Quote:
Originally Posted by disneysteve
Be glad you aren't a physician. My pay has been flat for several years. We lose purchasing power year after year. If Congress doesn't step in, Medicare is set to cut physician reimbursement by 10% in 2008 so we'll see our income drop even farther.
|
I've graduated 6 years ago and must admit that I have been quite lucky. At my previous employer (a large law firm - I'm a corporate attorney), I received raises between 10%-15% each year (even in bad years like 2001-2002 when the firm was simultaneously laying off attorneys) + bonuses which were preset based on billable hours. Since last year, I joined a client of the firm. The place has a collective bargaining agreement. Each year has a 3% COL raise + raise related to additional year experience. I accepted the lower pay that my new employer offered in order to gain much better working hours and a nicer work environement. I would have balked though at the thought of not getting at least COL raises. At the time of my work change, I was offered positions at two major compagnies and a government position which really interested me. All also contained at least COL raises.
I may have been spoiled without noticing it, as this is all I have experienced. I haven't been in the work force for too long though, harsher times may come. Funny how things can easily get taken for granted.