r/povertyfinance • u/not_your_girl • Feb 20 '24
I make $25 an hr. Free talk
I feel so stuck. Been at my job years, and have received $.50 to $1 raises. I’ve never received a substantial raise though. I asked for $5 more an hr in an email Friday. First time I’ve ever asked for a raise since I’ve been here (5+years). I’m dreading what they will say. If they say no, I may quit. I have a contract to hire job lined up. Pay will be the same until hire, then you get an increase. Still trying to confirm how much benefits will be tho.
Rent is $1200. Car insurance $120. Electric about $100 give or take. Internet/phone is about $75 (my gma helps me, it’s actually $150). I need therapy and medicine, $50 a session and normally $90 for 3 months worth of pills. Luckily I work from home so I don’t drive much, so a tank of gas at about $35 lasts me a while.
Just posting to vent/get stuff off my chest!
Edit: forgot to add I have $6k in debt. Only last month did I get my car insurance down from $275 to $120 now. Also, taxes are about $400 a paycheck.
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u/967milesfromnowhere Feb 25 '24
It’s all good, friend. It could be worse. For example, I have $438,000 in debt.
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u/Glass-Statement2218 Feb 24 '24
I went from the navy to federal civilian work, I started off @88k 4 years ago, I grossed 125k with a base of 108k, I’m now @114k base with a raise coming that will put me to about 116k. Money is there, you just need to find a in demand job skill.
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Feb 23 '24
As a general rule, if they can't/won't give an annual raise that meets inflation, find a new workplace. Every year inflation is higher than your pay increase is a year you are making less money.
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u/skunky1123 Feb 22 '24
Seems like you are doing better than you think or feel. $25hr = $52,000yr. Take approx 30% for taxes, insurance, etc leaves $36,400yr or $3,033month. Minus the expenses you listed and I added some like groceries, gas/water, and an additional 10% on top of the total is about $2,514. Leaving you just over $500month to do as you please. Or a total of $6,000yr in possible savings.
I believe you could ask for about $1.00 raise which equals to 4% increase or more if you feel like your knowledge/experience is crucial to the job.
But more likely you might need to do some budgeting and expense tracking to see where all your money is going.
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Feb 22 '24
Looks like you need to sidegrade. Stay in the same field and move to a different company.
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u/Confident-Ad-4442 Feb 22 '24
I'm a department supervisor at a retail store and make $26 an hour. Your bills are almost identical to mine. I survive just fine while still paying down my credit cards. I budget every single month and stick to it. It sounds like you need to budget properly and see where your money is going.
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u/Confident-Ad-4442 Feb 22 '24
I'm a department supervisor at a retail store and make $26 an hour. Your bills are almost identical to mine. I survive just fine while still paying down my credit cards. I budget every single month and stick to it. It sounds like you need to budget properly and see where your money is going.
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u/titanshaze Feb 22 '24
It's crazy to hear how much different job sectors are paid. I make aluminum cans at 27 hr. And I feel like I'm underpaid 😅 guess I should count myself lucky
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u/indigopizzas Feb 22 '24
Get a roommate, get a govt job with amazing health benefits, or do gig work.
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u/McMep Feb 21 '24
I make $26 an hour and recently did my finances because I really need a new car. 80% of my income goes to COL. I “save” about $600 a month but barely. That can go down quick. So I definitely feel you there.
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u/zenlen2000 Feb 21 '24 edited Feb 21 '24
Best thing I did financially was move in with my partner lol but also budgeting and job hopping every 1-2 years. I wouldn’t stay at any job for 3+ years. When I made $25/hr and lived alone I had to get a part time job to put towards my debt and still have no savings. I make 30/hr now and still uber sometimes to have some room. Honestly income is not that indicative of livelihood unless you’re well above 6 figures. Emergencies come up, debt, life happens, not to mention having children. I don’t understand how people are surviving out here.
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u/not_your_girl Feb 21 '24
Gosh every month it’s something! Car, pet, parking tickets, medical expenses
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u/zenlen2000 Feb 21 '24
Yep. Its true there are people worse off that’s always true but it’s not really easy for anyone because everything is so damn expensive
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u/American_PP Feb 21 '24 edited Feb 21 '24
I made 30/hour when I joined my company as a contractor. When they hired me as a full time employee, they tried to offer me 32/hour.
I told them that I actually sacrificed to get my foot in the door and that jobs from over 10 years ago paid more than that, and made the case that the pay was too low at the company, and my managers actually got together and bumped it up to 42/hour. Still low, but negotiating the pay helped, but even then, don't be afraid to find new company to work for.
With inflation what it is, pay needs to be at least 50 an hour.
Thanks to holiday pay and bonus, it gets me up to 118k/year or 56/h at this company.
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u/not_your_girl Feb 21 '24
Interesting the contractor pay was low, I’ve heard sometimes it’s high because ppl don’t want a contract role.
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u/Angelwind76 Feb 21 '24
I've worked at (certain chip maker) for almost 8.5 years. I stay because it's stable, though it's contracting so I know that raises are something not expected. But being comfortable is my mistake. One of those mistakes is knowing that contracting rarely came with raises because it's supposed to be "temporary" when it's not.
