How are you maintaing with the low wages in Tampa? (Spring Hill: insurance, how much)

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by Spring Hillian

Wow. They are hammering the unions.....

With good reason and I am an ex union member

[PDF]

Tampa is tough. Housing prices are increasing, and Tampa/Florida was never the best places for high wages to begin with. My base salary was 30k when I last lived in Tampa, and that could be considered "pretty good" by some.

[The Villages Guy]

Wages vary, so one cannot say the wages are low across the board. There are many factors involved and of course experience makes a big difference.

However, housing can be a big issue. Rents are going through the roof, so it could be very difficult for someone in an entry level position. Home prices have been hot as well, especially with limited inventory. I think this end of the equation "can be" tougher than the salary end. JMO

[Student66]

I'm not maintaining. I have a degree in Finance and am working in financial services back office operations where the pay is low. I am willing to go into something else if it will help me to actually somehow, realize the "American Dream."

I am behind in bills, underweight due to lack of funds for food, and stuck in deadlock traffic 3 hours each day trying to get to a job that simply does not cover all the bills. I am contemplating getting a 2nd job, but, that will just make me more tired and miserable. And yes, I have looked for other jobs. Contrary to the news reports, unless you are in certain industries, many of the jobs out there are low paying.

I like FL weather and no state income tax. Beyond that, nothing right now.

Sincerely,

Beans and Rice Bob

[BucFan]

Originally Posted by Student66

I'm not maintaining. I have a degree in Finance and am working in financial services back office operations where the pay is low. I am willing to go into something else if it will help me to actually somehow, realize the "American Dream."

I am behind in bills, underweight due to lack of funds for food, and stuck in deadlock traffic 3 hours each day trying to get to a job that simply does not cover all the bills. I am contemplating getting a 2nd job, but, that will just make me more tired and miserable. And yes, I have looked for other jobs. Contrary to the news reports, unless you are in certain industries, many of the jobs out there are low paying.

I like FL weather and no state income tax. Beyond that, nothing right now.

Sincerely,

Beans and Rice Bob

This is really interesting to read. I feel for you. I don't have a single answer related to your field of work whatsoever. I respect that you have a Finance Degree. I started with that intention at USF then looked around my classes, saw hundreds of other in my class who I saw I'd be fighting against to get work and my average grades and uninspired studies told me to do something different (joined Army, got GI Bill, returned to college ROTC, became a Nurse Corps Officer/RN). I know that you're a hugely capable person because that degree you earned took a ton of hard work and the curriculum was tough from what I remember.

But back to your problem, I'd be curious to see your balance sheet for expenses to see if there are things in your budget that one might consider excessive (cable, phone, car bill,entertainment). I hope you're doing what can to live beneath your means where possible. It sounds like you are by your food bill comment. So apologies ahead of time if that's the case.

Your case is a prime example of what these idiot politicians are preaching that they'll fix but I'm hugely skeptical about that.

In the military we pushed mentorship programs where our more experienced officers would informally take the young officers under their wings, give them career advice, show them the road forward. It helped me tremendously. I'm assuming that in the civilian world it's a very competitive dog eat dog world. The person you go to for advice might feel threatened that it's his/her job you're trying to take.

But, if you can find a mentor in your business - usually a level or two above you who you can talk to. (Or maybe someone in the same field but working for another company who you can become acquainted). Maybe not a formal mentorship, but at least figure out how the boss or other successful folks got to their position. What extra experience or education does he/she have. What added responsibilities did he/she take on to make themselves more marketable and valuable to the organization.

Are you going the extra mile for the company? Make yourself invaluable.

There are plenty of posters here who have worked their way through this maze. I'm amazed at the number of different jobs non-military professionals like yourself have in a career. I think I read people work 7-10 jobs a career and no longer work the 30-40 yrs with the same organization like our grandparents did.

I guess you need to be always looking 3-5 yrs out once you've got to the point in your current job where you're not making the wages or the challenges of the job doesn't match your financial needs or qualifications.

As far as the driving 3 hrs. Lesson learned about that. In my life, I always tried to live within a 20 min drive to my work. I know that's impossible sometimes, but in the future, don't anchor yourself down to your living arrangement until you know how far you'll be driving. It really affects your quality of life. I can't remember if you mentioned it in your original post above, but early in your career, you might have to share expenses with another (ie roommate). You might have one. It's a pain in the neck when you have a bad one, but while you're in the entry level of a career, this type of sacrifice might be needed.

