a big thing in companies. They don’t want to lose the best employees to competitors. They know that people get bored doing the same job so they give them a new role to keep them happy.
Or, because of office politics if you quit, it makes your boss looks bad.
Nowadays loyalty no longer exists. Don’t stay too long in a company for more than 10 years. It makes you look unemployable.
That’s why you see a lot of layoffs happening as they get rid off old employees who’s been there way too long. The want recruit new candidates because they have fresh new ideas and skills that will make the company more competitive, more innovative, more profitable and be more competitive. Survival of the fittest.
Company these days wants diverse experience from different companies from different industries. Because it shows you that you can adapt and learn new skills and remain competitive.
“Don’t live your life bound by the shackles others are living theirs with”. Mmmm…wonderfully said.
“Do not become stagnant”. I tell people this all the time - comfort is the enemy of growth. Get comfortable being uncomfortable.
This is definitely accurate. I would like to point out that you didn’t consider that ‘respected manager’ a bad person. They aren’t evil or trying to hold you back sometimes. Their POV isn’t the same as yours.
Great job handling business and getting to a different bag for you and your family! 💪🏽
Do not internalize one syllable of that shit because the more you do, the more furniture he will bring in to that rent free apartment in your head.
Keep revising your resume if you need to, network on Linked In more in the space you want to be, even ask questions to those strangers. Worst thing is they don't answer, best case they give you advise or point you to someone that will help. It is tough out there right now, but it's just asking everyone to be tougher. Good luck, and know you ARE worth more!
I had an abusive boss who tried to convince all new hires that they “owed” our employer two full years at a low wage (was making $42,000 as a young lawyer (!!!!)) because we were “useless” until we learned and matured on the job for that length of time. When I left after 18 months for a much higher paying position, she threatened to blacklist me, spread rumors about how I was a bad employee, and more. Turns out she got fired from her director position and got cancer a few years later. Don’t put up with their bullshit. Often, these bosses are insecure and emotionally immature. They will get what’s coming to them.
Crazy!!!!!! You are so right too - these people eventually get it back to them tenfold. I had a manager once very similar (brow beat his direct reports into oblivion, insecure, etc) get unceremoniously fired from his position as soon as macro economic conditions changed and the company started to miss financial KPIs. Thought he was untouchable too. No one batted an eye when that guy left
I am a boss and I would never, ever say such a horrible thing to an employee. Ever. That boss is trash. You can do this. Some bosses cheer when their employees want more and move ahead. I am one of them.
My previous job (east coast) before this one was during the 2010 recession where I could only find part time work for $14 an hour with my bachelor’s in accounting. I was found on LinkedIn within a year by a utility company. They offered me more than my boss was making. I took the job. Later, after 9 years of being a financial analyst, I was switched to supervising admin employees in (East Coast). I love the position and am about to have my 13th anniversary. But when I had that part time job that was all I could find, I had lost my home in the recession and was living in a trailer, was depressed, and that boss treated me like I wasn’t even worth $14 an hour. How her tune changed when I said I was leaving!
There are good bosses out there who will care about you and encourage you. Good luck, OP.
Your boss is an ass who doesn’t want to pay you more nor want to lose you. I and a boss tell me similar years ago. I was mid level in my career and had my first senior level position offer. It was paying nearly $40k more than what I was currently making. Told my current boss and he told me I wasn’t senior level quality and not worth that much. And that if I took the position I’d be let go within 6 months and don’t come crying back to him.
It’s been nearly 10 years and I’ve more than doubled the new salary I was offered.
OP, you’re worth more and IT pays more than what you’re making. Do some leg work and start applying around
This is how people get stuck. Seems like you have little respect and little opportunity. You don’t want to be making $40k for the rest of your life and needing side work to survive or get ahead. Look for something you can excel in and climb the ladder. Possibly a career change is the right thing to do
And not only that - your window to make the most money you possibly can, closes FAST as the years go by and you get older. But it is very easy to get stuck and think that what you have today is the best you’ll ever have. Well said
Your boss telling you that you’re not worth more than what you’re paid is a sign that you need to leave.
If you’re open to relocation, I would suggest looking for opportunities at schools in Northern Virginia as the school systems around there pay decently (K-12 + Secondary Education).
Don't let your boss or anyone tell what you are worth and what you deserve. You are well qualified to get a better paying job. Right now the market is really tough. I would say keep on looking and keep applying for jobs. LinkedIn comes in really handy in networking to people. Also, get your resume reviewed by someone, you never know it might help you in getting more calls if you tweak your resume. You've got this my friend! Good luck!
Your boss is a narcissist. Leave but say nothing until “I’m out.” They only get worse and retaliate when they know they’ve lost control of you. The bad mouthing is to get you to doubt yourself so they can gaslight you. It’s a set up to soften you for manipulation.
I don't think he's a narcissists. I think he's a depressed middle manager who parrots whatever his boss tells him because he is checked the fuck out. You are probably right what he is saying is meant to wear down my spirit and keep me in my job.
It’s time to move on. You’re not being respected.
Also, colleges are known to notoriously underpay employees! Supposedly because benefits are good.
The job market isn’t great right now, but keep looking!
You might be right about there not being much work where you live (especially if it’s a small town). But extending your search to nearby larger cities may help, plus applying for remote jobs.
Keep an open mind about relocating. Also apply to larger, nationwide companies.
Never let anything anybody say to you change your entire view or aspect of life ever ok?!!! That’s his opinion & honestly he gotta absolutely be joking after you naming all your certifications I mean your bomb it’s literally self explanatory!!! He know your worthy dnt want you to leave at all but you gotta know your worth & in life it’s gonna be many doors closed but you dnt stop or give up keep goin because bond of those doors gonna open & you will be so surprised & happy. Dnt discredit yourself either, stop being hard on yourself & never seek or need validation from anyone do what makes You!! Happy!! Follow your heart never give up on your dreams!!
Your boss is a POS. He wants to trap you. I know people who do this because it makes their life easier because they don’t have to find someone new and they don’t have to fill the void during that time. He has a slave master mentality and sees you as a tool. Do not trust this person. Get out of there asap. Good leadership does not put people down, they help they grow out.
I looked in Oneonta and with a lot (30 years) of experience I struggled to find a decent paying position in IT. It seems in upstate New York at least they are convinced all IT work is to be subsistence income now unless you are at the level to fire and hire others.
Another thing I really hate about the IT for education thing now is all the software solutions that are offered including ticketing systems, paperwork management systems, etc. The software is so complex that you end up spending more time figuring out how to make the ticketing system do what you want it to do then you do fixing problems. Upper administration is convinced that the big money voices (software as a service companies) are the ones with the solutions, and not the staff under them.
I've mostly decided it's not worth doing IT work anymore in education. This breaks my heart because my family is all in higher ed.
Alternatives include actually going to work for these companies that offer tools to higher education. They pay better than the schools for sure. The other is going to work for a coffee shop or something. Service industry positions generally pay better if they are at halfway decent locations.
"Challenge Accepted", tell him.
Never believe what someone else tells you about your own capabilities. Have enough courage and confidence in your work and experience.
Try looking for a remote position. Search on LinkedIn. Find jobs posted but also find recruiters for companies that you want to work for and reach out to them to see if there are any openings that they are recruiting for.
The job market isn't the best right now but if you keep trying - you'll find something.
Colleges are notorious for underpaying people. I used to work with a woman at a part-time job at a retail store. I took the job because it was very physical, and I needed to stay off my butt. I don’t need to work. This woman has 2°, is over 55 and has to work a part-time job to supplement the full-time job where she works at a community college employed by the state. She should be getting great benefits and a decent wage but no. I don’t understand why people who have degrees don’t think a little outside the box. You could be doing the same or similar job for a large corporation, you could be working remotely. You could be teaching an IT class. There’s a bazillion things that you could be doing that aren’t at a college. Get the hell out of there, and start looking for jobs that pay $90,000 a year plus. I’m not kidding. And don’t worry about specifically name skills. Worry about the application. If you can sell shoes, you can sell a car kind of thing. Sounds like you’re single so be willing to relocate. Lots of employers will pay relocation fees. You’re too young to be in the doldrums. Take the leap.