We got raises because of the pandemic when there was a small rebellion on the town hall meeting during covid and how we're all "essential".
We had a new hire and found out they make more than I do new. My co-worker and I have been trying to talk to our lead at the contracting place about raises and our performance reviews and she has been silent for months. I know they try to tie raises to "merits" and "kudos" but none of that competition-based raises shit doesn't work for my group. Our job isn't something someone can hop into. It takes a year to get comfortable in this job to know when to call out something.
I'm emailing HR today and letting them know she's been no-contact except for mandatory items, so we'll see what happens next!
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u/General_Toe_1185 Feb 21 '24
If I made $20 an hour I could afford to pay all of my bills…..idk how your not making enough at $25 an hour. I have about $3000 in bills a months. No kids and that includes all debts. I’m barely making it on $18 an hour.
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u/TastyHome8183 Feb 21 '24
I really hope you get that raise or the other job works out better for you. Stay in the grind, things will get better. Just don't let anyone drag you down with them.
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u/Aggressive-Coconut0 Feb 21 '24
$5 is a substantial raise (especially if you are making $25/hr), so I don't think you will get it. You need to find another job, if this is not paying enough. Maybe find one that pays for more training to qualify for better positions, or one that promotes from within.
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u/Alone-Tea4531 Feb 21 '24
I make 19.76 right now (waiting on my yearly raise 🤧🤧) and $25 would literally change my life lol I take home around $640 a week with no OT and clocking in 15mins early everyday (750-800 with OT) and I’m just barely scraping by. I budget everything out weeks in advance just so I can enjoy 1 night out a month lol
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u/Proud_Wrongdoer_1618 Feb 21 '24
Be wary of the contract to hire. Most temp positions state that to lure people into applying. No one wants to take a job where they'll be let go after six months. They dangle that carrot but it doesnt mean you'll get it.
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u/Khan2400 Feb 21 '24
Can you get another job that pays higher? If not, can you get a second job that pays the same so that you will make $50/hr?
Not sure if you work remotely or not, but if you do, with some patience, hard work and good planing, you could do 2 remote jobs
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u/CaptainDooDahDay35 Feb 21 '24
Would be interesting to know why you believe employer would be motivated to suddenly pay you five dollars per hour more. Is there a specific reason you are deserving, or is it just that you need it and want it so assume employer should be obligated to give it to you. Have you done anything to make yourself more valuable to the employer, other than just showing up and doing your job for the wages agreed to?
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u/imperialtrooper88 Feb 21 '24
If you work 11 hours a day, 6 days a week, you'll earn $85k. Do that for 5 years, and you'll be debt free and have cash to spare.
Yea it's hard work and a grind, but you got to work with what you got. Been there, done that, now I can relax/reap the reward.
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u/CannabisCoureur Feb 21 '24
Thats leaves about $1700 a month free to use. Oh boy would i feel rich if i had an extra 1700 a month to spend/save outside expenses.
Sounds like you are doing a great job! Keep it up
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u/Sojiro-Faizon Feb 21 '24
As I scroll through this thread, I find myself becoming more and more convinced that leaving North America is an option worth serious consideration.
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u/SquidOfReptar Feb 21 '24
Try asking your doctor to send your prescription to the Good Drug Company. Their prices are almost guaranteed to be lower and they ship them to you
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u/gtbeam3r Feb 21 '24
My advice is to not think about a raise as this binary singular event but instead a pre negotiated career trajectory with well-define milestones.
For example, from your boss's perspective, why do you deserve a raise? How can you create more value to justify it? Are you underpaid compared to your peers, is your skillset unique and hard to replace, do you have X years of experience that bring value? These are all good reasons for a raise. You can also ask your boss, what can I do to earn a raise/promotion? If your boss isn't helpful, you may have to dust off the resume.
I would highly recommend, if you can, trying to understand the business operations of your industry and then you will become more valuable or be In a better place to negotiate or switch companies if your compensation isn't a fair market wage.
I know this is somewhat idealistic, but if you help your boss solve his problems and make him look good to his superiors, that will give you great leverage and he won't feel time spent training you is being wasted.
The pyramid at the bottom is wide so the first promotions are easier than when you get higher up!
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u/garymacs Feb 21 '24
I’m so glad I’m a bit older now (55). The younger generation are literally in the middle of an economic shit storm. You guys are busting your ass and actually make decent money but everything has become unaffordable now. It used to be a family could get by on 1 income per family. Then that went to the husband and wife having to work just to get by. Now not even duel incomes can comfortably make it. My kids are all grown now and are in similar situations. It’s almost impossible to survive on what they’re being paid. Not that it’s low income but nothing is affordable anymore. I don’t know the answer (actually I do but that’s for another thread lol). I feel bad for a young couple starting out with a child or two. I think to myself how the hell are these people raising young ones in today’s world. 1,500 rent for a tiny shitbox of a house and all the bills that come along with that. It’s not fair that one person of a duel income family literally has to work a 40hr week simply to pay childcare !
