Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with Money and employment

Where is the money?

Anonymous — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:49:47 -0800

Like a lot of people at the moment I am unemployed and finding the job hunt to be a bit more difficult than usual. I'm a 3d animator, I was thinking about what my options are and hoping metafilter could offer some advice. People often talk of taking a career change to do something more fullfilling, I think I am the opposite, I want to become more employable. Ive been doing 3d animation for about 8 years, never really had a problem finding a job until these last few months, Ive worked mainly in TV and advertising but Ive also worked on a few big hollywood films. I did a general design degree at university many years ago. I recently moved back to my home town which I think is the main reason for my unemployment. The majority of work for visual effects tends to come from a few hubs in major cities - London, Los Angeles.. Im thinking of settling down and getting married and I dont want to live in these big cities doing contracts month to month any more. Im 27 years old.

My impression from the film and television industries in general is that people are willing to work long hours for low pay because they love it. Ive just been thinking that if that is what peoples attitudes are, maybe these arent the best industries to be in purely from a supply and demand point of view. I've read that the game industry seems to have the same issues.

Here is what I think Im good at-
- I can make things look pretty
- Im fairly creative
- I am good thinking Spatially/geometrically
- I can do a little bit of programming

Ive been thinking about taking some time to build a new portfolio or go back to study, these are the sort of things I have been thinking about. I would love other suggestions.
-Some sort of web-based design. There seems to be more demand for this kind of stuff. Maybe flash?
-architecture - Ive done some architectural vizualization in the past and enjoyed it, there seems to be more opportunities for it locally. I could even go back to Uni and go for the fully fledged architect, but from what I am reading there is not as much money in that as there used to be, is that right?
-CAD type work? There seem to be a lot of jobs for this kind of thing except it seems very specialized, Im not really keen on engineering.
-Should I do something related to business? Perhaps learning how to manage people? I suspect I am probably poor at this which may have held me back before, I feel I can learn anything though, Should I be studying in that area?
-Should I be aiming to be some kind of art director? How do I get there?
-Fuck it and go and study law?

The criteria in which Im trying to judge these options is employability and earning potential, does metafilter have any suggestions if this is what Im chasing?

EconomyFilter: Teenage needs work. A bit apprehensive and unsure on how to get it.

seandq — Thu, 07 May 2009 14:36:03 -0800

EconomyFilter: I'm a sixteen year old desperately needing a part-time or summer job. I can't help but feel bad taking away from those who really NEED it though. Long story short, I just got a car for a late sixteen birthday gift. I've wanted it for a long time, and it's great, but as a condition, my parents would like me to start working to help chip in for insurance, gas, and the car payment as well as my sometimes expensive social life.

The problem is twofold: first off, I feel bad taking what could be a job from someone who really needs it (like someone on WIC or food stamps) away from them (call me a bleeding-heart) and secondly, I'm still hesitant on the idea of work. Don't get me wrong, wherever I'm hired, I'll work diligently and faithfully but I'm still a bit rusty on the process. I've filed ~15 applications for local chain stores (ranging from Walgreens to Books-a-Million to Cracker Barrel) all online via SnagaJob.com and no response at all. Target was courteous enough to email me back saying no.

I have only a few restrictions, but I'm willing to waive them if it's what it takes to get me hired. I'd prefer not fast food, and by fast food I mean McD's/BK. I can humble myself to be a Barista, Burrito Engineer or a Sandwich Artist if it is so. I'd really prefer a job in an environment that's a bit more..intellectual..than McDonald's, but frankly I'll take what's available.

So cliffs for those still with me:
1) I need a good teenage part-time/summer job in this environment.
2) I need to know the best approach for job application - I'd love to have a job where I could submit a resumé, but I'm either underage for a position like that, or they are full-time positions and I'm not dropping out of school, so it's just filling out the form for now.

Thanks for your time. I appreciate it!

Does that make sense?

Anonymous — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:08:52 -0800

Debtfilter: Employer provides signing bonus structured as forgivable loan (forgiven if employee stays with firm long enough). Employee leaves soon after, and employer seeks to collect on loan. Employee is now a broke grad student, so employer offers to defer collection of loan until grad school is complete. Question: If length of time in grad school exceeds state statute of limitations on original loan, does this mean the loan will discharge itself before it can be collected? I know you're not my lawyer.