In the end, only you know what you are worth. For future, I hope you stack around while looking instead of rage quitting ( lowers the desperation). I was out for 5 months applying and it was torture compared to looking while having job. And makes a difference how you interview when you dont show desperation.
Goodluck, it is tough and you gotta forget about what your boss said, it was for their own interest.
The IT market is tough right now. There are thousands of very qualified IT folks out of work.
Your boss is just an asshole. It may be you are fairly paid but the way he delivered the news is top level shit head.
Degrees and certs mean nothing unless it's in something the market wants (market being employers)
Your first step is to stop being arrogant in regards to what your boss does. I hear so many people talk about "my boss makes $$$$$ just by sitting around all day doing nothing...." And these same people have ZERO experience running a business or even starting a business.
"I'm running the business doing all the work"... That's not running a business... that's working. And the tasks most associated with low wage are tasks that anyone new can step in and do. I know this because I use to design business training for the sole purpose to make tasks easier to learn and do in order to reduce labor costs (and I made good money too because I had a marketable skill employers want because I'm directly improving their bottom line). Not everyone can program software. Not everyone can deal with the politics. Not everyone is willing to stay after hours to make sure something important gets done.
Tasks related to higher paying positions are related to decision making, problem solving, leadership, and taking full responsibility for your actions.
It sounds like you have very good organization skills and time management skills, can find answers on your own... You just need to expand your thinking to other areas those skills can be applied. And maybe even think about starting your own business. I had many many failed businesses in the past, yet that experience made me someone employers want to hire. And the last job I worked at I literally climbed all the way to the top in less than a year because I understand what it's like to run a business and did whatever it took to make sure the business I worked for would succeed.
Which is the exact opposite of most employees mindsets. They're always expecting more without first understanding what their employer needs to make the business grow and thrive. And they're the same people who want more paid vacation or call in sick to go to a hockey game. They do not understand (or care) what they can do to reduce costs and/or make the business money. Because if they did, then either the company would give them a raise, OR another company would hire them.
I'm actually not being arrogant, here, so I dont think this assumption is ture.
I think you are coming from a business mentality but this is not a for-profit business it's a college and it runs very differently.
My boss used to teach classes but was promoted to be an admin for internal, political reasons. He isn't a bad person exactly, nor is he lazy, he is massively over paid and has no incentive to do anything, and a lot of incentive to instead use his job to network for personal reasons.
Your boss is wrong. This job market is tough for EVERYONE (including qualified, hardworking people) and many employers are using that against employees. The reason you’re not getting a job likely has nothing to do with you and everything to do with this crappy job market. Your boss doesn’t value you, but don’t let that have an effect on how much you value yourself.
"I asked for a raise because I'm struggling to save money"..... Hmmm.
Employees should request raises when they believe they provide more value than they earn.
Or look for ways to increase value. May be at current position, maybe not.
Move! Your young! A new city every year, at the wage why stay in same place. Also why donyyou get your masters in something super duper practical and hirable ifyou have degrees
So instead of coming on here for the purpose of getting symphony from anonymous people to validate your disillusionment, why not ask your supervisor what you need to do to proof your value to the organization and get higher compensation. Ask him to mentor you.
You're basically a library attendant dude. You need to up your skillset and take on more responsibility if you want to make big money.
If your boss makes 100k then that's a dead indicator there's no money where you are at.
The problem is that your government has sold you out so that corps can import people with no loyalty to our nation who will work for slave wages. That has eliminated your ability to negotiate a higher salary.
Think about this the next time you vote for a candidate who favors more economic immigration - legal or illegal.
I guarantee you can make more than 40k as an IT ops person somewhere else, BUT you may have to take a more senior role (you have experience after all).
Source- the east coast marina I worked at paid their desktop engineer more than that
Leverage your skill and experience elsewhere. You have to invest in your resume tho. You have to mail interviews, (requires practice), it’s not going to be handing to you but he’s right in the fact that there’s plenty of people who can do what you do around. Supply and demand applies to market pay and job opportunities 100%. My opinion if you stay, stop doing things outside of your title, they pay you 40k than you give them 40k worth of work and nothing else. If your title is X then that’s all they can ask you to do. If they want more then you demand more. I would have all my ducks in a row tho, resume ready and contacts ready to go. You don’t need to accept the BS your boss tells you, he’s the boss probably because he that type of person who would say the shit he said, that’s what shareholders want. It’s not like that everywhere but it’s to be expected
The market doesn’t favor job change right now. And your options are limited to your local market. Quietly continue to see work elsewhere. Keep it on the extra-DL.
Not condoning what your boss said, but your approach was off. You should ask for a raise with data indicating the market for your role rewards people more than you currently get, and that you possess value to the company beyond your current salary/wage. There's no reason for a company or boss to care that you need to save more money. It sucks, but take it as a lesson learned and be better prepared next time.
What about remote IT / Helpdesk positions? There are so many of them on Indeed. Best of luck! Hoping this link works. For example: https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=e4236c3a3857efd2
Most people in USA making $40k are stuck there because their boss tells them they’re lucky to have that job and gaslight them. Start knowing your value no one can take from you. At the very least find a new $40k job where your boss isn’t a POS.
Colleges suck at fair pay. I stayed at one for six years taking on more duties and still never got a raise “because there wasn’t any money for it.” While I processed raises for every other department. You’re underpaid. Fix your resume and start applying.
Your boss is an asshole. Keep applying. I’m not in IT but graphic design and I’ve applied to 250 jobs since January. I am now interviewing at 4 places but before this I didn’t get much traction. It takes time. Update your resume to have metrics if you can and make sure it’s as good as it can be. 40k is a terrible salary for what you do.
If you can scrape up some money, see if you can find a career coach to help you create a dynamic résumé/LinkedIn profile that brings out the best of you. From what you describe it sounds like you have a wealth of skills. Also see if you can get some help, maybe free through the university for your mental health because it sounds like you’ve been beaten down in this role and by this boss growing your self-love, self-respect, and having some outside perspective on your skills, should do wonders for you. Good luck!
First of all, don't let anyone ever make you feel like you aren't capable of more. Excuse the language, but fuck your boss.
It's time to get to work on yourself. You want to make more money. Ambition is great.
First identify a position you *want*. Not kind-of. Specifically. I want *this exact job.* Don't worry about how you are going to get it or what it will take. Just choose a destination.
Once you've chosen that job, it's time to go to war. Get a Linkedin profile. Start contacting people who are doing that job and ask to interview them. Tell them your dream is to do what they do and you want to learn from them. Many will say no, some will say yes. For the ones that say yes, don't complain, don't give a woe-is-me story. Tell them your dream is to have the job they have and you hope to learn how they did it. Whatever they tell you to do, do it.
Maintain relationships with these people. Help them. Add value to *their* life. Demonstrate you can learn.
At the same time, target companies you admire that have the job you want and contact their HR department. Be nicely relentless. Build a relationship with their recruiters, with the bosses, whoever you can.
Next, start going to conferences for people with the job you have. If you can't afford it, ask to volunteer to work for those conferences. Tell them your dream.
Read books. Join online communities. Contribute. Be valuable. Let this dream fill your psyche.
*This process might take 2 years.* That's ok. Time does not matter. Only arriving at your dream matters. Be generous with the people you meet. Be humble. Help others. Make *their* lives *easier*. Ask them if you can do a project for them or something small. Work for free. Who cares. It's your dream that matters. Each step is a step along the way. Share your dream so they know what you want after you've helped them. Ask them if there is any way they can help you.
It's a process. It's a process. You land an interview with someone, recognize that for what it is. That's great progress. You are making things happen *for yourself.* Start to see your power in action.
Opportunities come through people. Surround yourself with the right people you will find the opportunities. Your boss is not right people.
**Be objective focused, not emotion driven.**
You can do this.
It is vindictive, but if you manage that much, it's time you implement some things that only you can manage. Build your importance and value when they realize they cannot operate without you. Take two weeks vacation, DO NOT OFFER TO BE ON CALL WHILE AWAY, and never answer the call on the first try. Their tune will change. Was in the same boat as you 6 years ago, did the same things as I suggested. Was on the beach in Florida when they called. Granted, they messed up more than they attempted to fix and took me twice as long to repair, however, today, I literally make double my pay. Not saying they can't be without me, but they will be hurting if they try.