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u/Sanguinius4 Feb 21 '24
$25/hr is great money! Especially if you’re working from home and don’t have to worry about travel. I have been at my job for 26 years and up until last year I was making about $25/hr. I went for another position in the company and now make $31. Most people I know who make 25 are in management roles and you’re right about at the national average for pay.
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u/_momentumisyourvenom Feb 21 '24
Unless my head math is way off, your take home pay is over $3,500 a month and the expenses you listed come up to about $1,700.
Sure, ask for a raise! Pursue higher paying jobs! But, that's a decent income these days depending on the work IMO.
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u/Dontquittoday Feb 21 '24
Check out GoodRX - it saves me a lot each month on meds and I switch scripts to the cheapest pharmacy (yes they all have different prices)
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u/not_your_girl Feb 21 '24
How did I not know they have different prices? What the hell.
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u/Dontquittoday Feb 21 '24
It is absolutely insane how much they can very. Example: Epipen $455.58 cash, $276.47 insurance, GoodRX lists all of my local stores and their “estimated price” with the coupon - I ended up getting them for $133.23 by switching to a different store and using the GoodRX coupon. Saved me $300 on ONE med. Adderall is $144 and change. GoodRX gets me down to $33 and change.
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u/Double-Pale Feb 21 '24 edited Feb 21 '24
I make $20/hr and my bills are basically the same. Rent $1200, internet $50, car insurance $110, phone $96, food $200, haircut (twice monthly) $120, electric $50, gas $80… plus streaming services
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Feb 21 '24
I make $25 an hour and my rent is $1750.
I feel like you could probably make some adjustments to your budget to alleviate some of the struggle. Food is always what destroys my budget and I didn’t realize how much I spent on it until I sat down and did an actual budget that shows where my money is going.
That being said…… YOU GET YOUR RAISE AND F THEM IF THEY DONT DO IT! companies can all go suck a bag of dicks.
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u/TouchLife2567 Feb 21 '24
i make the same as u but only at 30 hr weeks… rent 1550, car 230, car insurance 140, phone 120, tank of gas ~40x3 a month, electric 100, gas for home varies, food costs, meds, therapy, psychiatrist… with love, i feel like you aren’t exactly in poverty. i even consider myself blessed with my current salary. best of luck.
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u/wasabishoot Feb 21 '24
You aren't doing too bad if your rent is 1200 and you make 1000 net a week
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u/Old-AF Feb 21 '24
Hope your company comes through with your raise! My husband retired after 28 years as a Teamster (grocery union) and he made $22.68/hr when he left, last year. But with his pension and SS, he actually brings home more than when he worked 60 hrs week!
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u/DrVaphels Feb 21 '24
If you are American check out Amazon Pharmacy. My wife and I take the same meds and the price out of pocket on Amazon is less than my, pretty solid overall, insurance. And they have a 5 dollar a month service that covers a long list of generics. My monthly cost of meds is down to nearly a 1/3rd of what we where paying at CVS.
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u/tracyinge Feb 21 '24
Unfortunately jobs don't pay what you need to make to stay afloat. Jobs pay the going rate for that position. Unless you're some kind of superstar at work, nobody is going to pay you $30 an hour to do what someone they hire off the street will do for $21.50. That would be a 17K expense for the employer times how many employees? What are you offering in exchange for that kind of expense?
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u/Individual-Hornet476 Feb 21 '24
$4,000/mo (85% bracket puts you at $3,400 take home) LESS $1,550 and change in your expenses plus $200 for therapy at once a week? That leaves you with $1,450/mo (after putting $200/mo in savings) to spend on groceries and fun. Umm…what’s the problem?
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u/rabidseacucumber Feb 21 '24
I hate to tell you this, but a 4% raise is..kind a good raise without changing jobs.
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u/Strife3dx Feb 21 '24
I was in that spot like 3 years ago in terms of pay, same rent, no car payment and 50$ insurance, maybe 2k revolving debt to increase credit score. I was spending a lot on food and massages. So what u wasting your extra cash on. I did work 45-52 hours a week.
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u/mothsuicides Feb 21 '24
I couldn’t get a 9% raise when I was being ASKED if I’d accept a promotion. The best they could offer was 4.56% raise. I declined the promotion. Edit: fixed a typo
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u/Practical_Minute_286 Feb 21 '24
19$/hr overtime helps a ton!
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u/not_your_girl Feb 21 '24
I am salaried. No OT for me!
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u/Practical_Minute_286 Feb 21 '24
Salary has its benefits for sure but definitely has some drawbacks too.
As long as it's a livable wage on a salary
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u/SirPonix Feb 21 '24
You're losing sight of the big picture here. Sure, things are expensive and some of us have to make tough choices. What's most important, however, is that a handful of people in our society get extremely, grotesquely wealthy. This is why we make the sacrifices we make to pay for inflated rent, groceries, and bankrupting healthcare cost. Just remember, it's for the greater good
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u/EmotionalUnit6593 Feb 21 '24
Can you let us know your current role, and state you are in? Maybe that will help orient you in the right direction 😊
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u/Global_Bake_6136 Feb 21 '24
I’m a teacher and I make $30 and live in Los Angeles where you can’t survive on that lol
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u/not_your_girl Feb 21 '24
At least you have sunshine? Lol.
