what would you do?

[Snoopy81]

Here's the scenario--I've been working at my station for close to 3 years. My first half year I was hired as a part-time photog at minimum wage, I was then given full-time hours(at least 40 hours) but kept at minimum wage, because they didn't have an opening in the budget for another full-timer. I do this for one year, all the while learning all the photog stuff; live shots, natpkgs, creative stand-ups all the basics, but necessary things. So there is a year and a half at minimum wage. During this year and a half I finish up my 4 year broadcast degree. So, they finally tell me they have an opening and I get a pay raise, benefits and insurance.

At the same time I am hired full-time, they hire another guy who has never picked up a camera before, no college education of any kind, and his only other job ever was in retail. So I work another year(up to 2.5) at this wage, and when it's time for my yearly review, I get told I am doing a great job and they are happy with me, but they can't give me my cost of living raise because of budget problems. Well that makes me a little aggrivated, then they tell me that they want me to become photographer/assignment editor and they change my hours, little more aggrivated. Then I find out that the guy they hired with me, that had no experience or degree, is making a dollar more an hour, outright mad at this point. I ask them to at least match me to what he is making, I get told no.

My chief tells me he doesn't know how it happens but his hands are tied. I don't blame the other guy, I mean I think every photog should be paid more, but I just wish I could make as much as he does. Obviously, I am looking for a new job and had a couple offers, but the offers aren't much more than I am making now, so nothing good enough to pack up and leave. I guess what bothers me is that I have nearly 3 years experience, a 4 year degree, feel like I've paid my dues and yet still making less than 20k a year in a midsize market. It's a respect issue in many ways, and what really scares me is if it could happen in other markets. I have literally gone up to everyone in the newsroom and asked their opinion on me and they all say I am a great worker, with a good attitude and easy to work with. I mean this is becoming a real big confidence killer, I don't feel like I am worth anything as a photog, and even less as a human. I mean should I stay and pay more dues, or should I take a job that's only offering me a few hundred more a year? Any suggestions?

[WestCoast]

I guess you have to ask yourself how much you like working at that station. Would you be happier at another station making not much more than you make now? Would they give you better hours?

You could always talk to your Chief. Tell him that you love working there and you don't want to leave and if his hands are tied regarding a pay increase perhaps they make it up to you in a better schedule. It would show that they value your work.

Don't talk dwell on what the other photographer is making. It sucks but it happens all the time.

[Sean-1966]

I hate to tell you but to save your self respect you need to leave now. No job is worth this crap. WALK!!!

[yellowbeta]

I second the motion, walk. If anything, your boss may try to give you a pay raise when your about to walk. I've seen that happen dozens of times.

[pinecone]

First of all, consider the last few years at this station to be paid graduate school.

If you have family in West Virginia you may be tempted to stay. I fell into the same trap. You can't eat those mountains and family can only help so much. Look for jobs within a 10 or 12 hour drive from where you live now. That way you can get home to visit by driving.

The last time I was a job seeker I turned down 3 offers until finding the right one. Each of the others had problems. The money was a joke. The ND was a drunk. The station was shaky and not worth my trust. But, I kept looking and never doubted my abilities.

Eventually, the right job came along. The company was solid and valued good people. It wasn't a lot more money per hour, but the overtime potential was way better. And there was a take home vehicle.

Sorry Gotta go

I think you get my drift.

[2000lux]

I say that if they don't appreciate you, it's time to find another job. If you want to stay in town, talk to the chiefs at the other stations. Ask them if they can get you more money. However, after three years you should have the skills to move on to a higher market. Put together a good solid reel and start shopping it around. Send it to places you'd want to live. Don't be intimidated my big markets. The worst they can say is no.

[News Grunt]

Basically they think that they don't have to reward you because you are already there. Some times stations take for granted that an employee likes working for them. Also since it sounds like you may have family in the area they believe that there is no way that you will leave. Do what the other guys have said. Put together a good tape, keep trying, and find the situation and place that best suits you. Then pack up your things and leave.