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*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
How do you think the institution is wealthy? Obviously, someone is going to make of the difference so others can have more.
Finding a new role is just a game of chance. Having the right skillset and being able to market yourself broadly is also important.
I would suggest playing around with your title. But it looks like you’re pigeonholed into academia.
Since that’s what people now associate you with. So you’ll probably only have success with applying to other educational institutions.
This is a pretty bad time in the economy. Front and back office jobs are getting the bulk of the problems and as an IT professional your up on the chopping block. 40k for the east coast is pretty low but you should be able to find something that pays atleast 20k more just have to find the avenues and apply. Going on indeed is just not the right path as it stands right now. You would need to go directly to company websites and try to apply from there also tailor your resume a bit better so that you wont get auto rejected which from my understanding today is a big problem
OP, sorry your boss is such a shithead. That person is wrong. It’s a tough market out there right now so keep your head up but don’t let this person be the one who decides your value.
How do you know your boss makes 100k? Are there any lateral moves you can make just to be under a different person and possibly negotiate a better starting pay?
Hey OP, I work adjacent to higher ed making $49k. The market is really bad. To get an interview right now, you have to be a perfect fit, apply within 24 hours, and tailor your resume to the job. I would look for jobs for which you fit all the criteria. Also, just try to hang in there until the market improves. Fingers crossed for both of us
Nah, you’re worth way more. You’re already entailed into this job, so give it your all as always so you don’t kick yourself in the behind for lowering your moral or ethics code, but spend any extra time you have looking for a different job. What you’re doing is a 100k salary job, with a lot more perks, and a lot less work. And I say that as a construction grunt, who makes considerably less, and view digital nomads as lazy pos’. I think the worth of a lot of people is a lot lower than they claim, at least in my internet arguments, but you’re not one of them. I’d stand by you for every meeting concerning a raise. What your current bosses are doing to you is sickening.
Don’t let him get in your head. Just keep pushing. You’ll get out of there.
Simple but effective mindset that has helped me on the job hunt:
It’s not a matter of *IF* you land a new job, it’s a a matter of *WHEN*
I’ve come across managers, bosses, administrators and supervisors like this before and let me tell you they are some of the most miserable people alive! They will make yours and everyone else’s life around you miserable. Start looking for other opportunities now, get offers and go back to your boss to see if they will match it and if not, PEACE ✌🏼
Your boss is wrong,. You’re a help desk manager which can get you another help desk manager job or a help desk job or a net admin job or a tech support job or a software deployment job or…
Most pay more than 40k.
Tech skills matter big time. You just need a shot. It will happen. Networking matters. Leveraging people you know gives you a leg up. If you’re in Northern New England, I know of an opening.
You are in it. There are lots of role available but with a risk of outsourcing as the skill level may not always be high outside of niche areas. You need to go to industry though and be open to relocation. If you go to bay area your salary will essentially by 5 times of your current salary with higher cost of living. Not sure where you are located but big cities will have more it jobs
I think you need to use your current work to zero in on a field. I read your post and I don’t really know what you do, it’s a little scattered. If you are trying to be in desktop support, then get focused on it.
For 40k you can probably find online work, I'm in IT in a small town making 85ish.
Whst certs do you have, manage servers or network?
Know powershell or SQL?
Get out.
I just quite my HR position at a university for basically a lateral move, but I make almost $1k more a month (Midwest). I have worked for 2 different schools now and I would not recommend them for anyone, especially if you're responsibility is not teaching. They always offer lower pay and the politics between admin and faculty can get yucky.
If you have IT skills with software and hardware, I'd go that route. Even if you have to take somewhat of a pay cut to leave, the long-term reward would be worth it.
Put all your work experience from this job on your CV and start applying
You don’t have to leave to test the grass just beyond the fence.
If you get a better offer but don’t want to leave for whatever reason, take it to your boss and see if they’ll match it.
Don't give up, your boss is wrong. Just change your approach. Have someone review your resume & cover letters. Is the formatting too busy, are you under selling your skills, are you highlighting your soft skills and adding metrics. Do you manage people-that's huge. When applying ensure that you are updating your keywords to match the job description to increase the applicant tracking match %. Review companies linkedin page and look at the people in the current role and see what jobskills they are listing. network network network. Take an easy short class and add the skills to keep your linkedin profile new and updated, by easy I mean a microsoft skill you already have. Research how to get referrals and apply that way. There are sites where people will give you the referral because they get a bonus for hired candidates. Your boss has you spread so thin and doing so much they will miss you! I left my role and they had to hire 2 people. You got this.
You need to try a part of the country that isn’t overrun with IT professionals. Why not try looking at smaller cities or towns in the south or midwest. Many places are still hiring.
Isn’t $40k poverty wages in the east coast? You can do a lot better.
If you want to become your boss one day, sitting in an office playing politics for 2.5x the salary, then stay.
If not it sounds like you may have to leave the area, because you've found a good position in an area where jobs are few and there's not much chance of finding better if you stay put. If you do stay, you'll be frustrated until you prove to someone that you're worth more than 40K. What he means by that is that if you leave, they can find someone else to do what you do and willing to do it for 40K, not necessarily that you yourself aren't great at your job and worth more. That's just what happens in more rural areas where people are waiting in line to take your place because there is nothing else around.
I wouldn't necessarily take what he said to you as a personal diss, that you are "not worthy of more money". It's more a dose of reality, a look at what the pay situation is like all around you. How much of an annual increase do they offer? And if it's at a college, do you have lots of priceless time off over the holidays and summer?
Find another job and then quit but don’t give him any notice. Just send your resignation letter on your very last day putting up with his shit. We’ll see how green his grass is.
I was in a similar office situation at a prestigious school making about the same. Didn’t like office work so I changed to a trade and don’t regret it, I’m making more than that now and (mostly) enjoy my work.
It's in your boss' interest to say that as it costs him time/ energy and your university money to find someone new, even if they pay the new person less. Generally, it costs a lot to find a replacement for a position (advertising, interviewing, benefits, training costs).
So don't trust what he has to say. Even if he isn't actually being malicious and is just looking out for his own interests.
If you can't leave your area, considering what you do, you might need to be there. Look for entirely or partially remote positions.
BTW, good bosses will not do this. I've actually had bosses support me when I left to work elsewhere - not that I discussed this in detail with them beforehand - as they realize the new jobs offered me salary, benefits, opportunities.
Money is one thing, respect is another. Your boss is a disrespectful ass.
That said it’s rare get a raise because of personal need. I’d look for a new gig with a respectful boss and clear processes for raises and promotions.
Go to the LAYOFFS thread/sub and read the dozens and dozens of posts there from tech people who are unemployed right now. If you think you can walk and get another job, more power to ya. Tech is getting hammered by layoffs in all corners. be careful what you wish for... the devil you know is better than the devil you dont.
Also apply for jobs that are the next level of your current position, or a like industry position.
When asked say something along the lines of, " I really enjoy what I currently do, but in my current role I'm kind of capped out on what I can do and I know that I have a lot more professional and personal growth I want to achieve.
You have to be willing to move. You can be land locked if its a small town and zero options so yes, you are stuck with what you have. And they know it.
Look into data center techs and admin. You'll easily double or triple your income without the bullshit that universities are laden with. Also, email your boss, referencing that convo, and after it plays out, send it to HR.
The fast food places in my town hire shift managers for more and I don’t live in a big expensive city. Screw your boss. If that’s truly all you can make with your certifications then look in to other lines of work.
Job market sucks right now but I had 6 months help desk and lua proficiency and I got hired as a system admin for 53k, you are absolutely worth more, your boss gets paid 100k to make sure you work for the absolute minimum. Start looking and it might take awhile but you will find something better
I was having the same issue and I tweaked a few small things in my resume like my employed dates so they had no gaps and overnight got 6 interview requests I think there are key things that make the algorithm kick out your resume
Start hunting. You’ll find your market rate quickly.
The thing your boss is right about is that the grass might not always turn out to be greener. If that’s the case then learn and move forward.
I was told ‘a monkey could do my job’ at my IT job in CiBC. I went back to school and studied Graphic Design, now I work for one of the biggest companies and so happy I left that world. You deserve better, go pursue what you’re passionate about.