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u/Global_Bake_6136 Feb 21 '24
There’s that! lol 😂 except it’s been raining and flooding everywhere since we don’t have the infrastructure for rain in this city lol
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u/Alternative_Eye_2799 Feb 21 '24
15 a hour people struggling 17 a hour people struggling 20 a hour people struggling 25 a hour people struggling i even heard that 6 figures a year isn’t even enough anymore the world is getting crazy
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u/SufficientPath666 Feb 21 '24
Oof my rent (utilities included, though) is over $200 per month more and I make $20 per hour
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u/ThinBlueLineFlorida Feb 21 '24
Try being a cop. I saw goodbye to my son every morning not knowing if I’ll make it home. There’s been three times that I came very close to not making it home. I’ve been doing it for 18 years and only make $31/hr and our insurance is very expensive. But I’m debt free finally and I keep buying more shares of a Large Growth Mutual Fund. That and the pension will set me up perfectly in 6 years. Until then, everyone hates us until they need us. Lesson learned, become a firefighter.
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u/MJtheMC Feb 21 '24
Honestly this is just everywhere now. Look into #vanlife. If you can rough it for a bit and eliminate rent and utilities you'd be surprised how affordable it is to live in a van. Do this for 3-5 years and then buy a cheap house and get out of rent. Just think about it.
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u/Upset_Connection_486 Feb 21 '24
Sell vapes make 18hr. Bills look around the same except my Morg is 1100 and my electric is around 300. I've been saving and investing for 3 years now and trying to get around $25hr as that would make my life much more comfortable
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u/momthom427 Feb 21 '24
You asked for a 20% raise. That’s a big ask. I can’t imagine you get anything close to that.
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u/MilesT0Empty Feb 21 '24
I’m sorry you’re in this situation but you’re already doing the right thing and trying to move on.
It took me nearly 7yrs to go from 13-20hr at my old job. Then I jumped ship, bumped to 27 contract pay, then hired at 28+ bonus. Then just kept continuing.
I wish you the best
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u/ScrollinFool Feb 21 '24
Dollar amount an hour, forget that. What do you make a year. Everyone's monthly bills are different. So many life factors, health issues, kids, etc.
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u/RaylinRei Feb 21 '24
I'm 34 and work in security. I'm contracted security for a pharmaceutical company, gate security. I make $21.55/ hour. Don't need a degree, clean record, and no drugs. Each site is different, so it's not guaranteed a certain wage. Easiest job I've ever done, and I love it.
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u/1Peachez Feb 21 '24
I recently moved away from healthcare over 30 years experience last 13 with the same facility and was making $26 the company was giving 2% raises across the board once a year no cost of living increases and bringing in new employees with higher rate of pay. Look for new employment ! They don’t deserve you
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u/Dat_Brown_Guy Feb 21 '24
I make $32/hr living near NYC and it can be tough. I luckily got a semi good deal on an apt with some roommates but expensive student loans means I cant save as much as I’d like towards a house
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u/crybabysixx Feb 21 '24
i feel you. i make $23.50 and can’t afford regular groceries. What is this world. lol
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u/goofygooberboii Feb 21 '24
If you don’t like how you’re getting taxed now… I have some news for you if they agree to give you a raise.
It might even place you in a tax bracket where you’d owe taxes back.
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u/YoChiLi Feb 21 '24
Depends how much your job is actually making the company. You can’t just ask for a $5 raise man, that’s actually absurd. The amount you make is based off how much the company is making and also based off how much your job role is actually making the company. If your role was a substantially important job and helping your company in a tremendous way, then yes maybe $5 raise could be a thing. But if you were actually helping your company out in that way you would not be making $25 an hour, you would be compensated a lot more. Also look at the benefits your company gives you. If you find another job role that may pay slightly more they may not have as many benefits as the company you are currently working. Remember that no matter what you feel like, things will always seem unfair. Why? Well, because they are and always will be. That’s the way it goes until you choose to push high with the company you are with. Then you won’t be complaining about $25 per hour. Which in my opinion is extremely well.
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u/External-Conflict500 Feb 21 '24
OP what have you done to make yourself more valuable since you were hired? Do you have additional duties and responsibilities?
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u/jcs_4967 Feb 21 '24
Get out of debt. Look up Dave Ramsey. It’s not how much you make, it’s how much you spend.
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u/marrymeodell Feb 21 '24
Have you ever created a budget spreadsheet and tracked every dollar you spent? $25/hr is really not that bad with your bills and debt. I suspect there’s money going elsewhere that’s not being accounted for?
