I'm going in for an interview on Monday for a new job. However I haven't worked in Art or Animation professionally.
I currently am a network admin working graves. I've gotten a raise there and it's the most I've ever made.
I don't want to lose ground I have gained in the "money" side of working if I switch around jobs. However since this other job is something more to my taste, and would be normal (FREAKING) hours I'd be willing to settle for less; I'm just not sure how much less.
Anyone have some good guidelines I could follow? I'm currently thinking 20% $/hour cut is something I could live with. Especially since I'd be going full time.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
20% sounds like an awful lot to my uneducated ears. Do you think this is something you can ask about in your interview (or a followup hiring interview?) I would. I'd be very honest about what you're making now and I definitely wouldn't let on that you're willing to take a dock. If you're qualified for the job and they want you with lower pay, they'll probably let you know to see if you'd be willing. Then you make the decision...but for now I wouldn't give any ground.
But then, I also like to watch Sesame Street now and then. Don't listen too closely to my advice. It's just 2 cents.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
I totally agree with Narnia. The rule is, "first person to say a number loses." Let them know how much you make/hour, and then make them say the first number.
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
Ask about the whole compensation package -- salary, benefits, 401K, pension, and perqs. I know people who work a job solely for the insurance coverage -- because they have a sick family member and the hundreds of thousands of dollars of healthcare that they use is worth to them more than the salary ever could.
Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
One of the things they teach us for interviews is that you should never name a figure, or else you're stuck with that figure.
-pH
Posted by Chreese Sroup (Member # 8248) on :
On the job listing it says: Payrate: Negotiable
I'm going to be hired at contract rates until later from what I was told the company will hire me on. They have done with many if not most of the other applicants.
I don't normally have any issues about this, except that I don't 'feel' qualified even though I really am. I just don't have any work experience in what I'd be doing with them.
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
quote:The rule is, "first person to say a number loses."
This is a very difficult game to master. If you really want to do this right, you must practice the conversation with someone. You need to think of every possible way to direct the question back at them. Look at job sites and they will give you samples. Do not be unprepared for this, you'll regret it, especially if you're serious about such a jump in pay.
Posted by Artemisia Tridentata (Member # 8746) on :
quote:Ask about the whole compensation package -- salary, benefits, 401K, pension, and perqs
Darn rights. With many "good jobs" the benefits package is worth one-third to one-half of the total real salary
Posted by Historian (Member # 8858) on :
First interview? Never talk money. Technically you should be you are looking them over as much as they are looking you over. if they ask:
"If you feel like my skills and talents can be a benefit to your company and you think I'm right for the job; I'm sure we will come to terms that are acceptable to both of us."
If s/he how much you currently make, flip it on them and ask how much they make. They will more than likely refuse to answer giving you an easy out. Just be very careful to not sound rude.
Finally check out http://www.salary.com they do list animators/cartoonists.. Sadly there were no listings for Gouda, but I checked Flagstaff, AZ where I know there is at least one studio.
If you are trying to be a "fat cat" animator let me know, I have friends in those parts.
Posted by Chreese Sroup (Member # 8248) on :
Checking salary.com makes me feel much better about the situation. salary.com says I should be making way more than I am now. So, I'm not really that worried about it anymore.
I was mostly just worried because I have lots of work experience in the "tech" world. And none in the "art" world.
Now, I'm just working my butt off to get back to where I was for a while. Thanks for all your help.
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
I wouldn't worry about less money because working not-in-the-middle-of-the-night hours is definitely worth the lost money.
Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
I'm sure you'll do well! When is the interview again?
Wow, salary.com makes ME feel a lot better, too.
-pH
Posted by Chreese Sroup (Member # 8248) on :
Monday, 9am.
I really am starting to HATE my current job. I hope this works out.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
salary.com didn't make me feel any better at all. It says the median pay level for my job is $10,000 per year more than I currently make, after being here five years....
Posted by Xavier (Member # 405) on :
quote:salary.com didn't make me feel any better at all. It says the median pay level for my job is $10,000 per year more than I currently make, after being here five years....
But do you work for a small company? They usually pay less than a large corporation.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
I'm 11 grand under the median, even though I'm way ahead of the curve for a recently graduated engineer.
Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
Dammit. You guys are scaring me again.
I like to pretend I'll be able to support myself on an MBA....
-pH
Posted by Chreese Sroup (Member # 8248) on :
I haven't look at what it says for my current job. Mostly because, I think I'm getting paid what I'm worth for the most part. Secondly, I'm working part time.
I've just started going up from minimum wage since one of my first jobs. I kept asking for what I was currently making before moving on to the next job. I felt like this was about to end, because I didn't think an 'artist' could make much money compared to a tech.
If you've found out you are below median, maybe look into getting a raise; Especially if you have been working there for any length of time, where you think you should be making more. Because you are Honestly worth more.
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It's just 2 cents.
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