I’ve been out of work now for over a year. I had a 3-month temp role earlier this year, which I hoped would become a full-time position, but it did not. The company has since put out a help wanted ad, and I applied, but received no response. That was disappointing because I did quality work for them and thought they valued my efforts. I suspect there might be a non-compete with the temp company, but I never got any clarification. Of all the rejections I’ve received, this one felt the hardest.
As I continue applying and searching for jobs, I’ve noticed that many businesses are offering pay that feels very low for I.T. workers. I have a 4-year degree and over two decades of experience, yet some roles ask for these qualifications while offering a starting wage of $15 an hour. Yes, $15.
I could work in retail and, at times in high school, have earned more than that. Employers who offer these rates may not fully appreciate the value that skilled tech professionals bring to their organizations, and I find that frustrating. I have applied to some of these positions, not because they are my preference, but because I want a chance to understand their reasoning behind such a low pay scale. So far, none have reached out, but I will keep applying.
Information technology is a critical part of any organization, and to build a strong, successful enterprise, you need a solid I.T. foundation. Offering $15 an hour is unlikely to attract the talent needed. I encourage employers to offer compensation that reflects the skills and responsibilities required. Otherwise, it will be difficult to retain experienced professionals who have other opportunities available.
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