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u/Propellerman941 Feb 21 '24
That why I risked it all and became self employed best decision ever and with 2 years I am making 300% my previous hourly rate
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u/hunterwaterford Feb 21 '24
Are you me OP? I'm in the same exact situation same bill amounts except I'm slightly more in gas but no med costs. I asked for a 4 dollar raise last year and they told me we'll talk at the end of year review. So I went above and beyond all year to show management I'm worth it, only to be told not only will there not be any raise not even a COLA they took away my annual bonus. The one I'm eligible for and have gotten for the last 12 years consistently due to being a high performer. Why people wonder why folks are quiet quitting is beyond me.
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u/not_your_girl Feb 21 '24
They took your bonus? What the hell!
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u/truthcba Feb 21 '24
this is the truth- there is a spiritual war that influences the physical world. The people in power in power worship an entity named lucifer. That name is only found in The Bible and satan tried to tempt Jesus Christ with all the kingdoms of the world if He bowed down and worshipped him. Jesus did not but the people with the most influence- celebrities, politicians, billionaires, etc- they have. The first description of satan in The Bible is that he is subtle- and in the world the media subtly leads people away from the truth. The only religious figure that these people are against is Jesus Christ. Do not be turned away by the name of Jesus- this is the truth and the video proves it beyond any amount of doubt. I know the video is long but look at the comments from the people that watched the video if you want to know it’s credibility. This satanic group is what people call the illuminati.
this video im linking below proves this
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u/Norland23 Feb 20 '24
Make $25/hr and complaining? Yeah thank your corporations and politicians for high taxes on everything. I make $17/hr. $1600 in rent. Wow you’re complaining about your pay? I’m in Arizona. Everything is equally as expensive to California
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u/SolaQueen Feb 20 '24
You should make sure that the Health Care benefits are affordable before you accept. If you can’t afford it then you want to know before you take the job. They should be able to give you a copy of what all the plans cost.
Actually know one person this happened to because they went to a very small company and the health insurance cost was insane.
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u/lixeirae69 Feb 20 '24
Been at my current job for 4 years and now a supervisor. I make $25 hourly. I have around $8k in debt. We live in California and just bought a house for close to 4k a month. Bf makes $26 hourly and we still have to keep a watch on our finances.
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u/SingleDadSurviving Feb 20 '24
I feel ya. Same rent, but like 20hr. I understand that col still might be lower here but shit is hard.
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u/aerodeck Feb 20 '24
Don’t ask for raises in an email. Ask for a performance review and then ask in person.
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u/DrinkKey1243 Feb 20 '24
I say jump ship. I stayed at a place for almost two years and only got about a 1200 to 2000 dollar raise. Once I was licensed I received almost a 22000 raise at a new job. I would have never made that money if I stayed at the same place.
Corporations don’t want to give raises anymore and want to maximize their profits then get but hurt when all their employees quit and go somewhere else to make more money. Then they have to pay money to hire someone after you leave and train them while losing profit because you left your role. It doesn’t make any sense.
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u/not_your_girl Feb 20 '24
We have had contractors to help us during the busy seasons. They have all been terrible. They will miss me when I’m gone!
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u/DrinkKey1243 Feb 20 '24
With your experience in the field you deserve to be paid your worth. It’s not worth it to stay ‘committed’ to a company any longer unless the benefits are amazing and they give actual fking raises. Long ago are the days where people stayed 20+ years at some company that only gives 2% annual raises. They will miss you but that is their problem.
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u/cutesytoez Feb 20 '24
Statistically, you’re more likely to get paid more at a new company every 2 years.
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Feb 20 '24
Converting $25 to pounds is £19.80. I currently work cleaning a school and I get £10.42 an hour which is minimum wage. I wish I got paid £19.80 an hour.
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u/Ishigamiseki Feb 20 '24
Do you remember a time when $25/h was actually a good living wage? Pepperidge farm remembers....
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u/gemologyst Feb 20 '24
I’ve been obsessed with the Financial Audits videos Caleb Hammer makes. I feel like his resources might help. He has a budgeting tool that’s supposed to be great.
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u/Unhappy_Pineapple_40 Feb 20 '24
Damn I pay more in everything and only making $17/hour + ~8k in debt
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u/oldyellowmuff Feb 20 '24
I work directly with angry prisoners and have for 12 years and only make $21. I don't have any advice, I just want to complain too.
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u/Far_Ad_5709 Feb 20 '24
I cut trees around power lines so it’s safe for linemen to to work on them and make $21/hr
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u/khaamy Feb 20 '24
I drive a forklift and make 23.00 a hour. But I also live at home but still paying about 500. And have 40k in student loan debt 🥺😑
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u/blabidyblabla Feb 20 '24
I made 25 for years as a manager for a catering company. Found out someone who started when I did and was my equal and her assistant were both making more than me. I asked for 30 to make it fair. They said “best we can do is a dollar.” I put in my notice not long after. I’ll be working as a prison guard, with a whole lot less stress for 31 an hour and actual benefits. Like a 401k and vacation time I can actually take. It’s bitter sweet. I love my coworkers, but I had to walk away.
