#Underpaid #JobSearch #CareerAdvice #SalaryNegotiation
So, TIL I’m being underpaid in my current role as a Sr. IT analyst at Lockheed Martin in NJ. 🤔
Here’s my situation:
– Working as a contractor
– Making 47k annually
– Taking home about $600 a week after taxes
– Two years of professional experience in multiple companies
– Non-degree holder but has A+ Cert and working on Network+
Questions running through my mind:
– What should I be looking for in my next job?
– Why am I having trouble getting hired? Is it my resume?
Possible solutions I’m considering:
– Researching industry standards for IT analysts’ salaries in NJ
– Updating resume with key skills and accomplishments
– Network with professionals in the field for job opportunities and advice
Any tips or insights to share for improving my job search and salary negotiation skills? Let’s discuss! 💬🔍 #JobSearchHelp #CareerGrowth #SalaryDiscussion
That crazy low salary for a “Sr IT Analyst Position”
Wow $47k as a Senior Engineer that’s isn’t a lot of money. I don’t know anything about aeronautics but I think people who make planes safe to fly should earn a lot more than that.
No offense, but your resume is not why you’re underpaid. You’re underpaid because you took a job that doesn’t pay much. That’s not a complex formula.
What should you do? Skill up and look for permanent, full-time roles, not contract gigs. The market is pretty shitty but you have a job, so right now is the best time for you to be looking.
>What should I be looking for?
If you don’t know this, you WILL NOT move on. Figure this out first.
I never get threads like this, like someone is shocked that they make what they make. How dare the contractor firm pay me what we agreed up, well I never!
You deserve better scratch than that for your position. I thought that Lockheed Martin would pay you way better for your work with their reputation.
I really wish you luck, and hope you get an better wage. The job market is kind of bad I know, but you can make it to a better spot. Just have to cross examine where you are to where you want to be and what factors are in your way and finish your personal gap analysis. Rooting for you buddy!
Probably the resume though NGL as that is heavily automated now by AI and it cuts out a lot of good candidates that a human would not.
Your resume is very crazy!
I’d be happy with $600/week to be honest. If you don’t want your job, I’ll take it. I am A+ and Net+ certified.
You have two years experience and you’re a Sr analyst? I think you’re going to have to lower your expectations for your next role if you’re still looking for Sr. roles.
Honestly as usual people on here jump right to the you need to job hop thing ignoring that for one thing you are a contractor for two its fucking lockheed martin. I would try to get on their actual permanent IT staff if there is any somewhere. They have shit all over the place too its probably a bit easier if they already kinda know you.
To give you an idea, I was earning your salary three years ago (in NJ) when I was just under six months into IT with only an A+ certification.
I hate to say it but it’s the lack of a degree. Enroll at WGU and get your Bachelors and you’ll never see less than 55k again (unless you choose it.)
It’s also easier to not get pigeon holed into contractor spirals where you go from contractor job to contractor job and never get hired on.
I’m in the same boat as you (although I have more experience and certifications) and I’m still hovering around 50k (but I’m also working in K12 IT so I’m definitely underpaid) but them I’m using that time to upskill and get my BS in Cybersecurity and then leverage those both.
The new trifecta is: Bachelors, Certs, Experience.
Sounds like you aren’t being underpaid, if you can’t get a job with a higher salary. Other people that you assume have your skillset making more doesn’t set *your* market value. Remember that.
I almost fell over when I saw the 47k. NJ salaries for IT are awful. I started my career out there I should know. For any senior level position I would think a penny less than 75k seems much too little. Anyone else here feel free to chime in.
1. If you work for an employer you are underpaid
2. If you’re willing to work for the kill-kids company you deserve to be