Is there a way to climb out of the low-wage cellar?
for my career #doctor #engineer #teacher #nurse #police #manager #collector #co
5 answers
Kim’s Answer
Yes. While working in these low-wage jobs, do not treat them as "just a job." Treat every job with the respect of a professional position. Carry yourself as a professional. Take pride in the care of your work uniform. Master the art of customer service, it will be in demand at every higher position you pursue. Volunteer for extra duties. Step-up. Even if you don't get paid extra. It looks good on your resume. Be the "go-to" person--the one the other employees come to when they need help. This is where it all starts. Then, if you cannot move up with that company, after all that, go looking elsewhere. Go for manager-trainee positions. They don't all require college. Learn to be a supervisor/manager, even if in fast-food. It is a transferrable skill.
A word about school. MANY companies offer tuition assistance. Get a job with them, even if it is mopping the floors. That extra assistance makes it worthwhile. Consider the military, which will teach you leadership and give you money for school. Consider going into law enforcement or firefighting, both highly paid positions that do not require a degree. Or learning a skill, like plumbing, electrical, HVAC.
If you WANT to succeed, you will. If you don't want to succeed, you won't. Simple as that.
Hope this has helped?
Kim
Raymond’s Answer
The second part of this response address a slightly different question but still related. Are you happy in what you are doing? Money does not always equal happiness and as progress through you life there will be different stages where you have different priorities. Make sure in what every you do that you stay true to yourself and always access your priorities to make sure you are doing what is best for you, your family, and so on.
I hope this help,
Ray
sreejith’s Answer
Low-wage workers labor in many industries — retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, security, agriculture, and manufacturing. The working poor toil as retail clerks and cashiers, child-care workers, nurses aides, call-center operators, housekeepers and janitors, food-preparation workers, security guards, farm laborers, and sewing-machine operators.
Teresa’s Answer
I believe education is the best way to move out of a lower paying job to a higher pay. The difficult thing is getting the education while you are still earning a living -- for most people anyway. This is the reason for my advice to my children- "Get a degree before you do anything else!". The degree will give you more OPTIONS so you will have more choices as a degree holder.
Nick’s Answer
As others have correctly advised, work hard at everything you do, going above and beyond the basic requirements. Even more important than how it looks to your boss and resume, it will become your habit and power that you need to succeed.
Education is the solution. Of course, you need to be educated in the field of your choice. However, an advanced education brings other benefits. Well educated people have a better self-awareness and understanding of the world and culture, which helps them understand other people better, which is essential for successful career, not to mention a good life. Completing a degree indicates your ability to make and complete a commitment. Your efforts will be respected, perhaps by your employer who has a similar experience.
Companies often rank employees by their degrees as one objective factor in their evaluation process.
Break down your education goals into achievable steps such as a certificate or 2 year degree.
Your current job may be more valuable than you think. Check with your current employer about what degree would be useful to move up.
Lastly keep in mind that many people have started from the bottom, including some of the most successful. Don’t let your pride or any excuses or worry about how long it will take stop you. Just get started. Every small step of progress will be worthwhile.
Best wishes.