Money - Work.

[BlooArmeh!]

I don't see a problem with any of what you say. You are fortunate enough to be in a position that you can take your time to find something that you want to do & why not take advantage of that?

I have taken jobs that I knew I would not want to be doing for the rest of my life. I initially viewed them as short-term, but they tended to last for a lot longer. I became comfortable where I was & took on commitments outside of work (e.g. loans) that made it incredibly difficult to go into other employment on similar or better money. I seemed to find myself trapped in a job that I didn't enjoy & I didn't want.

People talk about career changes as if it is available to everyone. How do you re-train for another career & still afford to keep a roof over your head & food on the table? Some people are risk takers & some aren't. It was a major leap of faith for me to go self-employed & I had no way of knowing how it would pan out. It could have quite easily been a mistake, but has turned out to be the best decision I have ever made.

Your working life is a long one & why shouldn't you want to find something that you see yourself enjoying & doing for a long time? Good luck with whatever you decide to do!!

Thanks, I really appreciate it. It's good to hear someone who understands my point of view - I'm often criticized for my lack employment. I praise your courage in taking the leap of faith, and hopefully you'll see the benefits of this risk pay off, both financially and in your quality of life.

I wish you the best of luck with your business - may your gardening be fruitful in every sense of the term. (I apologize, that was terrible...)

Thanks again.

[BlooArmeh!]

• What's Your job (If you have one...There is a separate part for the unemployed.) Self Employed Internet marketing.
  
• (Optional) What's your salary/wage? depends really how much work you put in through the year, 20k-30k is the minimum, this could the be the year though!
  
• Is this a fair amount? Yes, considering the hours worked and benefits of working for yourself.
  
• Is the salary/wage representative of how much work you do? yes that's why I am doing it.
  

Thanks for your input. Can I ask how you came to the decision to do this as a job/career? Also, is it something you enjoy doing or are you doing it purely for the financial returns?

[The Year Of The Fox]

Got in to a debate with a fellow unemployed student about salaries the other day and thought it would be interesting to hear your views on it,

The questions are;

• What's Your job (If you have one...There is a separate part for the unemployed.)
  
• (Optional) What's your salary/wage?
  
• Is this a fair amount?
  
• Is the salary/wage representative of how much work you do?
  

The unemployed part:

• Are you actively job-seeking?
  
• If yes, are you often put off by lower paid jobs?
  
• If no, why?
  
• And lastly, do you feel there are enough incentives to work at the moment? (Does it work out better for you to be on benefits than at work...)
  

I have never been in full time employment, due largely to not needing one (Not gloating in the slightest. Luckily my parents are willing to put me up, but I do not live a privileged lifestyle.) so the idea of having a wage is alien to me.

My parents are relatively comfortable, but have previously suffered financial issues. They have both however, kept the same job for upwards of 15 years... So they must be relatively happy.

Yes, I'm perfectly aware this is subject that is rather raw/touchy, so if you're at all offended by this, I sincerely apologize. My intentions are not to be nosy or to irritate people, but to merely get your opinion.

Thank you in advance.

Oh, and one last thing - If you'd like somewhere to vent your frustrations about your work, then feel free to do it here.

The questions are;

• What's Your job (If you have one...There is a separate part for the unemployed.)
  
• (Optional) What's your salary/wage?
  
• Is this a fair amount?
  
• Is the salary/wage representative of how much work you do?
  

Plumber Admittedely an apprentice, albeit an old one at 26

****in shite Basic before tax £15500 Though with OT this year its going to be more like 18k

Is it bollox

Is it bollox

I'll expand a bit further. I'm a qualified plumber, doing my Level 3 which will include the gas side. Once I've finished that in June my wage will roughly double. Having said that, I know for a fact on jobs (which don't involve gas work) they charge me out at the full rate as they would do with any other plumber on our firm with their gas. I was doing my level 3 a few years ago, but then got made redundant so had to leave the course too.

In fairness I'm on no less than the other lad who was doing his level 3 a few years ago, but he was 19/20 I'm 26 with a mortgage and do (by all accounts) far more work on my own than he did at the same stage.

Spoke to the bosses about a rise, but they've just said I'll be getting one as soon as my gas is finished.

They are great bosses though. If I wanted half a day off tomorrow for whatever reason, I'd get it. Plus they're massive city fans!

Plumbing in general has to be one of the most difficult jobs out there. The problems you encounter, and the potential outcome of any mistakes you make are huge. In my case with my current wage I could go and stack shelves and earn more money. In an average plumbers case I still don't think the salary suits the responsibility that you have.