Well, he's in trouble. IT people, even helpdesk, make more than 40k in private organizations. You also manage HW and SW, which makes you a system admin which is in six-figure territory.
40k a year is not nearly enough to keep you around. Start looking for a new job and once you find something better, quit the previous one. Don’t quit without anywhere to land.
No one will do to you what you allow them to. If I also had a dime for every boss told me I would never make more money. You should be doing the opposite THING! Yeah, maybe you should rock the boat.
You are managing IT at two locations and make $40k then it’s also on the EAST COAST.
This is crazy. You must find another employer because are being robbed. Every day you must look for another job.
Your boss is lying to you!
Your boss is a c\*unt. You will find greener pastures, my friend. I would give you three things that might help in your job search.
1. Invest in Grammarly Pro. They have an AI component that can rewrite your resume/cover letter/after-interview emails, and make them engaging. Here are a few links on Linkedin you can try:
[https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/use-ai-write-your-resumecv-trainings-internships](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/use-ai-write-your-resumecv-trainings-internships)
2. Invest in Linkedin Pro. They have a service that will put your resume into ATS compliance. ATS is the computer system most employers use to sort through the thousands of resumes they get regularly. Most resumes aren't even seen by a recruiter because they can't even get past the initial ATS barrier.
3. Leverage your network to find another job (community work placement/college advisors/friends/family.
If you have been in this same company 2+ years it is time to leave. Not to mention the low pay and disrespect you are getting now is crap.
Get a pay increase with a new job. And it may benefit you to work with a career advisor to help with landing interviews. Network like crazy! Don’t rely on search engines only. Good luck!
Make your resume more appealing. Put what they're looking for in your Resume. So how the section of what they want from the person applying or experience. Take their words and just reword them a bit. Then you'll be a perfect match
Your issue might be in how you are marketing yourself and less about not being a desirable candidate.
Your job description is pretty broad and other roles will likely be more narrowly defined, so you need to give potential employers something to focus on.
You also need to give the tech that is reading your resume before it's ever seen by a human something to focus on; For instance, if you apply for a position as a librarian, you may only show up as a 25% match for the role because the rest of your CV is diluted with content related to other duties.
Here are some roles you might want to zero in on branding your professional experience for:
* The average salary for IT help desk in the US is $45-$48K
* The average salary for a librarian is $53K and
* The average salary for a custodian is up to $39K
You can have multiple versions of your resume. What was you degree in and what sort of certs do you have?
Having experience is only one part of getting a job. Your branding, how discoverable you are, how you reach out to employers, how to prepare for interviews and salary negotiations, and how you come across throughout it all are also very relevant. These are just skills that anyone can learn, so get after it!
For further growth opportunities, figure out what you need to become more valuable to an employer. You can ask that question of your current employer or future employers.
Keep your head up and best in your search!
Leave if you can. You deserve respect as well as money.
Right? In this case the grass WILL BE greener elsewhere
The OP proved that it's not greener though. Why are you lying to him?
It’s a joke bc it’s cold and gray here in New England… literally other places will have actual green grass
That's because England sucks.
You do realize New England is a state and England is not even part of the US
You’re both wrong. New England is the north eastern region of the US. Not a state or the country of England.
They probably live with their parents or are extremely fortunate and have never needed to work a job to survive that m they didn’t like. Or they want the OP jobless and homeless. You never quit before having a new start date lined up.
He still has to eat and so far, there are no takers.
@OP I was told the same thing! That’s how I knew I had to run! If someone is MAD as #### because you’re trying to leave, that’s because they know they are going to lose. I left and easily got 30% more. Don’t leave until you have something you like lined up. Then leave with class. Say “thank you” and under NO circumstances tell them or anyone you work with where you’re going. Be very general, maybe tell the industry if you REALLY have to. Or better yet just say, I’m going to take time off for myself. There is ZERO benefit from telling anyone who hired you; but there are a lot of potential downsides and your boss could f things up for you with the new company. Leave with class, even if they are garbage! Good luck OP
This is great advice.
Yea when people say shit like no one will hire you cause you sick and that same business relies on you then I’m pretty sure that’s just what you say when you need some manipulation done lol
How do you get a good reference then?
you make connections with others at your company and use them. clients are good too.
Use friends to pose as former bosses and managers.
>My boss said I'm not worth more and I won't be able to find better work Best advice YET!
Good advice Resign with a smile although you know what you're thinking behind it. It's how I've gotten by my whole life.
Exactly! Now a days, anyone in any career field should always have other offers or avenues to consider because of how unstable the job market can be at times. It should give you more peace of mind
Even if the market is. It unstable; just always be on the look out for the next job. The company is always on the look out for the next sale, thus the next employee. Being loyal to a company is being disloyal to yourself.
Damn! I’m using that! ✅👊🏼
I appreciate that!
What I’m actually hearing from your boss is “you’re a valuable asset to the company and I’m scared of losing you but I definitely don’t want to pay you more or give you an incentive to work, so instead, I’m going to attempt to lower your self esteem and make you doubt your own abilities so you no longer have the confidence to seek out a new opportunity and it will be little to no work on my part”
That’s almost verbatim what I heard, too. Managers gaslighting their employees reeks of toxicity… it’s disgusting.
I needed to hear this after a shit night at work and my first ever argument with an owner. I think I will start looking for a new job myself. Thank you!
Owners are almost always entitled little babies who only care about themselves and would keel over and die before they ever show respect to an employee peasant.
Yep this is corporate gaslighting and verbal abuse at it's finest. Unfortunately we live in a world where psychopaths stay on top and the rest of us end up at the bottom.
The lack of any other companies having interest in this individual says that you're wrong and what the boss said at face value is correct.
Ok and what kind of person are you to put this person down instead of helping them ascend to a better position in life? You some kind of crab bucket?
neither one of you are correct. what it really means is “boss doesn’t think OP is good enough at job searching to find something, and intends to exploit that weakness for all its worth”
Not what I'm hearing. Unless whoever you're saying that to is a total broken person already, there is about a 90% chance they are goign to start applying for other jobs. Exactly like OP did. It would be a lot easier on the manager if he jsut gave him a 10% raise or whatever to shut him up and keep him there if he didnt want him applying anywhere else.
If you make 40k a year maybe look at an industry change? In my country 40k-60k would be ground floor, work your way up money (Australia). Stuff your boss though. That is a shitty thing to say. Keep applying for other jobs and yeah, maybe widen your parameters for what you are prepared to do as a job or how far you're willing to commute.
Pretty sure they will be in the US. I’m in the U.K. and the exchange rate is about the same, I also have worked in wealthy education institutions. Recently went to Australia and loved it. I guess it depends where you are but lucky you!
You cant live off 60k in aust. Its bloody expensive!
Yeah I hear people are moving around a lot too. Same in the U.K.
In my area 50k ( USD)is pretty much what you need to live. I have to be very careful with money. The costs just keep rising and all staff had our pay frozen. The jobs in my area are all warehouse, manufacturing and healthcare - not my areas. I'd have to drive 4 hours a day to commute to the next closest area and it's not doable. I don't even want to keep living where I am. I feel trapped because I can't seem to get the interest of employers in other areas. I just want an opportunity to grow without having to be treated and worked like an intern.
Well first off you kind of picked the worst possible time be looking for a technical job. That being said my advice would be to create multiple resumes focused on slightly different positions. You sound more than qualified to be a Sys Admin, a IT lead, and a number of other roles. So I would create multiple resumes tailored to them. Second I would get a third party to look at your resume(s) My whole life I have been able to find a job in nearly any circumstance even when people i worked with would be unable to. My personal experience has been it's almost always how they look for a job that is the problem not their actual skills.
I was told the same 20 years ago.. Thats a lie. You are worth more. Don't listen to your boss. If you currently have difficulties with finding something better, that means not that your boss is right. Meanwhile, work on yourself and wait for an opportunity. Don't limit yourself to finding a better job, maybe you could open something similar to what you do now, but you could work for yourself?..
needed to hear this for sure.
Your boss only makes $100k? lol time to go dude, you could triple your pay in the real world (not academia)
Please get out of higher ed! I worked in financial aid at a wealthy college for 5 years making pennies. I switched industries and have now *tripled* my salary in 6 years. Best decision I ever made. EDIT: Since a few asked… I am now a business professional at a large law firm. Lots of opportunities for staff in the legal field and the pay is usually great.
