I like my job but I feels as if I'm being used?

redvelvetflames4ever

In agreement with Rocklady and Orlando M. Your dedication to your work and concern is absolutely admirable. Unfortunately, I feel you are being horribly taken advantage of. I would bet a years salary they have received enough money in there budget to increase your salary over the course of 11 years. It is no secret the types of organization you work for are more concerned with stuffing there own pockets (administration) and leave the employee's with barely a nickel raise. Because of your years in this field I would consider looking for better paying position in the same field and do not sell yourself short. I am sure you are more than capable of fulfilling a management position. Speak to your boss about this. I doubt very much they would want to lose someone so dedicated and who has been with the company for so many years.

TheRockLady

Unfortunately you are in a career that suffers from constant budget cuts and issues. Most people in your field do so out of dedication and love for the people you service, not the expectation that they will make alot of $. Unfortunately most social worker type jobs are like that. Perhaps you can talk to your supervisor. He/she will of course say there is no $, but if you can show how much you do and how great the impact would be if you left, he/she might be able to squeeze a few more dollars for you. ALSO, you might try to become somewhat of a "grant specialist". If you can track down funding, you can help yourself, the org you work for, and of course, your kids. Talk to your boss about it and see if he/she knows of ways you could look for $ that he/she hasn't had time to pursue. Get with peers in career for ideas, contacts. Thank you for what you do!

Orlando M

You are a very civic minded person and I appreciate your
concern with juveniles. However, I believe that this is the right
time that you give a thought of working some place where
you can you use your expertise and dedication at a much
higher salary. It doesn't mean that you have been less
dedicated if you leave now, but you have also to think of
your future. Imagine working for so many years without your
management making a move to acknowledge the services
that you have rendered. Move on and find another job
commensurate to your qualification.

Landlord

Only you can decide to stay or go. You may want to think about getting some more education to qualify for a better paying position.

Shisuren

It seems like right now your battling two and two. Money is important, we need it to grow, we need it to live. The world is materialistic, money is most defiantly important. Kids though, they need you, they have a bond with you and trust you... Its really your own decision. In a job, would you have to start at 8$ an hour and work your way back up again? Or could you just talk too your current boss about this situation.. Good luck

celtjade

What is your education level? Would you qualify for a higher rate of pay if you increased it? Does your employer offer tuition assistance? If you work for a governmental mental health entity, they may even offer time off, with the guarantee of a job when you return, while you add to your education level. Is there a professional organization/group where others who do the same work as you gather. This group may be able to provide promising job leads that pay better but still allow you to work with the juveniles. I understand what you mean about working with the kids. I volunteered for a semester to teach shakespearean literature to juveniles who were held separate from the general juvenile population until it was determined whether or not they would be tried as adults by the court. At the time, most of them treated me like I was definitely less entertaining than the ataris they had in their cells. However, one of them (out of a group of 8) has since left the "system" to on to get a BA and an MA in english literature. He has also founded a group which has latino college students go back to their neighborhoods to create support groups as an alternative to joining gangs. This past year I was treated to a performance of the first play I taught (Othello) by his drama group.

You also need to start keeping track of the "little extras" that you do on the job. Keep a record of it at home as well. You can use it when you get your next performance review or you can use it to buff up your resume when you apply some place else.

If you have a trusted superior, sit down with them and ask them the same questions you put forward here. Ask if it is a matter of your performance that prevents a pay increase or is it a budgetary issue? If you work for a non-profit entity, it may be the budget issue. Frequently mental health professionals who work for non-profits make substantially less than they would in the open market. The trade-off is usually job satisfaction or obtaining professional experience.

Are you making enough to live on? If not, start looking for another job in the same field or for supplementary work. You are incredibly blessed to have found work you enjoy which is worthwhile and has monetary reward. You are ahead of 70% of the working population in that regard.

chapinero

You might want to talk to your boss about a raise. If this doesn't help, make a plan, what you'd like to do.

Once you've figured your "dream job" start learning all you need for it. Take classes in the evening, read books, make your boss pay for some trainings for you, etc.

As I assume you are somewhat older (because you talk about "juveniles"), you might also plan ahead for your retirement. Why not start a small online business besides your work, that will be able to sustain you in 3-5 years?

http://retire.sitesell.com/cgi-bin/adb/adb.pl?code=6332&src=4889

Glorbly

Look for a less-demanding, high-paying job while still employed so you can quit once you get the job. Give up the juveniles, it will work out better. Maybe you can find another or similar job with the same.

linda

You must decide, which is MOST important to you, money or job satisfaction and respond based on that decision.

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