How do you make money when you arne't allowed to leave the house?

logic vs love — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:19:16 -0800

How can my 18-year-old sister make enough money to move out on her own when she has no car or license, no job experience, and unsupportive parents? My sister will be graduating from high school soon and really needs to move out, but it seems impossible for her to get a job and save money. She'd be willing to work just about any job, but she has no way of getting around. She can't get her driver's license because she needs glasses and our parents won't take her to get any... and even if she had her license, they wouldn't let her drive any of their cars. Their house is about a 20-minute drive to civilization so walking isn't an option, and public transportation is basically non-existent.

She's feeling pretty miserable and hopeless, and as much as I want to help, I can't think of a way out for her either. I don't live close to her at all and I've offered to let her come live with me, but she doesn't want to leave her boyfriend (who graduates next year).

She is (theoretically) planning on going to college next year to be a graphic designer and is especially interested in t-shirt designs, so she's been considering submitting designs to threadless or something, but she needs more practice, computer time at home is very limited, and that's not going to provide a steady income anyway.

So... what can she do to make money and move out and stop being miserable? What can I do to help her?

I gotta pee

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:56:25 -0800

Despertaly needing some extra income, I've applied to Target for a position unloading trucks at night. I have two concerns. Drugs and money. I do not do any illicit or illegal drug, and haven't for over six months (pot). I do, however, take a rather low dose of Lithium (300mg daily) as well as Prozac (60 mg), Serequal
Serequal (50mg) and 1-2 mg of Klonopin a day.
Additionally I take massive vitimas and minerals. I inject (MD prescribed) 2 mg of liquid (obviously) B12 every 3 days. Orally I take 10,000 MG of B12, 35 of Niacin,45 MG of B6, a liquid concoction of 130 nutrients and vitamins. 10 ml of cod liver oil, 15 mg of Flaxseed oil, and a quart of sugar free fruit juice.
This is excessive, but temporary. My concern is...the urine/drug test, not only will I pass it, but will I come off as a freakin psyco dude.
And if I can slip this in, I'm used to making a salary. I am supposed to ask them for an hourly wage, which they will meet, offer a comprmise, or just laugh and tell me to hit the highway? What's that kinda job pay in the North East (US)? $15?
This is not as desperate as it might come across, but things will be pretty grim if I don't get a second job.
Advice?
Sorry for the length and the rambling on about me and my rather minor problems. Thanks for any imput.

How do I best arm myself for an upcoming salary/bonus review in this economic climate?

Anonymous — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:46:18 -0800

How do I best arm myself for an upcoming salary/bonus review in this economic climate? I guess I'm what you might call "upper-management" at a small tech company. Like many others, our company is looking to cut costs and we will likely have a few layoffs later this month. I, and others, have already been informed that any raise in our base salary is off the table for now. However it has also been noted that pre-existing bonus clauses (such as the one I have) are still available.

So the thing is, for the last year I have been as busy as ever (actually more so), mainly because I have a skillset that only a few others have, and as a result I've been extremely busy and IMO was a huge part of helping to land a contract with a Fortune 10 company that was worth a lot of money for the company.

So, my bonus isn't particularly huge by any standards, it's capped at $5k. However, I know from past experience that my bosses treat all of these situations as bargaining sessions. So last year I walked out of the review with a $3k bonus. However, this year, based on the revenue I feel I helped bring in, plus other criteria such as hitting or beating project deadlines, I feel I deserve the entire bonus.(Especially since there will be no change in my base salary).

So I need strategies for this upcoming session. There have already been comments such as "Well, we're all lucky we even have jobs" and other signs that this will not go my way. In addition to this not quite being rooted in reality, I have realized my bonus structure is not based on objective facts, but is incredibly subjective. This was a mistake on my part when I arranged the terms of my employment, however this is my situation.

Will work for money

greta simone — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:05:45 -0800

How much should I charge for pet-, house-, and baby-sitting? I'm a grad student trying to make some extra cash in the evenings and weekends while still being able to maintain a flexible schedule. I have lots of experience baby-sitting/nannying, as well as house- and pet-sitting for neighbors and friends. As a nanny I usually ask between $10-15 an hour, depending, but I have no idea what to charge for pet- and house-sitting, as they have often been done in exchange for goods or favors. What is the going rate, if you use my baby-sitting rate as a baseline (which I am amenable to raising, if it is deemed necessary)?