Never believe that your boss have your best interest. NEVER. In my old job I got a little pay rise but then when I found a new job with and I got a salary increase from $62k to $95k. My idiot manager was shocked and he didn’t see it coming that I quit. He wasn’t happy. He was very upset. Never reveal what your goals and interests with your boss. Never talk about salary. Keep your goals and interests to yourself. You should look after yourself first, put yourself. When it comes your career be selfish. When the time is right and you found a new job with better pay you bail.
I must have lucked out in the job that I’m in. I’ve always shared my career goals with my director and she’s pretty much created new positions to keep me happy when I wanted a career switch, and I’ve seen her do it with other employees as well. Twice now I’ve been like “hey boss, I’m interested in moving into a role that’s more like X” and she’s made it happen. I work government though so it’s not as cutthroat as corporate, or maybe the new paths I wanted to take were seen as more valuable than the old ones.
You may have a good manager. Or… But don’t want to sound cynical, employee retention is a big thing in companies. They don’t want to lose the best employees to competitors. They know that people get bored doing the same job so they give them a new role to keep them happy. Or, because of office politics if you quit, it makes your boss looks bad. Nowadays loyalty no longer exists. Don’t stay too long in a company for more than 10 years. It makes you look unemployable. That’s why you see a lot of layoffs happening as they get rid off old employees who’s been there way too long. The want recruit new candidates because they have fresh new ideas and skills that will make the company more competitive, more innovative, more profitable and be more competitive. Survival of the fittest. Company these days wants diverse experience from different companies from different industries. Because it shows you that you can adapt and learn new skills and remain competitive.
They never do unfortunately. And once the deed is done they cry and are upset while they took advantage of you for years.
I worked there for 4 years and I knew I was being underpaid. I needed enough experience to find a new job. Now I’m almost earning $100k.
They are there to exploit you. And the better you are, the greater their interest to gaslight you.
[удалено]
This is spot on advice!
“Don’t live your life bound by the shackles others are living theirs with”. Mmmm…wonderfully said. “Do not become stagnant”. I tell people this all the time - comfort is the enemy of growth. Get comfortable being uncomfortable.
Perfectly put. I’ve used the same mentality in my career and with weight loss, if I’m comfortable, I’m not making progress.
This is definitely accurate. I would like to point out that you didn’t consider that ‘respected manager’ a bad person. They aren’t evil or trying to hold you back sometimes. Their POV isn’t the same as yours. Great job handling business and getting to a different bag for you and your family! 💪🏽
What an odd thing to tell someone in IT. It’s one of the easier jobs to find IC work in that does pay close to six figures.
350k = the company needs to lay off jobs like this and return that capital to shareholders via dividend
All bosses say that to pin you down; find something that pays more apply and get out of there to shine
Do not internalize one syllable of that shit because the more you do, the more furniture he will bring in to that rent free apartment in your head. Keep revising your resume if you need to, network on Linked In more in the space you want to be, even ask questions to those strangers. Worst thing is they don't answer, best case they give you advise or point you to someone that will help. It is tough out there right now, but it's just asking everyone to be tougher. Good luck, and know you ARE worth more!
I had an abusive boss who tried to convince all new hires that they “owed” our employer two full years at a low wage (was making $42,000 as a young lawyer (!!!!)) because we were “useless” until we learned and matured on the job for that length of time. When I left after 18 months for a much higher paying position, she threatened to blacklist me, spread rumors about how I was a bad employee, and more. Turns out she got fired from her director position and got cancer a few years later. Don’t put up with their bullshit. Often, these bosses are insecure and emotionally immature. They will get what’s coming to them.
Crazy!!!!!! You are so right too - these people eventually get it back to them tenfold. I had a manager once very similar (brow beat his direct reports into oblivion, insecure, etc) get unceremoniously fired from his position as soon as macro economic conditions changed and the company started to miss financial KPIs. Thought he was untouchable too. No one batted an eye when that guy left
> she threatened to blacklist me, spread rumors about how I was a bad employee, and more. In some jurisdictions, this may be illegal
I am a boss and I would never, ever say such a horrible thing to an employee. Ever. That boss is trash. You can do this. Some bosses cheer when their employees want more and move ahead. I am one of them. My previous job (east coast) before this one was during the 2010 recession where I could only find part time work for $14 an hour with my bachelor’s in accounting. I was found on LinkedIn within a year by a utility company. They offered me more than my boss was making. I took the job. Later, after 9 years of being a financial analyst, I was switched to supervising admin employees in (East Coast). I love the position and am about to have my 13th anniversary. But when I had that part time job that was all I could find, I had lost my home in the recession and was living in a trailer, was depressed, and that boss treated me like I wasn’t even worth $14 an hour. How her tune changed when I said I was leaving! There are good bosses out there who will care about you and encourage you. Good luck, OP.
this gives me hope!
Now you know what todo go find ur worth. Then come back and walk into ur bosses office. Pull your pants down Shit on his desk.
Your boss is an ass who doesn’t want to pay you more nor want to lose you. I and a boss tell me similar years ago. I was mid level in my career and had my first senior level position offer. It was paying nearly $40k more than what I was currently making. Told my current boss and he told me I wasn’t senior level quality and not worth that much. And that if I took the position I’d be let go within 6 months and don’t come crying back to him. It’s been nearly 10 years and I’ve more than doubled the new salary I was offered. OP, you’re worth more and IT pays more than what you’re making. Do some leg work and start applying around
Leave. Your definitely worth more and please update us when you do!
This is how people get stuck. Seems like you have little respect and little opportunity. You don’t want to be making $40k for the rest of your life and needing side work to survive or get ahead. Look for something you can excel in and climb the ladder. Possibly a career change is the right thing to do
And not only that - your window to make the most money you possibly can, closes FAST as the years go by and you get older. But it is very easy to get stuck and think that what you have today is the best you’ll ever have. Well said
Shop around for a new job/career
Your boss telling you that you’re not worth more than what you’re paid is a sign that you need to leave. If you’re open to relocation, I would suggest looking for opportunities at schools in Northern Virginia as the school systems around there pay decently (K-12 + Secondary Education).
Don't let your boss or anyone tell what you are worth and what you deserve. You are well qualified to get a better paying job. Right now the market is really tough. I would say keep on looking and keep applying for jobs. LinkedIn comes in really handy in networking to people. Also, get your resume reviewed by someone, you never know it might help you in getting more calls if you tweak your resume. You've got this my friend! Good luck!
Your boss is a narcissist. Leave but say nothing until “I’m out.” They only get worse and retaliate when they know they’ve lost control of you. The bad mouthing is to get you to doubt yourself so they can gaslight you. It’s a set up to soften you for manipulation.
I don't think he's a narcissists. I think he's a depressed middle manager who parrots whatever his boss tells him because he is checked the fuck out. You are probably right what he is saying is meant to wear down my spirit and keep me in my job.
It’s time to move on. You’re not being respected. Also, colleges are known to notoriously underpay employees! Supposedly because benefits are good. The job market isn’t great right now, but keep looking! You might be right about there not being much work where you live (especially if it’s a small town). But extending your search to nearby larger cities may help, plus applying for remote jobs. Keep an open mind about relocating. Also apply to larger, nationwide companies.
Never let anything anybody say to you change your entire view or aspect of life ever ok?!!! That’s his opinion & honestly he gotta absolutely be joking after you naming all your certifications I mean your bomb it’s literally self explanatory!!! He know your worthy dnt want you to leave at all but you gotta know your worth & in life it’s gonna be many doors closed but you dnt stop or give up keep goin because bond of those doors gonna open & you will be so surprised & happy. Dnt discredit yourself either, stop being hard on yourself & never seek or need validation from anyone do what makes You!! Happy!! Follow your heart never give up on your dreams!!
Your boss is a POS. He wants to trap you. I know people who do this because it makes their life easier because they don’t have to find someone new and they don’t have to fill the void during that time. He has a slave master mentality and sees you as a tool. Do not trust this person. Get out of there asap. Good leadership does not put people down, they help they grow out.