In other words Heggsy, find a better job!!

[FoxyPV]

A completely fair post. I'm currently doing a degree in Public Relations and Marketing. I have a reasonably high workload, Which means looking for a job that fits in with my schedule is difficult. I'm aware of how this may be perceived as being 'twattish' but I quite simply don't need a job. My view on things is that I'm likely to spend the rest of my adult life working full-time (Hopefully.) so the longer I can effectively stall starting work, the better.(I'm aware that I sound like an utter tit here, for that, I apologize.) My parents are more than willing to look after me for the time being as their joint income is relatively large. I'm hoping to go in to business management in the future, but to be honest I'd be open to any kind of job - initially, anyway.

So yeah, to summarize, I'm not seeking employment because right now I don't have to. But I will certainly be looking for employment in the near future.

Surely having had a part time job will look much better on a CV than not having one, unless you are doing loads of voluntary work in your chosen field.

[whoareyaaa]

Thanks for your input. Can I ask how you came to the decision to do this as a job/career? Also, is it something you enjoy doing or are you doing it purely for the financial returns?

done an apprenticeship when I left school and was working in construction for about 4 years after then I got laid off, had to find another source of income and didn't really want to do the same job again as I didn't enjoy it. been on pc's since a kid and as the internet was expanding I thought I would give it a go, opened up a online company.. ran that for 2 years then sold it and for the last 2 years I have been working in the internet marketing sector.

As well as financial gains I do enjoy it yes very much, there is always a goal to achieve and your doing new stuff every day and im not one to sit around doing nothing. Plus your actually working towards something instead of just looking to pay the mortgage off or get pissed on a Friday when you've been paid. but you have to be prepared to put the work in or you simply wont get paid.

[FoxyPV]

Plumbing in general has to be one of the most difficult jobs out there. The problems you encounter, and the potential outcome of any mistakes you make are huge. In my case with my current wage I could go and stack shelves and earn more money. In an average plumbers case I still don't think the salary suits the responsibility that you have.

In other words Heggsy, find a better job!!

Unless you qualify and get some experience, then apply for an apprenticeship for your local water company. It usually a good wage, benefits etc

[The Year Of The Fox]

Unless you qualify and get some experience, then apply for an apprenticeship for your local water company. It usually a good wage, benefits etc

What, fitting water meters etc?

I'll certainly be seeing my gas out with this firm. As I said, they're fantastic bosses, the variety of work is brilliant, you wouldn't get better. I am fairly experienced realy, definitely so for saying I'm a Level 3 apprentice. I've been plumbing for 6 years.

I'd expect using people I could sub out to and finding my own work, I could become self employed and earn much more. The stress involved though sometimes isn't worth it.

You tend to do a job round someones house, (say its something like swapping a leaking radiator) which you complete, the customer then complains that a radiator elsewhere in the house isn't working, but was working previously. You inherit problems in other words. You get a few customers playing funny buggers then you soon end up losing money not gaining

[BlooArmeh!]

The questions are;

• What's Your job (If you have one...There is a separate part for the unemployed.)
  
• (Optional) What's your salary/wage?
  
• Is this a fair amount?
  
• Is the salary/wage representative of how much work you do?
  

Plumber Admittedely an apprentice, albeit an old one at 26

****in shite Basic before tax £15500 Though with OT this year its going to be more like 18k

Is it bollox

Is it bollox

I'll expand a bit further. I'm a qualified plumber, doing my Level 3 which will include the gas side. Once I've finished that in June my wage will roughly double. Having said that, I know for a fact on jobs (which don't involve gas work) they charge me out at the full rate as they would do with any other plumber on our firm with their gas. I was doing my level 3 a few years ago, but then got made redundant so had to leave the course too.

In fairness I'm on no less than the other lad who was doing his level 3 a few years ago, but he was 19/20 I'm 26 with a mortgage and do (by all accounts) far more work on my own than he did at the same stage.

Spoke to the bosses about a rise, but they've just said I'll be getting one as soon as my gas is finished.

They are great bosses though. If I wanted half a day off tomorrow for whatever reason, I'd get it. Plus they're massive city fans!

Plumbing in general has to be one of the most difficult jobs out there. The problems you encounter, and the potential outcome of any mistakes you make are huge. In my case with my current wage I could go and stack shelves and earn more money. In an average plumbers case I still don't think the salary suits the responsibility that you have.

