First REAL job..salary expectations? Help, Suggestions?

[Gailete]

I am just so glad I don't have to go through job interview nonsense any more! Don't forget thought that a $5/hour raise isn't really $5, with taxes and SS, etc. it is more like $3.5-4.00/hour. Hard to think that way, but it is the same reasons that so many people with the really high incomes are so in debt and they don't know why. They spend like they make $250K but in reality are only taking home $180K a year after taxes and SS. Big difference. Then you toss in an extra 40 minutes a day of driving at the price of gas these days, you end up not really making all that much more. I know you have had the interview, but just some things to think about for the next time around.

[Starry436]

^^Very true, taxes truly takes a good bit of that so called "$5" increase. I turned down that job, but I'm sure for someone, it was a good fit.

I have another interview this week and this time the job is in line with my field. I am unsure of it's salary, it was one of those please tell us what you think you're worth deals. I just hope it goes well, and I get a better vibe at this place. I've still got 4 other applications out there all with an "under review" status. I keep hearing that salary is better than hourly...any thoughts on this?

We've been renting for going on 4 years here soon with our latest rent at almost $1,000, and we really want to think about purchasing a house at the end of this next lease. We don't want to buy on 2 incomes but I'd sure love to be able to save more for the purchase if we're able to. So please wish me luck on job hunting Also, if our lease ends next summer...when should we think about getting pre-approved for a loan and begin house hunting? I am not sure how long the process is, but I know finding a house will take a while around here.

[Gailete]

when should we think about getting pre-approved for a loan and begin house hunting?

My opinion, is when you have carefully figured out what you can afford house wise and I don't mean stretching the budget till it snaps to make the monthly mortgage, but what you should comfortably be able to afford to pay each month. Then find out how much house that gets you with that kind of payment. Then when you have saved up a 20% down payment. That down payments saves you the private mortgage insurance you would have to pay that can run fairly high depending on how big the mortgage is. On top of the down payment, you should also have several thousand for those incidentals of buying a new house such as paint, new curtains, furniture, lawn mower and garden equipment if you don't have that already. Fees for turning on gas and electric. All sorts of things came up. I will admit to have not followed my own advice here and bought a house for 10% down and carefully tracked the PMI so that the day I hit the amount we could quit paying I reminded the bank. If you don't personally remind the bank, you could end up paying that for a year or so depending on your bank. For me when I bought my house It was a stretch that first month, but after that, my mortgage payments were $200 less a month than the rent I had been paying.

Even while you are saving up for the down payment, go to any open houses you can to see what kind of place is available in your area for what kind of money. Don't forget you don't need a mini-McMansion even though everyone else thinks so. If you buy what you can truly afford and save your money, at the end of 20 years, you will be so much further ahead of the 'Jones' it won't even be funny. It is easy to give the outside world the appearance of wealth, but only your bank book knows for sure. Disney Steve is a great example of this.

[MonkeyMama]

I keep hearing that salary is better than hourly...any thoughts on this?

I don't know about that. I have only been salaried, post-college. BUT, I have so far refused to work for any firm that does not pay overtime in some manner. Since the field can be very heavy in overtime hours.

I suppose hourly compensation could be a red flag as to hours available? Might not be guaranteed 40 hours a week?

[Starry436]

Well I had my 2nd interview this week and the overall atmosphere seemed more in the direction im looking for. Although, the pay still hasnt been mentioned from anyone I've talked to..is this normal that they wait until they decide they want to hire you?

I'm also feeling a little under confident about my capabilities. When I step into their world and hear the duties of the job they sound very doable but then I wonder how long will it take for me to learn it without being an aggravation. I definitely don't have the strongest gpa and college has been hard for me so its become a challenge for me to think I deserve x amount of money for a job up front. My biggest fear is looking stupid when/if I start a new job.

[Gailete]

Well I've tried posting to you two times and the computer eats the note so trying again. As to money, this is normal in the majority of jobs I'm ever come across, unless it is in a tight job market for a particular skills. I never once got to suggest what my pay or benefits should be.

As to the other, they know you are new and you are expected to learn. So go in knowing what the company does, pay attention to who is who. Introduce yourself, ask others their name and what do they do there. You should have a mentor or someone in charge of your orientation and make the most of the orientation time and your mentors knowledge (and hope you get a good one). Dress nicely, neatly, with no body odor whether BO or perfume or cigarette smoke on you. You don't know who you will be working with and if they have allergies or sensitivities. Ask questions. Fess up when you goof and ask what you should have done. READ the big 3 ring binder that most places have of all the important stuff, like vacations, what to do with bomb threats over the phone, what can cause being fired, etc. I know when I worked at a jail for three years one of the things I kept in the back of my head at all times was if the inmates had taken over a part of the jail and I got caught there, what was the code sentence they would announce prior to coming in. The code meaning, hit the deck bullets may be flying. When I talked with the other nurses, NONE of them ever remembered reading that, because they hadn't read the manual at all. In our world today with terrorism and crazy shooters so rampant, that is especially something you should be aware of as it could save your life. Not meaning to scare you, but it is the reality of life these days.

Make sure you get plenty of sleep with no drinking for several days before you start work so you will be at your peak, bright eyed and bushy tailed as the old saying goes. And for goodness sake, be on time if not 10-15 minutes early. I couldn't believe it one day when a new hire sauntered in 15 minutes late on her first day. I explained to her that she needed to be her early instead of late and it was worse the next day, and another day didn't bother showing up at all. Well she was gone after about 2 weeks. It was like she was doing everything in her power to not keep her job. Do the opposite.