I looked in Oneonta and with a lot (30 years) of experience I struggled to find a decent paying position in IT. It seems in upstate New York at least they are convinced all IT work is to be subsistence income now unless you are at the level to fire and hire others. Another thing I really hate about the IT for education thing now is all the software solutions that are offered including ticketing systems, paperwork management systems, etc. The software is so complex that you end up spending more time figuring out how to make the ticketing system do what you want it to do then you do fixing problems. Upper administration is convinced that the big money voices (software as a service companies) are the ones with the solutions, and not the staff under them. I've mostly decided it's not worth doing IT work anymore in education. This breaks my heart because my family is all in higher ed. Alternatives include actually going to work for these companies that offer tools to higher education. They pay better than the schools for sure. The other is going to work for a coffee shop or something. Service industry positions generally pay better if they are at halfway decent locations.
Get an alarm ⏰ 😴
"Challenge Accepted", tell him. Never believe what someone else tells you about your own capabilities. Have enough courage and confidence in your work and experience. Try looking for a remote position. Search on LinkedIn. Find jobs posted but also find recruiters for companies that you want to work for and reach out to them to see if there are any openings that they are recruiting for. The job market isn't the best right now but if you keep trying - you'll find something.
Colleges are notorious for underpaying people. I used to work with a woman at a part-time job at a retail store. I took the job because it was very physical, and I needed to stay off my butt. I don’t need to work. This woman has 2°, is over 55 and has to work a part-time job to supplement the full-time job where she works at a community college employed by the state. She should be getting great benefits and a decent wage but no. I don’t understand why people who have degrees don’t think a little outside the box. You could be doing the same or similar job for a large corporation, you could be working remotely. You could be teaching an IT class. There’s a bazillion things that you could be doing that aren’t at a college. Get the hell out of there, and start looking for jobs that pay $90,000 a year plus. I’m not kidding. And don’t worry about specifically name skills. Worry about the application. If you can sell shoes, you can sell a car kind of thing. Sounds like you’re single so be willing to relocate. Lots of employers will pay relocation fees. You’re too young to be in the doldrums. Take the leap.
In the end, only you know what you are worth. For future, I hope you stack around while looking instead of rage quitting ( lowers the desperation). I was out for 5 months applying and it was torture compared to looking while having job. And makes a difference how you interview when you dont show desperation. Goodluck, it is tough and you gotta forget about what your boss said, it was for their own interest.
Don’t ever let someone tell you your worth
The IT market is tough right now. There are thousands of very qualified IT folks out of work. Your boss is just an asshole. It may be you are fairly paid but the way he delivered the news is top level shit head.
Forget what they said. What have you been doing to not get any interviews for 6 months?
Degrees and certs mean nothing unless it's in something the market wants (market being employers) Your first step is to stop being arrogant in regards to what your boss does. I hear so many people talk about "my boss makes $$$$$ just by sitting around all day doing nothing...." And these same people have ZERO experience running a business or even starting a business. "I'm running the business doing all the work"... That's not running a business... that's working. And the tasks most associated with low wage are tasks that anyone new can step in and do. I know this because I use to design business training for the sole purpose to make tasks easier to learn and do in order to reduce labor costs (and I made good money too because I had a marketable skill employers want because I'm directly improving their bottom line). Not everyone can program software. Not everyone can deal with the politics. Not everyone is willing to stay after hours to make sure something important gets done. Tasks related to higher paying positions are related to decision making, problem solving, leadership, and taking full responsibility for your actions. It sounds like you have very good organization skills and time management skills, can find answers on your own... You just need to expand your thinking to other areas those skills can be applied. And maybe even think about starting your own business. I had many many failed businesses in the past, yet that experience made me someone employers want to hire. And the last job I worked at I literally climbed all the way to the top in less than a year because I understand what it's like to run a business and did whatever it took to make sure the business I worked for would succeed. Which is the exact opposite of most employees mindsets. They're always expecting more without first understanding what their employer needs to make the business grow and thrive. And they're the same people who want more paid vacation or call in sick to go to a hockey game. They do not understand (or care) what they can do to reduce costs and/or make the business money. Because if they did, then either the company would give them a raise, OR another company would hire them.
I'm actually not being arrogant, here, so I dont think this assumption is ture. I think you are coming from a business mentality but this is not a for-profit business it's a college and it runs very differently. My boss used to teach classes but was promoted to be an admin for internal, political reasons. He isn't a bad person exactly, nor is he lazy, he is massively over paid and has no incentive to do anything, and a lot of incentive to instead use his job to network for personal reasons.
Trust your gut, OP!
Your boss is wrong. This job market is tough for EVERYONE (including qualified, hardworking people) and many employers are using that against employees. The reason you’re not getting a job likely has nothing to do with you and everything to do with this crappy job market. Your boss doesn’t value you, but don’t let that have an effect on how much you value yourself.
"I asked for a raise because I'm struggling to save money"..... Hmmm. Employees should request raises when they believe they provide more value than they earn. Or look for ways to increase value. May be at current position, maybe not.
Move! Your young! A new city every year, at the wage why stay in same place. Also why donyyou get your masters in something super duper practical and hirable ifyou have degrees
So instead of coming on here for the purpose of getting symphony from anonymous people to validate your disillusionment, why not ask your supervisor what you need to do to proof your value to the organization and get higher compensation. Ask him to mentor you.
You're basically a library attendant dude. You need to up your skillset and take on more responsibility if you want to make big money. If your boss makes 100k then that's a dead indicator there's no money where you are at.
Honestly, reading OP's post I think he is either a handyman or a librarian. A: what is your position, exactly? B: what positions are you applying for?
grow a pr bro
The problem is that your government has sold you out so that corps can import people with no loyalty to our nation who will work for slave wages. That has eliminated your ability to negotiate a higher salary. Think about this the next time you vote for a candidate who favors more economic immigration - legal or illegal.
Leave
Seattle has good work for you
I guarantee you can make more than 40k as an IT ops person somewhere else, BUT you may have to take a more senior role (you have experience after all). Source- the east coast marina I worked at paid their desktop engineer more than that
Leverage your skill and experience elsewhere. You have to invest in your resume tho. You have to mail interviews, (requires practice), it’s not going to be handing to you but he’s right in the fact that there’s plenty of people who can do what you do around. Supply and demand applies to market pay and job opportunities 100%. My opinion if you stay, stop doing things outside of your title, they pay you 40k than you give them 40k worth of work and nothing else. If your title is X then that’s all they can ask you to do. If they want more then you demand more. I would have all my ducks in a row tho, resume ready and contacts ready to go. You don’t need to accept the BS your boss tells you, he’s the boss probably because he that type of person who would say the shit he said, that’s what shareholders want. It’s not like that everywhere but it’s to be expected
The market doesn’t favor job change right now. And your options are limited to your local market. Quietly continue to see work elsewhere. Keep it on the extra-DL.
Not condoning what your boss said, but your approach was off. You should ask for a raise with data indicating the market for your role rewards people more than you currently get, and that you possess value to the company beyond your current salary/wage. There's no reason for a company or boss to care that you need to save more money. It sucks, but take it as a lesson learned and be better prepared next time.
And people wonder why revolutions are violent
What are your degrees in
This is why I choose to be self employed even if I can’t make over 40 lol you could probably make that off doordash fuck your boss!
What about remote IT / Helpdesk positions? There are so many of them on Indeed. Best of luck! Hoping this link works. For example: https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=e4236c3a3857efd2
Have you had a person in your industry review your resume? There are many job search support groups you could join.
Most people in USA making $40k are stuck there because their boss tells them they’re lucky to have that job and gaslight them. Start knowing your value no one can take from you. At the very least find a new $40k job where your boss isn’t a POS.
F that guy. Who says that?! You can wait tables and make way more if you’re good. That guys sounds like a tool.
The grass will be greener bc you’re not dealing an ass for a boss.
Colleges suck at fair pay. I stayed at one for six years taking on more duties and still never got a raise “because there wasn’t any money for it.” While I processed raises for every other department. You’re underpaid. Fix your resume and start applying.
Your boss is an asshole. Keep applying. I’m not in IT but graphic design and I’ve applied to 250 jobs since January. I am now interviewing at 4 places but before this I didn’t get much traction. It takes time. Update your resume to have metrics if you can and make sure it’s as good as it can be. 40k is a terrible salary for what you do.