In other words Heggsy, find a better job!!

Great post! I'd like to ask a question, if I may. Once you've done your level 3, would you still be an apprentice? Also, I was led to believe (By that documentary on Pimlico Plumbers...) that Plumbers earned quite a lot - really quite a lot. It was something I was really surprised about as I had always viewed it as being a 'normal' job. (Excuse my ignorance...) What sort of responsibilities do you hold and what sort of repercussions are involved if mistakes are made? Thank you in advance.

[FoxyPV]

What, fitting water meters etc?

I'll certainly be seeing my gas out with this firm. As I said, they're fantastic bosses, the variety of work is brilliant, you wouldn't get better. I am fairly experienced realy, definitely so for saying I'm a Level 3 apprentice. I've been plumbing for 6 years.

I'd expect using people I could sub out to and finding my own work, I could become self employed and earn much more. The stress involved though sometimes isn't worth it.

You tend to do a job round someones house, (say its something like swapping a leaking radiator) which you complete, the customer then complains that a radiator elsewhere in the house isn't working, but was working previously. You inherit problems in other words. You get a few customers playing funny buggers then you soon end up losing money not gaining

Depending in what function you train up in, you could be working in the big treartment works (water or sewage), looking after the distribution mains and fittings which feed everyone's household water, dealing with customer complaints, working in the repair and maintenance squads or working with contractors and the likes on housing development sites.

A couple of the guys who have taken early retirement went back into household plumbing and having worked for you local water company usually does your reputation much good.

Electricians are also required on the big sites to ensure the pumps etc are working. Mechanics are always required.

It's working looking at their vacancies page regularly just to see if there is anything coming up.

[The Year Of The Fox]

Great post! I'd like to ask a question, if I may. Once you've done your level 3, would you still be an apprentice? Also, I was led to believe (By that documentary on Pimlico Plumbers...) that Plumbers earned quite a lot - really quite a lot. It was something I was really surprised about as I had always viewed it as being a 'normal' job. (Excuse my ignorance...) What sort of responsibilities do you hold and what sort of repercussions are involved if mistakes are made? Thank you in advance.

No. In theory I don't have to be an apprentice now. You can do your gas once you;ve done your Level 2 and supplied enough gas evidence working with a qualified gas engineer. The level 3 route will include gas, and other aspects (unvented cylinders) which is another qualification (though an unsafe unvented cylinder is just as dangerous as a gas explosion) Its just the route the firm wanted me to take- fine by me, college every Friday and home for 3pm is great.

Pimlico Plumbers are a bit different. First thing to realise is that they're from London so prices per hour will be much greater than outside the M25.

Some plumbers DID earn a lot a few years ago before the recession. I know plenty who consistentley earned £1k a week, one who once earned £2k in a week. These are site plumbers though where there is actually very little skill involved, it's literally thrown into your house. They don't give a toss about the quality either as often the company has another team of plumbers going round rectifying mistakes.

Repsonsibilites? Everything you can imagine really. As I say I'm pretty much one of the lads really. None of the fully qualified lads think of me as an apprentice, I run my own jobs etc and am trusted to do so. Responsibilites for a Gas engineer?? You're playing with people's lives. You're signing something off (a gas fire as an example) as safe to use. Now if on the same day you sign that off, a pigeon falls down that chimney and blocks it up, it could EASILY cause a death by carbon monoxide poisoning. You'll be investigated to high hell in court. The law leans against you big time. How can you prove the pigeon fell down after you'd left the property??!

I got a phone call yesterday off a friend who lives 5 doors away. She's a single mum with two kids in a rented house. She can smell gas near her boiler. Not a good sign. I know exactly how to go round and put a test on the gas to make sure its not leaking, but because I'm a plumber without my gas (rather than a DIY er) I couldd easily be prosecuted for touching that gas control valve. All I could do was tell her to turn the boiler off, open the windows and operate no switches etc, and to get in touch with her landlord via the setate agents. She has an 8 week old kid ffs and I'm telling her to turn her heating off off and open the windows!!

Something went wrong on Thursday- I was working at a hospital in Marke Harborough on my own. A radiator valve virtually split on me. Gallons of scalding hot water shooting out in this small waiting room. I struggled big time, ended up having to isolate the pipes in the boiler house and drain the section of hospital down, and make sure it was up and running again the same day. 3 hours it took to drain that part of the system. Disastrous day. Not my fault though so no repercussions.

