I am working in social sector and our salary is way below government range.My boss said to not compare with the other government agency/Corporate companies.

6 Comments

1. AnonymousJune 12,2022 at 2:05PM UTC

   Not sure if you are a contractor, but when I started out as one in a technical position in 2010, I did it for almost 2 yrs at around 50k, when I got picked up as a fed, doing the same exact duties, they offered 70k, fast fwd to now, 12 yrs later my salary has almost tripled from when I started as a contractor.

   But those that stayed as a contractor only get cost of living bumps. Switch to fed and use your current experience to market the hell out of yourself. They are allowing maximum telework now where we only have to go to office 1x per week, as long as your function is not mission critical.. most fed jobs are found on usajobs.gov just make sure you follow directions in exactly how to submit your package. Use all the critical key words In the announcement in your resume and your cover letter. And provide several ex of how you saved the day at your job . Good luck and go get em

   *note I did not stay in the same exact position after 5 yrs. I kept applying for opportunities for growth. So it’s easier to do that with larger organizations and govt agencies. But everything I’ve done over the years is still in the same technical field as when I started. Hope this helps

2. AnonymousJune 12,2022 at 5:51PM UTC

   Of course you don't leave if you don't want to. Only leave if you find something better.

3. AnonymousJune 13,2022 at 2:51PM UTC

   If you want to leave and have found something that makes more money in a comfortable environment than leave. If you enjoy your job and don't currently stress about money then you don't need to.

   I have always been told a job isn't about the money but for me it is so I would move as long as the work environment is decent and the pay is better.....

4. AnonymousJune 13,2022 at 3:06PM UTC

   Just telling you not to compare with other organizations is dismissive and poor leadership. Your manager should have delved into how you feel about your current role and how they can support your desire to grow. People leave roles that bore them and lack opportunity. Its not all about money (but money is still why we work!). I recently took a new position with only a $5K increase in base pay. However, the bonus structure was far better with $25K-$30K more available. The health benefits were substantially better. Most of all, my hiring manager is an incredible person and the opportunities to make a global impact were there.

5. E CJune 14,2022 at 12:03AM UTC

   I work in a similar agency, and we have a similar situation. We're also told not to compare salaries, and to focus on the benefits. None of that changes the fact that we're being paid less than the market says people with our skills and experience are worth. My retirement match (our best benefit) vests in 318 days. That's my motivation to stay for at least that long. Beyond that, I don't know. I *love* serving the clients we serve. But I can't put that above my own long term financial well being. You shouldn't either.

6. AnonymousJune 14,2022 at 8:51AM UTC

   Awesome reality check! Very wise approach to a personal dilemma.