PS. This doesn't need to factor in a lot of traveling, as I live in a small college town, and will not take clients outside of said town (due to fuel costs and lack of time).

P.P.S. If you have any tips on how to best manage advertising myself (outside of flyers, craigslist, and local papers), or any other tips in managing this kind of work, those would be appreciated too!

Is it becoming the norm for people to work more than one (or even two) jobs just to stay afloat?

msposner — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:21:57 -0800

Is it becoming a more acceptable trend for individuals to work more than one job just to maintain a certain standard of living? I work three jobs (my wife also works full-time) and yet it seems as if we barely can keep ourselves afloat on a monthly basis. Help me from going crazy here! Background information: I work three jobs. Job number one is a state employee (CT) for a position that requires a master's degree (I actually will be finishing up my second one in a few months). Job number two is working as an independent contractor for a technology company (10-15 hours/week). Job number three is a teacher for an adult education program (5 hours/week).

My wife is a full-time teacher.

Together, we have little debt (<$5k) and we are hardly reckless with our spendings. Most of our purchases are related to the upkeep of our home and cars (2). We rarely eat out but we do have a house and all the associated bills. With me working all these hours, we've been able to be afloat in terms of our bills and expenses.

However, I am seeing more and more people, including colleagues in state employment looking for second (and sometimes, third) jobs just to "stay afloat." They too, claim that they don't have any really "out of the world" bills.

I am wondering what other people are experiencing, especially in the state of today's economy and whether this trend is related to the fact that I live in CT (a very, very expensive state) or if this is something we need to expect to become the norm just to maintain normal, decent standard of living.

Or it could be that I don't make enough money with my primary job ($50k/year)...

Any thoughts? Feedback? Insights? All would be greatly appreciated.

Pay Grades at SWA

polexxia — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 10:36:02 -0800

Does anyone know what a pay grade 136 at Southwest Airlines pays? I hate applying for jobs hen I don't even know if the position pays enough to make it worth accepting the job, and the information doesn't seem to be anywhere on their site.

Lookout Europe, here I come

barrakuda — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 11:20:01 -0800

What are some good job search websites/engines for Europe? I'm interested in jobs in international affairs, public relations, business and finance, advertising and marketing. I'm mostly looking for resources for Germany, Belgium, France and the UK, but pan-European websites are good too.

Is a job in Education sheltered from the market?

Anonymous — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 03:11:05 -0800

I have just been offered a staff position at a large University of California campus. Given that my current job is with a small (employees<15) consulting company in the technology field, and given the current national (and global) economic situation; is a UC job more likely to be stable in the next 5 years when compared to one in a small tech company? Also, what's it like to work at a UC? Is the UC system subsidized by the government enough at the state and federal level to make it as secure as a government job?
Will a big CA educational institution weather the inevitable financial storm comparatively better than other sectors?
What is it like to work for a big UC school?
The benefits are good, but is working for an academic institution as political and as slow moving as people say?
What have you experienced as a UC employee?

Advice on becoming a tax preparer (in the US)?

mattholomew — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 05:33:43 -0800

Advice on becoming a tax preparer (in the US)? I'm thinking about becoming a tax preparer to make some extra money. I have no idea how to go about it, which company to align with, etc. Looking for advice, experiences you've had, etc. I'm in Arizona, FWIW.

What kind of job can I fit into my busy theater student life?

raygan — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 17:59:00 -0800

I'm an theater student in Houston. Twenty one years old. I've got a lot of theater on my resume, but I've never had a real, you know, jobby, job type job. What are my options and where do I start looking? My situation: I'm a full time student, which means I'm usually busy in the mornings though my schedule changes a bit from day to day. I also need to maintain my flexibility in the evenings, because theater is my first priority, and I'll need to schedule any work I do around rehearsals. (I'll rehearse four days a week for two months, usually 6-9pm, then nothing for two months, that sort of thing.)I'm usually totally free weekends.

I've got zilch apart from theater work on my resume, very little of that paid. Up to now, my parents had been supportive in the extreme to the point of encouraging me not to get a job and to focus on school and theater. This was great until recently when I found I need more money than they're able to give me. With grad school on the horizon and therefore no end in sight for the busy theater schedule, I'm not sure what kind of job will be worth my time and still be flexible enough for me to be able to actually do it.