I did flood a pikeys house once though. An expansion vessell popped off its mains cold pipe, 5 months after it first being used. Think it popped off at 4am too. Not good. Owned up to it the next day, and it was in fairness a freak occurance, so didn't get a bollocking. And boy was this house an expensive one!

Plumbers do get a bad reputation, sometimes justifiably so. Then you get the people who think they're being ripped offeverytime a plumber comes round. The customer will think nothing of spending £2k on a holiday but will question that price on something that will heat your home safely!

The public don't realise the amount of training you have to do to get your gas. Every 5 years your qualification needs renewing at a gas centre which takes 1-2 weeks. The course costs about £500-£1k plus if you're self employed take into account the lost earnings too for that week. Plus, your 'gas' doesn't qualify you to work on all appliances. You get Gas pipework, boiler, hobs, fires, gas analysers all of which require a separate ticket and separate costs to take the exams

Depending in what function you train up in, you could be working in the big treartment works (water or sewage), looking after the distribution mains and fittings which feed everyone's household water, dealing with customer complaints, working in the repair and maintenance squads or working with contractors and the likes on housing development sites.

A couple of the guys who have taken early retirement went back into household plumbing and having worked for you local water company usually does your reputation much good.

Electricians are also required on the big sites to ensure the pumps etc are working. Mechanics are always required.

It's working looking at their vacancies page regularly just to see if there is anything coming up.

Thanks, always worth considering

[BlooArmeh!]

No. In theory I don't have to be an apprentice now. You can do your gas once you;ve done your Level 2 and supplied enough gas evidence working with a qualified gas engineer. The level 3 route will include gas, and other aspects (unvented cylinders) which is another qualification. Its just the route the firm wanted me to take- fine by me, college every Friday and home for 3pm is great.

Pimlico Plumbers are a bit different. First thing to realise is that they're from London so prices per hour will be much greater than outside the M25.

Some plumbers DID earn a lot a few years ago before the recession. I know plenty who consistentley earned £1k a week, one who once earned £2k in a week. These are site plumbers though where there is actually very little skill involved, it's literally thrown into your house. They don't give a toss about the quality either as often the company has another team of plumbers going round rectifying mistakes.

Repsonsibilites? Everything you can imagine really. As I say I'm pretty much one of the lads really. None of the fully qualified lads think of me as an apprentice, I run my own jobs etc and am trusted to do so.

Something went wrong on Thursday- I was working at a hospital in Marke Harborough on my own. A radiator valve virtually split on me. Gallons of scalding hot water shooting out in this small waiting room. I struggled big time, ended up having to isolate the pipes in the boiler house and drain the section of hospital down, and make sure it was up and running again the same day. 3 hours it took to drain that part of the system. Disastrous day. Not my fault though so no repercussions.

I did fllod a pikeys house once though. An expansion vessell popped off its mains cold pipe, 5 months after it first being used. Think it popped off at 4am too. Not good. Owned up to it the next day, and it was in fairness a freak occurance, so didn't get a bollocking. And boy was this house an expensive one!

Thanks, always worth considering

Ah right, makes sense. Sounds like a lot of hard work! Appreciate your input, thanks.

[The Year Of The Fox]

ive updated that post you quoted above

[purpleronnie]

There's no way I'm answering, Mattp will be all over it.

[StanSP]

Thank you for your input. May I ask whether you feel there is room to progress within your job(s)? For example becoming Manager/Assistant manager at Matalan?

If the opportunity arises, I'll consider it. The same goes for the housing association job. If something full-time comes up there, with better pay, I will definitely consider it. There's room to progress in both jobs should the opportunity present itself.

But both of these jobs aren't what I want to do. They are just there to keep income flowing in and keep my occupied (I'm sure some people will agree with me how bloody boring it gets sitting at home after being in work for a long period of time!), while I continue to look for what I really want to do - recruitment At least it shows on my CV that I am in and can stay in employment instead of lazing about at home.

I've had plenty of interviews (sometimes going to 2nd and 3rd interviews) only for them to say that I don't have enough experience, but a few years ago they would have taken someone on with a clean slate. I just need an organisation/company/firm to take me on to start that experience!

[BlooArmeh!]

If the opportunity arises, I'll consider it. The same goes for the housing association job. If something full-time comes up there, with better pay, I will definitely consider it. There's room to progress in both jobs should the opportunity present itself.