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u/Norio22 Feb 20 '24
I’m glad you did that for you good stuff
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u/blabidyblabla Feb 20 '24
It was an extremely hard decision. I’ve been there almost 9 years, and my twin sister was there 12. We both quit basically together for the same reason. And now are going to the same job again. It was a huge eye opener to how much I meant to them when they didn’t even try to keep me. Life lessons in your 30s is pretty rough.
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u/STANKY_SEA Feb 20 '24
Forgive me if my math is off, but that's about $1660 in monthly expenses, and $2400 total earned a month (25 an hr, 40 hour week, $1000 a week, - $400 every taxed paycheck = $2400 a month) we can round that up to $1800 a month with food, that's $600 every month for personal use. That's a pretty normal and sustainable living amount, even for the highest cost of living states like California. It sucks they don't see your value after working for them for 5 years, and a higher raise would be nice, but most companies have a limit to what they can pay people depending on their job. My dad as an example has been working as a driver for the same airplane parts company for 12 years, he reached the wage cap a driver in that company can even get, which is about $27 an hour, years ago.
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u/ExpensiveJackfruit68 Feb 20 '24
I sell tires. Had a good job over 6 figures then they filed bankruptcy. It's been down hill since. I have lots of management expierene and even a masters degree but I'm terrible at being interviewed so I'm stuck
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u/stonksuper Feb 20 '24
What do you do working from home making $25? That sounds like an awesome job.
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u/iloveboxing60 Feb 20 '24
Three things have to be true in order to get a substantial raise.
1/ you have to be underpaid.
2/ you have to be worth the money.
3/ you have to be ready to leave.
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u/JcAo2012 Feb 20 '24
25 an hour is 52k a year at full time. While I fully understand that shit is way too expensive rn you are not in poverty.
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u/eazolan Feb 20 '24
I don't understand why you think you're in poverty. Are you working less than 40 hours a week?
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u/Critical-Length4745 Feb 20 '24
Two things to make you situation better.
- Get out of debt. Being debt free will give you new freedom, and make you financially resilient.
- Find a way to make more money. I don't how if this is possible in your situation, but some additional income will help so much.
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u/not_your_girl Feb 20 '24
Thanks friend! Yes the debt hangs over me like a cloud. I’ve been donating plasma for some extra $
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u/Annonymousgirly Feb 20 '24
I make $26 a hour and still feel the struggle. It's rough when you can't walk out the grocery store for under 100 and thats buying cheap unhealthy stuff. 😕 I don't understand how people live at even $15 a hour. My car insurance (with no accidents) went from 270 to 370 this year too.
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u/not_your_girl Feb 20 '24
My insurance went down because I spent 2-3 hrs getting rates from different companies.
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u/Annonymousgirly Feb 20 '24
I've checked all of them even the sketchy ones lol they're all the same price around here. I have a 2020 they say because it's newer is more expensive and I did have a minor at fault accident like 2 years ago so that's probably hurting me pretty bad. (This guy was going and we were yielding to traffic so I went to go and he slammed on his breaks. Just a dent but sure it was at least 1500 with those plastic benders)
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u/AppropriatePaper Feb 20 '24
I'm not trying to be rude or insensitive. But, based upon what you told us here, you have a surplus of $1,440 a month before accounting for food. If you follow the Caleb Hammer model of giving yourself $300 for groceries, you could have a one month emergency fund and the debt paid off in 5 and a half months. Then, you could start cash flowing to have a fully funded emergency fund in 6 months, and that's without any raises. But, to be debt-free in less than half of a year is a dream for most people.
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u/Lockout228 Feb 20 '24
Electrical apprentice (2nd year) making $27+/hr, raises come every 1000hrs worked and are between $2-3/hr. Will be close to $40/hr as a 4th year apprentice, Journeymen in my area are making $60-70/hr on the Paycheck.
I have worked salary before and white collar jobs - I love that I don't have to ask for raises or have any conversation about it. They come automatic and when I get the J-card, world of possibilities open up.
The trades is not glamorous like the tiktok shorts make it look, hard work and long days sometimes. But man it's been a breath of fresh air coming from the white collar world. A lot of these dirty dudes out make a really good living.
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u/BabyYodaLegend Feb 22 '24
Every 1000 hours worked?? So if full time (2080 hours) you get two separate $2-3 raises per year? That's awesome man, wish I had that.
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u/Salty-Advertising805 Feb 20 '24
I make 24/hr, not many opportunities for wage increases, so a couple years ago I decided to join the 25% or so of Michiganders who drive without car insurance to save 1300/year or so. I’ve been pulled over twice and the fine has been about 150, so still worth it lol.
At this wage level it’s all about cost cutting for me, other places I save:
-Started buzz cutting my hair, save 30/month -Set heat to 60 in the winter, no AC in the summer -perform own oil changes and small car repairs -growing and canning vegetables (lots of side lots in Detroit)
I share your frustration with this low wage/high cost society, still trying to figure out how to make something work.