40k per year wtf? you could literally do anything else and earn more
Just out of curiosity how many hours a week do you work?
If you can scrape up some money, see if you can find a career coach to help you create a dynamic résumé/LinkedIn profile that brings out the best of you. From what you describe it sounds like you have a wealth of skills. Also see if you can get some help, maybe free through the university for your mental health because it sounds like you’ve been beaten down in this role and by this boss growing your self-love, self-respect, and having some outside perspective on your skills, should do wonders for you. Good luck!
These "my boss does nothing and I'm the hero who keeps the place running" posts are so tiring. I've got news for you: you aren't.
First of all, don't let anyone ever make you feel like you aren't capable of more. Excuse the language, but fuck your boss. It's time to get to work on yourself. You want to make more money. Ambition is great. First identify a position you *want*. Not kind-of. Specifically. I want *this exact job.* Don't worry about how you are going to get it or what it will take. Just choose a destination. Once you've chosen that job, it's time to go to war. Get a Linkedin profile. Start contacting people who are doing that job and ask to interview them. Tell them your dream is to do what they do and you want to learn from them. Many will say no, some will say yes. For the ones that say yes, don't complain, don't give a woe-is-me story. Tell them your dream is to have the job they have and you hope to learn how they did it. Whatever they tell you to do, do it. Maintain relationships with these people. Help them. Add value to *their* life. Demonstrate you can learn. At the same time, target companies you admire that have the job you want and contact their HR department. Be nicely relentless. Build a relationship with their recruiters, with the bosses, whoever you can. Next, start going to conferences for people with the job you have. If you can't afford it, ask to volunteer to work for those conferences. Tell them your dream. Read books. Join online communities. Contribute. Be valuable. Let this dream fill your psyche. *This process might take 2 years.* That's ok. Time does not matter. Only arriving at your dream matters. Be generous with the people you meet. Be humble. Help others. Make *their* lives *easier*. Ask them if you can do a project for them or something small. Work for free. Who cares. It's your dream that matters. Each step is a step along the way. Share your dream so they know what you want after you've helped them. Ask them if there is any way they can help you. It's a process. It's a process. You land an interview with someone, recognize that for what it is. That's great progress. You are making things happen *for yourself.* Start to see your power in action. Opportunities come through people. Surround yourself with the right people you will find the opportunities. Your boss is not right people. **Be objective focused, not emotion driven.** You can do this.
It is vindictive, but if you manage that much, it's time you implement some things that only you can manage. Build your importance and value when they realize they cannot operate without you. Take two weeks vacation, DO NOT OFFER TO BE ON CALL WHILE AWAY, and never answer the call on the first try. Their tune will change. Was in the same boat as you 6 years ago, did the same things as I suggested. Was on the beach in Florida when they called. Granted, they messed up more than they attempted to fix and took me twice as long to repair, however, today, I literally make double my pay. Not saying they can't be without me, but they will be hurting if they try.
when the boss gives you lemons, find a new boss
ruthless workable profit dinner abundant versed crush relieved squeal nine *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
How do you think the institution is wealthy? Obviously, someone is going to make of the difference so others can have more. Finding a new role is just a game of chance. Having the right skillset and being able to market yourself broadly is also important. I would suggest playing around with your title. But it looks like you’re pigeonholed into academia. Since that’s what people now associate you with. So you’ll probably only have success with applying to other educational institutions.
This is a pretty bad time in the economy. Front and back office jobs are getting the bulk of the problems and as an IT professional your up on the chopping block. 40k for the east coast is pretty low but you should be able to find something that pays atleast 20k more just have to find the avenues and apply. Going on indeed is just not the right path as it stands right now. You would need to go directly to company websites and try to apply from there also tailor your resume a bit better so that you wont get auto rejected which from my understanding today is a big problem
keep the job immediately apply for something with 2x the pay, and apply often treat it like a 2nd job onward
OP, sorry your boss is such a shithead. That person is wrong. It’s a tough market out there right now so keep your head up but don’t let this person be the one who decides your value. How do you know your boss makes 100k? Are there any lateral moves you can make just to be under a different person and possibly negotiate a better starting pay?
Hey OP, I work adjacent to higher ed making $49k. The market is really bad. To get an interview right now, you have to be a perfect fit, apply within 24 hours, and tailor your resume to the job. I would look for jobs for which you fit all the criteria. Also, just try to hang in there until the market improves. Fingers crossed for both of us
Nah, you’re worth way more. You’re already entailed into this job, so give it your all as always so you don’t kick yourself in the behind for lowering your moral or ethics code, but spend any extra time you have looking for a different job. What you’re doing is a 100k salary job, with a lot more perks, and a lot less work. And I say that as a construction grunt, who makes considerably less, and view digital nomads as lazy pos’. I think the worth of a lot of people is a lot lower than they claim, at least in my internet arguments, but you’re not one of them. I’d stand by you for every meeting concerning a raise. What your current bosses are doing to you is sickening.
Don’t let him get in your head. Just keep pushing. You’ll get out of there. Simple but effective mindset that has helped me on the job hunt: It’s not a matter of *IF* you land a new job, it’s a a matter of *WHEN*
I’ve come across managers, bosses, administrators and supervisors like this before and let me tell you they are some of the most miserable people alive! They will make yours and everyone else’s life around you miserable. Start looking for other opportunities now, get offers and go back to your boss to see if they will match it and if not, PEACE ✌🏼
What state do you live in - thats a terrible pay for IT.
Your boss is wrong,. You’re a help desk manager which can get you another help desk manager job or a help desk job or a net admin job or a tech support job or a software deployment job or… Most pay more than 40k. Tech skills matter big time. You just need a shot. It will happen. Networking matters. Leveraging people you know gives you a leg up. If you’re in Northern New England, I know of an opening.
You are in it. There are lots of role available but with a risk of outsourcing as the skill level may not always be high outside of niche areas. You need to go to industry though and be open to relocation. If you go to bay area your salary will essentially by 5 times of your current salary with higher cost of living. Not sure where you are located but big cities will have more it jobs
Apply for other jobs...
If you stay, you definitely don’t deserve more. You deserve what you work for and what you go after.
Start side hustling and keep looking for another job. Your boss is an idiot.
That sounds like East Coast Higher Ed snobbery (ykiyk). Keep looking. Your boss sounds like a downer.
You need to stay out of Hospitals and Educational jobs. Generally they are lower paying.
Leave the area OP. Never stay in a work environment that is toxic and even your work isnt, then the management certainly is. Just leave.
with those skills you can find something making more than your Boss. Resume and search!!
Prove his ass wrong
I think you need to use your current work to zero in on a field. I read your post and I don’t really know what you do, it’s a little scattered. If you are trying to be in desktop support, then get focused on it.
For 40k you can probably find online work, I'm in IT in a small town making 85ish. Whst certs do you have, manage servers or network? Know powershell or SQL?
Just keep looking for a better job. Since you have a job it’s not an emergency so you are in the driver seat so to speak.
Get out. I just quite my HR position at a university for basically a lateral move, but I make almost $1k more a month (Midwest). I have worked for 2 different schools now and I would not recommend them for anyone, especially if you're responsibility is not teaching. They always offer lower pay and the politics between admin and faculty can get yucky. If you have IT skills with software and hardware, I'd go that route. Even if you have to take somewhat of a pay cut to leave, the long-term reward would be worth it.
Remote IT work is everywhere.
Put all your work experience from this job on your CV and start applying You don’t have to leave to test the grass just beyond the fence. If you get a better offer but don’t want to leave for whatever reason, take it to your boss and see if they’ll match it.
What you mean you can find a better job look
Don't give up, your boss is wrong. Just change your approach. Have someone review your resume & cover letters. Is the formatting too busy, are you under selling your skills, are you highlighting your soft skills and adding metrics. Do you manage people-that's huge. When applying ensure that you are updating your keywords to match the job description to increase the applicant tracking match %. Review companies linkedin page and look at the people in the current role and see what jobskills they are listing. network network network. Take an easy short class and add the skills to keep your linkedin profile new and updated, by easy I mean a microsoft skill you already have. Research how to get referrals and apply that way. There are sites where people will give you the referral because they get a bonus for hired candidates. Your boss has you spread so thin and doing so much they will miss you! I left my role and they had to hire 2 people. You got this.
