Looking at the menu, especially in a fine restaurant, most tend to glance—first—at the right hand side of the menu—prices. If you don’t have to worry about the cost, of course, you just cruise down the left-hand side and let your taste buds go wild with anticipation. And if you’re really doing well, and in one of those kinds of restaurants, there are no prices. It’s understood that you’ll pay whatever the cost; no worries.
Lately, as I’ve been cruising job ads on Craigslist, I’ve become quite aware of the RIGHT hand side of the “menu.” At first, I let myself get excited about particular positions, ones that sounded quite interesting and required top-notch skills, ones that asked for 4-year degrees and strong work ethic and above-average knowledge of computer programs or attention to detail, thinking surely they were offering a solid salary. But, just as I was about to click on the REPLY tab, my eye would catch the little “compensation box” that read: $9.00 or $10.00 per hour. What? Next! Lately, I’ve seen more where the little box will read: DOE. They don’t want to scare people away before they even apply.
I realize it’s a tough job market, but what happened to fair compensation for a job well done? All I know is, I am thankful for the job I have now; although it’s part time, I make a decent wage of $15.00 per hour, and all the while—as I’m keeping in mind that right hand side of the “menu,” I will continue to talk to those bright shiny pennies I come in contact with, those who aren’t willing to settle for a JOB ( just over broke someone once told me) and who are open and looking for something that can truly set them free. I have this at my fingertips. It’s just a matter of digging in and putting in some sweat equity. There isn’t any more time to waste.
The post The Right-hand side of the menu (i.e., compensation) first appeared on Carrie Pepper.