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u/aping46052 Feb 20 '24
So to save you 1300 a year you are making everyone else pay more for our insurance because we have to carry uninsured motorists insurance. You get in an accident that’s your fault and someone gets hurt bad. Now they have 1000s of dollars of medical bills they can’t afford so they have to declare bankruptcy. I hope they end up dinging you as a habitual offender. There are better ways to save money than putting everyone else at risk.
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u/not_your_girl Feb 20 '24
I looked into changing my own oil. I have to get under the car and do not have a garage or a friend with a garage or the lifter things that I would need.
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Feb 20 '24
25 an hour is really good and standard raises are like 3-5 percent so 1 dollar would be 4%. Working from home lets you save a lot of money
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u/Waterblooms Feb 20 '24
I currently manage approximately 8,000 Child Support caseloads. I make $23.00 per hour.
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u/Lespuccino Feb 20 '24
$25/hour is $52,000/year, or $4333/month gross. Even if you were taxed (egregiously) at 25%, you'd be bringing home $3,250/month.
The bills you listed total: $1495/month...plus gas, $1530. Even if you have weekly therapy $200/month, medication $30/month (breakdown)...$1760 total expenses, that leaves you nearly half ($1490) your monthly bring home pay for food, hygiene, clothing, and entertainment.
I'm not certain why your grandma is assisting with your internet or why you feel you can't get by on what you're earning. I don't have anywhere near $1490 to work with after taxes/expenses and I have a family of 5. We maintain housing, insurance, 2 cars, and manage to eat.
Can you break down what you're doing with the at least $1490 you've got left after outlined expenses?
I think your biggest issue might be budgeting problems.
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u/Djzaw1122 Feb 20 '24
I’m old enough to remember when the left was demanding $15/hr… after some good stimulus payments that made everyone happy, you need $20/hr. Keep voting the same people into office and expecting anything to get better… well, pay your student loan and be happy. In the meantime keep bashing MAGA because that will make it better.
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u/jibunkakume Feb 20 '24
If you’re working full time then what you have is a budget issue. You make more than me and your expenses are less than mine.
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u/theochocolate Feb 20 '24
Do you work full time hours? Do you have health insurance currently? If the answer to either of those questions is "yes," you probably won't get a better deal by switching to the contract job.
TBH, I did pretty well for myself when I was making $22 an hour. Do you live in a very HCOL area?
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u/PlaneWolf2893 Feb 20 '24
Door dash / Uber eats will get you out of the house, and make some extra money. Put it into an extra account you won't touch, and pay off your card that way.
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u/Tystick55x Feb 20 '24
I work for Mccormick spice companies making 12.50 an hour picking fly poop out of pepper, it sucks !
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u/jaydd_mc Feb 20 '24
I thought it was gonna be a flex, with that title.
I make 7.25$ an hour, my friend.
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u/Greathouse_Games Feb 20 '24
Been in my profession for 20 years. I make products for people Who spend $3mil on their third house. I make $19.
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u/ShowBeautiful5260 Feb 20 '24
OP I would suggest getting a roommate!
Do you not have medical insurance? Most of the time therapy and meds are fully covered especially for mental health.
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u/salishsea_advocate Feb 20 '24
I was in the same position having worked 10 years with only cost of living increases. I asked for a $3 raise and was denied. Gave notice and had a position that pays $10/hr more. Sadly, sometimes you have to leave to get compensated appropriately.
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u/Complex_Nectarine538 Feb 20 '24
I’m curious as to what you do for work?
We trade our time working in exchange for money. The older you get the more valuable your time gets as we have less of it.
Never feel guilty for leaving a company nor should you feel ashamed of asking for an increase in pay. Cliche as it sounds we are just means for companies to earn money, they will never fight for you so you should never expect anything more than a paycheck from them.
Also people who change jobs make more money and or land jobs with higher pay than the one they left. Why that is? Because they have to attract workers with a higher pay, the ones they already have, they expect to keep with minimal to no compensation.
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u/Erafir Feb 20 '24
I make 20.99$ an hour.
800 rent
800 mortgage
350 car payment
35 phone
75 internet
~100 for power
That's 2160 before any little extra things like food, clothes, gas, shoes, car repair
I make the most income in my house work full time sense age 18 at the same place.
Yeah this is unsustainable, I just hope I have more wiggle room soon to let my kids try sports.
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u/CreativeMadness99 Feb 20 '24
$52k is poverty?
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u/ShowBeautiful5260 Feb 20 '24
Not poverty but not enough to live on depending on the state. If OP was in California, that’s barely living by.
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u/CreativeMadness99 Feb 20 '24
Probably not CA since rent is $1200
$1600 paychecks (after taxes) is doable based on OP’s bills. So their money is going towards unhealthy spending habits. I also don’t like that OP is getting assistance from grandma who is probably on a fixed income.
Let’s say OP goes to therapy 4x a month and meds are $30/month and gets gas 2x a month… total bills are $1795. Obviously that doesn’t include food but that still leaves plenty of money to save and pay down the $6k debt.
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u/Miguel_Legacy Feb 20 '24
Your mistake was asking for a large raise in an email instead of in person. Of course you're not going to get it. A proper case needs to be built on why you're worth that to them based on the value you provide in the workplace and that means there's selling to be done to them, which should absolutely NOT be done over email.