If it's any consolation, I think things are looking better compared to six year ago when things were very bleak. Our country was losing hundreds of thousands of jobs a month and we were headed to a serious recession (or worse). I recall the numerous posts here where people where looking for work and chronicling their efforts. Having a job today is like gold, it seems. Lots of people fighting for limited jobs. If you can hang on, get experience, keep adding to your skill set hopefully the economic cycle will improve in the coming decade for folks like yourself. These days of eating Top Ramen will teach you a life lesson to live beneath your means, pay yourself first (save your money), and don't buy needless material things.

[hokiepoke]

Coming from a different point of view, this was a reason why I was not able to come to Florida in my twenties out of school as much as I love the weather and beaches here. Back then cost of living in FL was low but also there were lack of opportunities for good pay for entry level in my field. I ended up building my career elsewhere (DC, Dallas, and a short stint in CA) where there were greater opportunities with better career advancements. Note that I said "greater" and "better", not that it doesn't exist in Tampa/FL in general -- just that it may be easier to attain elsewhere overall. I worked two jobs too back then because when you were young and full of energy and drive, you worked hard and played hard. Now that I'm later in my career and climbing the ladder is no longer a priority, I can be in Tampa where I can hopefully coast to the finish line.

I continually tell my kids that the US is a big place and the world is global -- don't limit yourself to where you grew up and went to school. Break out and go find your success out there and you may have to give up some things to get other things. I think I gave up my sunshine and nice weather in my younger days to trade for a decent career and stable finance so that later on I can have it all.

[Tim Tim Tim]

Originally Posted by BucFan

In the military we pushed mentorship programs where our more experienced officers would informally take the young officers under their wings, give them career advice, show them the road forward. It helped me tremendously. I'm assuming that in the civilian world it's a very competitive dog eat dog world. The person you go to for advice might feel threatened that it's his/her job you're trying to take.

But, if you can find a mentor in your business - usually a level or two above you who you can talk to. (Or maybe someone in the same field but working for another company who you can become acquainted). Maybe not a formal mentorship, but at least figure out how the boss or other successful folks got to their position. What extra experience or education does he/she have. What added responsibilities did he/she take on to make themselves more marketable and valuable to the organization.

Are you going the extra mile for the company? Make yourself invaluable.

**Not directed at the OP**

I never went through the military, but as a 28 year old with no college experience, the mentorship approach and desire to do more with your life will out weigh almost any degree regardless of what people feel that they are worth.

The issue is, most people don't have the drive. They get a degree and feel that it is their ticket and its smooth sailing now, unfortunately a lot of jobs can be taught to people without the degree by specialized training or on the job style training.

I read this article on Forbes yesterday and it really summed up exactly how I feel is the best way to get to where you want to be. Forbes Welcome

Its funny, I considered a move out west and couldn't see how I could possibly afford it, judging by all of the job opportunities similiar to mine, the pay was 15-20k less and the housing is significantly more expensive

[The Villages Guy]

Originally Posted by Student66

I'm not maintaining. I have a degree in Finance and am working in financial services back office operations where the pay is low. I am willing to go into something else if it will help me to actually somehow, realize the "American Dream."

I am behind in bills, underweight due to lack of funds for food, and stuck in deadlock traffic 3 hours each day trying to get to a job that simply does not cover all the bills. I am contemplating getting a 2nd job, but, that will just make me more tired and miserable. And yes, I have looked for other jobs. Contrary to the news reports, unless you are in certain industries, many of the jobs out there are low paying.

I like FL weather and no state income tax. Beyond that, nothing right now.

Sincerely,

Beans and Rice Bob

What type of company and work do you do? Our son moved from NC to here and he is now making in the $60's, working in finance for a large finance company. I believe he works on the back end of commercial loans. Now he had years of experience, as he went to college full time and worked full time at a bank, at the same time. So he was ahead of the game by the time he graduated. He also volunteered for any extra work he could find, to gain exposure to different aspects of the business. Vast knowledge is the key to keeping your job in lean times and moving ahead in good times.

You definitely do not want to work in bank branch offices, but instead work in corporate offices or finance companies. Big difference in pay.

[cjrudy]

I'm sorry but to those out there with degrees in finance or those that are lawyers, if you are only making peanuts then you are definitely doing something wrong. Anyone here in Tampa with a degree, the rights skill and experience can make a good salary.

I am in IT and make higher wages then I did in Buffalo, NY with a lower cost of living. We also just bought a new home for much less than we would have paid in NY.

[sinatras]

The OP makes valid points and people who say wages here are not low are kidding themselves. They are very low compared to other states. I still remember someone posted in this forum a few weeks ago that if you are not making six figures here, you need to get another job. Oh yeah, simple as that!

Oh yeah, and BucFan, going the extra mile for the company in my experience has yielded absolutely ZERO raise or benefits,, and many many COSTS (less time for health, family, etc.).