But both of these jobs aren't what I want to do. They are just there to keep income flowing in and keep my occupied (I'm sure some people will agree with me how bloody boring it gets sitting at home after being in work for a long period of time!), while I continue to look for what I really want to do - recruitment At least it shows on my CV that I am in and can stay in employment instead of lazing about at home.

I've had plenty of interviews (sometimes going to 2nd and 3rd interviews) only for them to say that I don't have enough experience, but a few years ago they would have taken someone on with a clean slate. I just need an organisation/company/firm to take me on to start that experience!

Fair enough. I wish you the best of luck with your quest for better employment. It's admirable that you're actively seeking for a job whilst still holding two jobs down.

[BlooArmeh!]

There's no way I'm answering, Mattp will be all over it.

That's totally fine.

[StanSP]

Fair enough. I wish you the best of luck with your quest for better employment. It's admirable that you're actively seeking for a job whilst still holding two jobs down.

Thank you.

Working 6 days a week does take it's toll, but as said, it's money at the end of the day! I do miss going to the football more regularly, but hopefully I can make up for it later in life .

[Turtles Head]

[*]What's Your job (If you have one...There is a separate part for the unemployed.) head chef

[*](Optional) What's your salary/wage? Basic 26000, total package 32000-35000

[*]Is this a fair amount? Yes.

[*]Is the salary/wage representative of how much work you do? Yes. 60-80 hours per week. Unsocial hours. 90% of weekends in a year are spent at work. Took a lot of hard work to get to where I am now, from earning £13000 for the same hours 5 years ago starting out.

[AoWW]

[*]What's Your job (If you have one...There is a separate part for the unemployed.) head chef

[*](Optional) What's your salary/wage? Basic 26000, total package 32000-35000

[*]Is this a fair amount? Yes.

[*]Is the salary/wage representative of how much work you do? Yes. 60-80 hours per week. Unsocial hours. 90% of weekends in a year are spent at work. Took a lot of hard work to get to where I am now, from earning £13000 for the same hours 5 years ago starting out.

I don't envy you your job at all. For the hours/times you work I think you earn every penny.

[1964FOX]

What's your Job -police control room supervisor

What's your salary - over 30k with 24/7 shift allowance

Is this a fair amount -yes but we've had no wage increase for three years but I accept we all have to take a hit due the current budget situation.

Is the salary representative of what you do-yes have to make some important decisions, assessments and deal with some not nice stuff on a daily basis. Some of it does get to you but you have to get on with it when people's safety is involved.

[BlooArmeh!]

[*]What's Your job (If you have one...There is a separate part for the unemployed.) head chef

[*](Optional) What's your salary/wage? Basic 26000, total package 32000-35000

[*]Is this a fair amount? Yes.

[*]Is the salary/wage representative of how much work you do? Yes. 60-80 hours per week. Unsocial hours. 90% of weekends in a year are spent at work. Took a lot of hard work to get to where I am now, from earning £13000 for the same hours 5 years ago starting out.

That is a lot of hours, And I assume you have to make many sacrifices (Such as years on a relatively low salary... As well as socially.) to get this salary. I appreciate your input and I hope the hours become a little less ridiculous in the future!

[BlooArmeh!]

What's your Job -police control room supervisor

What's your salary - over 30k with 24/7 shift allowance

Is this a fair amount -yes but we've had no wage increase for three years but I accept we all have to take a hit due the current budget situation.

Is the salary representative of what you do-yes have to make some important decisions, assessments and deal with some not nice stuff on a daily basis. Some of it does get to you but you have to get on with it when people's safety is involved.

It's good to hear someone accepting the economic crisis for what it is - you don't often hear that type of viewpoint. Too much emphasis is put on the naysayers. Thanks for your input.

[FoxesAreBlue]

Thank you for your input. Can I ask how long you've been in this job? Also, were you promoted from within the company? Thanks.

I have been in this position since November. I was promoted from the team of PTs - I had been in that position for 12 months.

[Lamby]

• Are you actively job-seeking? Somewhat yes
  
• If yes, are you often put off by lower paid jobs? Nope
  
• If no, why? Minimum wage is £6.19 so gotta start somewhere
  
• And lastly, do you feel there are enough incentives to work at the moment? (Does it work out better for you to be on benefits than at work...) There's **** all, what incentives are there? Work for us and maybe lose your job due to another recession in a year or so.
  

[Micky]

What's your Job - Company chief exec.

What's your salary - 75k plus bonuses.

Is this a fair amount - Yes, considering our profit margin.

Is the salary representative of what you do- Long hours and a fair bit of stress, so I'd say yes.