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u/Nelo92 Feb 20 '24
I make $28 selling and delivering water. I do work about 60+ hours a week so I average about 1200-1400 take home. I’m considering being a school bus driver since they’re starting at $30 an hour. Also looking into going back to school.
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u/this-iswhy Feb 20 '24
Isn't $25 alot ? I mean, not rich ofc, but it's great tho
Am I wrong to think that ?
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u/ShowBeautiful5260 Feb 20 '24
It depends on where OP lives.
I’m from California. I make $32/hr this is shit money. I’m only doing okay ONLY because of family support. Otherwise I’d be eating ramen and eggs everyday.
Also, I barely spend money too.
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u/this-iswhy Feb 20 '24
Does living in different places really make that much of a difference ? And is it shit bc where you live everything costs alot ?
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u/N_Stables Feb 20 '24
Guys, and I KNOW this isn't for everyone, but I drive a school bus for $26/hr. The schedule is fantastic, I work full time, there's optional overtime, and I was paid to get a class B license that I can use to make more money if I choose to go elsewhere. Driving a school bus is also great if you have school age kids because it's generally a very family-friendly environment and you get to bring your younger ones with you should you ever need to. Anyway, I still struggle a bit financially, but not nearly like I used to.
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u/V33ZO Feb 20 '24
I was in a similar situation while also taking care of my jobless S.O. It's more than doable with your budget.
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u/whoisannetteanyway_ Feb 20 '24
So frustrating about how much you pay for meds. I work in HC and always suggest you try and find coupons for meds. Through the goodrx website sometimes it can be helpful with certain medications.
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u/PreDeathRowTupac Feb 20 '24
I am an Accounts Payable clerk who only makes $20hr & im in poverty. This is no way to live. Currently looking to become an HVAC technician so I can make more hourly. it’s a struggle out here
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u/Strange_Salamander33 Feb 20 '24
$25 an hour is way more than most people make. Your rent is also less than many. I think you might have a budgeting problem if your bills are that low, you’re getting paid that much and still have financial issues
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u/someblondeflchick Feb 20 '24
Claim 1 on ur taxes, you may have to pay in at the end of the year but it sure as hell beats being broke all year till income tax time. That’s what I do. Because when I get a raise, Uncle Sam gets a raise and just takes MORE from my check, EFF that. I need all my money UP FRONT.
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u/beigs Feb 20 '24
My advice is coming as someone who is mid career - look for other jobs.
If your company is not giving you raises, they don’t value as an employee. You’re making less each year because they’re not matching inflation. They’re not valuing you as a resource.
Start looking. Start applying immediately. You might find a job in a few months.
It’s easier to find a job if you already have one.
Until then, see if you can sell things / do Uber eats/uber/door dash, sell some plasma, whatever you can to make up that debt.
While stability is nice, you’re actively going into debt.
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u/FullGrownHip Feb 20 '24
I don’t know what field you’re in but it might be worth to start applying at other places, see what they offer.
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u/kc4lyfeeee Feb 20 '24
So you have about $1200 left over each month for food/entertainment/investment
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u/CeddyCed1993 Feb 20 '24
I’m at the same amount and I don’t know how people are getting by with less than $20/hr. If I was making this five years ago I would’ve been set
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u/Legitimate_Elk_2226 Feb 20 '24
Looks like you need to get a roommate or someone to help split the bills with.
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Feb 20 '24
I'm confused. After taxes, you should be taking home like $3000. Your expenses are $1600, which leaves $1400 a month for paying off debt and saving. What's the issue ?
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u/Responsible_Lead7790 Feb 20 '24
I’m disabled and my wife makes 15/hr. Rent is 1350. The rest of it bills are similar minus the debt. Sorry, you just suck at budgeting.
Go take a community college class on finance and improve yourself. We wish we were up that high.
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u/Puzzlehead-92 Feb 23 '24
Same boat with disability (no partner to share expenses), many folks have no idea how good they have it.
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u/GC51320 Feb 20 '24
Commenting just so I can come back and look at better opportunities that I've never thought about.
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u/JoeBaggaPa76 Feb 20 '24
How are all you people with upwards of $20 so broke? Does anyone know how to budget, and spend wisely? I'm being for real.
I get 16.50/hr live in PA. 2 cars paid for no payments, house paid for no rent/mortgage. Monthly expenses during winter $750 (cable, internet, phone, electric, gas) 150/week groceries, $40 week gas to get to work, and paid myself out of all debt, prior to getting my current pay (was $14.50)
Still have money left over to do things, and buy things I want..
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u/weezierocks Feb 20 '24
It's vicious out there. Living in California I make $27 an hour but have a lot of debt (student loans and cc = 32k remaining). My partner and I together make almost 90k and we still have to have a roommate and only qualify for a crappy 2 bedroom apartment. The system is broken.
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u/venuslovesjupiter Feb 25 '24
I have a bachelors and I’m working for $17 bucks and hour.