I don't want a McJob, I'm an intelligent person and my time is worth something. However, I'm not looking to start a lifetime career either. I just don't know what sort of job an intelligent and articulate (if I do say so myself) but inexperienced person can reasonably expect to get, and where I should start looking. Suggestions/personal experience appreciated. Non-food-service related is a plus.

Hating our money life right now

frosty_hut — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 14:53:11 -0800

Will budgeting help? My husband takes home 47k per year, I bring in about 17k, and we split the rent. He pays for the car and maintenance (no payments, just gas, upkeep and insurance), our cell phone service, and most of our food and household stuff. I pay for Internet access, cable, and most of our frou frou crap (shampoo, etc.), plus, I don't know, 80-90 percent of my own girl-type stuff: clothes, makeup, shoes, that kind of thing. Our rent is $900. We have no kids and we got out of debt a year ago, but we're constantly broke.

This bothers my husband more than me. I would like to have more savings, he would like to have more cash flow, but we both see the need for each of these things. Right now we're winging it and suffering for it. For instance, I just got a check for $680 for a contract job which may turn into full-time employment. I kept $300, gave $300 to my husband, and put the rest in our joint savings account. I spent most of my stash on clothes (this is a classier place of work than what I'm used to), and a few non-essential, comfort purchases that I just wanted to treat myself to (the contract job has been brutal as all get out, but they like me and will probably keep using me and I want to keep it that way). So I didn't strictly need to spend all of my half of my money, but I did, and I think my husband's hissy fit this morning had something to do with it. He does these slow burns about my spending habits and there's nothing I can do, I don't think, other than to try to weather it. He does occasionally say: "I'm not going to get upset about those things anymore," but he continues to do so.

In my mind, I'm okay. I gave him half my money and did what I like with my piece. So I spent it, so I earned it, right? Or do I need to be more sensitive about plugging in the gaps in our joint financial situation? Is a budget, which I hate the thought of but would be willing to try, our best solution?

Draw-for-hire?

anotherpanacea — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 21:25:20 -0800

How do I go about hiring someone to ~~draw something~~ graphically design something for me? I am looking to hire someone to create a cartoon/cariciature image for a website. I know next to nothing about employment contracts, graphic licensing, etc. An informal agreement is fine, so long as I get my picture and the artist gets paid. What do I need to know before I post a want-ad on MetaJobs? Should I expect to 'own' the work, or license it? What's the 'going' rate for one image, created to specifications? How can I make sure that I get what I want while assuring the artist I'm not going to be an overbearing, micromanaging idiot? Does the public-display bit change anything?

What part time jobs are available if I want to work from home after my full time job?

brokekid — Fri, 30 Dec 2005 13:06:48 -0800

I have a full time job and by the end of the day I am too tired to stand. But I need another source of income as I am getting married soon and need to save for all sorts of things. What type of work can I do from home part time that will actually bring in money...all I seem to find on the internet are get rich quick schemes. I don't want to stuff envelopes or anything like that. I have a communications degree and some graphic design experience, some technical writing experience and am handy with a computer. Any suggestions?

Questions....

PHINC — Tue, 30 Aug 2005 06:21:35 -0800

I signed a contract to work for six months with a local company. That job starts in mid September. Now, another company wants to interview me that pays more and is closer to home. Do I have an obligation with the first company I've signed on with or should I go with the money and the closer job if the second company offers me a position? I live in a right to work state so it's my understanding that I can break agreements made with employers.

Underpaid part-timer.

itchie — Tue, 16 Aug 2005 19:54:31 -0800

How do I go about asking for a pay raise? Having a discussion with my coworkers at my part-time retail job, I've found that I get paid the least. I've been there longer than a few others, and have a higher seniority than most of the cashiers. I, as well as my colleagues, feel I do an excellent job at what I do, and that I deserve a higher wage than what I am getting. (This is in the range of maybe - at most - a dollar more an hour.)

Am I in the wrong for wanting this? How can I go about bringing this up to management without risking my job, or bringing in my coworker's wages?

Is There a Rule of Thumb for the Amount of Money Your Employer is Making Off Your Effort?

jeremias — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 04:01:25 -0800

Is there a rule of thumb for the amount of money your employer is making off your effort? (MI) In other words it's a general rule in retail that most items in a store are marked up at least 100%. Is there something similar for employees? In other words, let's say I'm offered a job for 20k a year. Does that mean my employer is making 40k from the work I'm doing? Or am I comparing apples and oranges?