Fairly recently I have been looking for a new gig as either a Machinist, Programmer, Engineer, or some hybrid mix of the three. The reason for this decision is that i feel I am not adequately compensated based on what I bring to the table, also my job offers 0 bennies and I am getting killed on things like health insurance. While I like my coworkers, have good relations with management, and have carved out my little niche, staying at the current shop is a non option.
I feel that given my combination of skills and experience, I would be quite the catch for a lot of shops, yet whenever the question of desired pay comes up and I try to ask for what I deem fair, the people on the other end look at me like i'm an asshole.
What I ask for in terms of compensation is by no means ridiculous and is actually on the low side of what is considered "the going rate". In addition the cost of living in this part of the country is high, and must be taken into consideration as well.
I am not going to post my resume and my skills, but a brief summary says I have an engineering degree, can program (CNC) efficiently, very adept with 3D CAD, journey level machinist, skilled welder (MIG, TIG, stick), business background, excellent mathematical and analytical skills, good verbal and written communication, and generally very good at SOLVING EMPLOYERS PROBLEMS.
The funny thing is when I was unemployed and had basic skills in this industry, employers were all over me because they knew I couldn't say no.
Now that I have solid skills and a proven work history in industry, employers want me and my skills but they play the low-ball game like i'm some unemployed dirtbag who walked in off the street.
Without turning this into a rant I am curious if others have experienced this phenomenon or what shop owners have to say.
I feel that given my combination of skills and experience, I would be quite the catch for a lot of shops, yet whenever the question of desired pay comes up and I try to ask for what I deem fair, the people on the other end look at me like i'm an asshole.
What I ask for in terms of compensation is by no means ridiculous and is actually on the low side of what is considered "the going rate". In addition the cost of living in this part of the country is high, and must be taken into consideration as well.
I am not going to post my resume and my skills, but a brief summary says I have an engineering degree, can program (CNC) efficiently, very adept with 3D CAD, journey level machinist, skilled welder (MIG, TIG, stick), business background, excellent mathematical and analytical skills, good verbal and written communication, and generally very good at SOLVING EMPLOYERS PROBLEMS.
The funny thing is when I was unemployed and had basic skills in this industry, employers were all over me because they knew I couldn't say no.
Now that I have solid skills and a proven work history in industry, employers want me and my skills but they play the low-ball game like i'm some unemployed dirtbag who walked in off the street.
Without turning this into a rant I am curious if others have experienced this phenomenon or what shop owners have to say.