Don't feel bad about leaving. You don't owe them anything. It's easy to feel like you do since it is where you got your start and they let you grow as a photographer, but you have served them well. Try to leave with no hard feelings though. Sure you feel disrespected, but you never want to burn bridges you may need some of those people again some day. Thank them for the opportunities they gave you while you were there and head on to a new experience.

[illpete]

I would play the cards right. I tried the old promote me or I'll take this job in Orlando bit and management said, "good luck nice working with you." So I ended up at a dump station for a year and a half but I'm doing OK now. When you play those cards and you can't match the bet your screwed, so make sure you have a back-up plan. If your current station says get lost and gives you know more money then save your pride, take a dump in the stations yernal and get out of there.

[pinecone]

I my most important question - do you like being a photog? Do you look forward to doing your job everyday? Then you probably should look for more fertile ground to ply your craft. It sounds like current employer will always take you for granted and your will be hard pressed to get ahead there.

If being a photog is just another job to you then consider getting out and doing something else. You can be unhappy and make more money in another field.

I get a sense that you like the job, but not the station so here is my something very important to remember. When you look for a job keep it very quiet. I would come in at 5am on Sunday morning to make escape tapes. The newsroom was empty. Make 6 to 10 at a time so you can mail them out quickly when necessary.

Don't tell anyone you are looking. That is a huge jinx. The more people that know you are going on an interview the worse your chances of getting the job. It is an inverse proportion thing. I know it sounds crazy, but that is the way it is. I remember having to explain to a half dozen people why I turned down a seemingly good offer. That taught me a lesson. I got so superstitious that I wouldn't even tell my mother when I was flying out for an interview.

My most satisfiying moment in the whole process was walking into the ND's office and giving him my notice. He never saw it coming. And neither did 98% of the newsroom.

Make a list of questions that you want to ask a potential employer. Keep it in your back pocket all the time. Many times a chief would call me during the day and I was prepared. That is impressive to the person on the other end.

Have a really detailed list of questions ready if you get to make a station visit. Research the station. I had a ND blown away that I was so prepared. I know it raised my value in his head.

Don't get discouraged. Over a 6-month period I sent out 45 or so tapes and got about 8 calls from chiefs. Some lasted 5 minutes some more than an hour. Got lucky and had a few visits and ended up getting one pretty good job.

Hang in there.

[pre-set]

You're getting hosed. Leave.

[fotoman]

I just wish you were doing a good job now pinecone!!!
You slacker!!! just kidding.
pinecone is a hard worker...he is a good shooter.

[pinecone]

I just wish you were doing a good job now pinecone!!!
You slacker!!! just kidding.
pinecone is a hard worker...he is a good shooter.

Gee, thanx fotoman. If only you could be as hard a worker as your brother...

Late

BTW: you owe me lunch

[Goon]

I agree with Pinecone. Do your homework and leave. If you are not ready to leave the area ask around and find out who is the best station to work for. Maybe they can't offer you a lot more money but maybe they can teach you more stuff (non linear editing, lighting, SAT truck operation) Learn all you can there and then move on.

[Frank McBride]

The fact that you asked around and nobody had negative things to say about you or your job performance is reason for you to NOT question your abilities, and certainly not question your worth as a human, as you put it. It's understandable that your feelings would be hurt, but it's just business. Loyalty doesn't often flow both ways. Maybe not right, but just business.

If you realize that, then you can realize that you need to do what is best for you. That could mean leaving for more money in town or in another market. That could mean exploring staying where you are and seeking promotions to higher-paying positions.

You're in a good position. You got experience and your education at the same time, and this probably is a good time to make your next move. Just decide what is most important to you in your work, and go for it.

FMc

[DevinDavis]

Not sure what part of WV you're in, but WCHS in Charleston is looking for a shooter or two. In state would benefit both parties I'm sure.

Give the station a call 1-888-696-9247 tell them you're interested.

[Ace Of Nothing]

Leave, let them realize how much they took a good hardworking shooter for granted. Then lure the best of your former co-workers away to your new job.