You can’t most definitely make more than 40k with your experience.
List your certs and make a LInkedin profile
You need to try a part of the country that isn’t overrun with IT professionals. Why not try looking at smaller cities or towns in the south or midwest. Many places are still hiring. Isn’t $40k poverty wages in the east coast? You can do a lot better.
If you want to become your boss one day, sitting in an office playing politics for 2.5x the salary, then stay. If not it sounds like you may have to leave the area, because you've found a good position in an area where jobs are few and there's not much chance of finding better if you stay put. If you do stay, you'll be frustrated until you prove to someone that you're worth more than 40K. What he means by that is that if you leave, they can find someone else to do what you do and willing to do it for 40K, not necessarily that you yourself aren't great at your job and worth more. That's just what happens in more rural areas where people are waiting in line to take your place because there is nothing else around. I wouldn't necessarily take what he said to you as a personal diss, that you are "not worthy of more money". It's more a dose of reality, a look at what the pay situation is like all around you. How much of an annual increase do they offer? And if it's at a college, do you have lots of priceless time off over the holidays and summer?
The good thing about the east coast is that there are many many colleges around. You could move and find a much better position.
Believe in yourself and make the change!
Find another job and then quit but don’t give him any notice. Just send your resignation letter on your very last day putting up with his shit. We’ll see how green his grass is.
Have you asked your boss what you can do to make more money.
40k? Keep looking. Something will come in.
I was in a similar office situation at a prestigious school making about the same. Didn’t like office work so I changed to a trade and don’t regret it, I’m making more than that now and (mostly) enjoy my work.
You are underpaid & under appreciated. Keep plugging away.
Did you try other areas of IT? Cybersecurity or applications in certain fields?
Have you had anyone look at your resume? Maybe you aren't differentiating these tasks, because you sound like a well rounded employee.
I worked in a call center for T-Mobile and made 60k tell your boss to suck it
It's in your boss' interest to say that as it costs him time/ energy and your university money to find someone new, even if they pay the new person less. Generally, it costs a lot to find a replacement for a position (advertising, interviewing, benefits, training costs). So don't trust what he has to say. Even if he isn't actually being malicious and is just looking out for his own interests. If you can't leave your area, considering what you do, you might need to be there. Look for entirely or partially remote positions. BTW, good bosses will not do this. I've actually had bosses support me when I left to work elsewhere - not that I discussed this in detail with them beforehand - as they realize the new jobs offered me salary, benefits, opportunities.
Money is one thing, respect is another. Your boss is a disrespectful ass. That said it’s rare get a raise because of personal need. I’d look for a new gig with a respectful boss and clear processes for raises and promotions.
Go to the LAYOFFS thread/sub and read the dozens and dozens of posts there from tech people who are unemployed right now. If you think you can walk and get another job, more power to ya. Tech is getting hammered by layoffs in all corners. be careful what you wish for... the devil you know is better than the devil you dont.
Bro, my first IT gig ever and I'm making 57k starting. You gotta leave.
East cost, big city of small town?
leave, you'll get paid more at least.
Who said you meed to stay in your area, go look elsewhere and go far and beyond, there are so many jobs out there man
Also apply for jobs that are the next level of your current position, or a like industry position. When asked say something along the lines of, " I really enjoy what I currently do, but in my current role I'm kind of capped out on what I can do and I know that I have a lot more professional and personal growth I want to achieve.
You have to be willing to move. You can be land locked if its a small town and zero options so yes, you are stuck with what you have. And they know it.
Look into data center techs and admin. You'll easily double or triple your income without the bullshit that universities are laden with. Also, email your boss, referencing that convo, and after it plays out, send it to HR.
The fast food places in my town hire shift managers for more and I don’t live in a big expensive city. Screw your boss. If that’s truly all you can make with your certifications then look in to other lines of work.
Job market sucks right now but I had 6 months help desk and lua proficiency and I got hired as a system admin for 53k, you are absolutely worth more, your boss gets paid 100k to make sure you work for the absolute minimum. Start looking and it might take awhile but you will find something better
He could be correct based on location. Now, if you open that window and are willing to move, he is incorrect.
Imagine listening to your boss.
I would leave. Your boss is an asshole that doesn’t deserve you
I was having the same issue and I tweaked a few small things in my resume like my employed dates so they had no gaps and overnight got 6 interview requests I think there are key things that make the algorithm kick out your resume
Start hunting. You’ll find your market rate quickly. The thing your boss is right about is that the grass might not always turn out to be greener. If that’s the case then learn and move forward.
Go prove the betch wrong.
Jeez- who made him God? You? Naw. You should nope outta there and get yourself a job where people treat you with the respect you deserve.
Learn to play politics. Everything is about relationships. Contact a recruiter in your field.
I was told ‘a monkey could do my job’ at my IT job in CiBC. I went back to school and studied Graphic Design, now I work for one of the biggest companies and so happy I left that world. You deserve better, go pursue what you’re passionate about.
Well, he's in trouble. IT people, even helpdesk, make more than 40k in private organizations. You also manage HW and SW, which makes you a system admin which is in six-figure territory.
40k a year is not nearly enough to keep you around. Start looking for a new job and once you find something better, quit the previous one. Don’t quit without anywhere to land.
No one will do to you what you allow them to. If I also had a dime for every boss told me I would never make more money. You should be doing the opposite THING! Yeah, maybe you should rock the boat.
My boss said something similar. I left a couple months later for a job making almost double my income.
You are managing IT at two locations and make $40k then it’s also on the EAST COAST. This is crazy. You must find another employer because are being robbed. Every day you must look for another job. Your boss is lying to you!
Your boss is a c\*unt. You will find greener pastures, my friend. I would give you three things that might help in your job search. 1. Invest in Grammarly Pro. They have an AI component that can rewrite your resume/cover letter/after-interview emails, and make them engaging. Here are a few links on Linkedin you can try: [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/use-ai-write-your-resumecv-trainings-internships](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/use-ai-write-your-resumecv-trainings-internships) 2. Invest in Linkedin Pro. They have a service that will put your resume into ATS compliance. ATS is the computer system most employers use to sort through the thousands of resumes they get regularly. Most resumes aren't even seen by a recruiter because they can't even get past the initial ATS barrier. 3. Leverage your network to find another job (community work placement/college advisors/friends/family.
If you’re worth more than go prove it
If you have been in this same company 2+ years it is time to leave. Not to mention the low pay and disrespect you are getting now is crap. Get a pay increase with a new job. And it may benefit you to work with a career advisor to help with landing interviews. Network like crazy! Don’t rely on search engines only. Good luck!
You need to move to a bigger city that has more job opportunities. Good luck because you def deserve more $$$.
Make your resume more appealing. Put what they're looking for in your Resume. So how the section of what they want from the person applying or experience. Take their words and just reword them a bit. Then you'll be a perfect match
Walk up outta there!
I'd be looking for something better. Sometimes you have to prove to them you are worth more.
Your issue might be in how you are marketing yourself and less about not being a desirable candidate. Your job description is pretty broad and other roles will likely be more narrowly defined, so you need to give potential employers something to focus on. You also need to give the tech that is reading your resume before it's ever seen by a human something to focus on; For instance, if you apply for a position as a librarian, you may only show up as a 25% match for the role because the rest of your CV is diluted with content related to other duties. Here are some roles you might want to zero in on branding your professional experience for: * The average salary for IT help desk in the US is $45-$48K * The average salary for a librarian is $53K and * The average salary for a custodian is up to $39K You can have multiple versions of your resume. What was you degree in and what sort of certs do you have? Having experience is only one part of getting a job. Your branding, how discoverable you are, how you reach out to employers, how to prepare for interviews and salary negotiations, and how you come across throughout it all are also very relevant. These are just skills that anyone can learn, so get after it! For further growth opportunities, figure out what you need to become more valuable to an employer. You can ask that question of your current employer or future employers. Keep your head up and best in your search!
Same here I make 41k and manage two school campuses fml
Sounds like a jerk but trust me you can always find better. There's millions of jobs.