Job: Mental Health Counselor (United States)

Talking about pay is kinda taboo in my company, so specifics are hard to come by. From what I've been able to understand however is that annual increases are expected and usually given. Based on my experience and observations:

* Merit pay increases range from 3% (for those who meet expectations and stay out of trouble) to 4% (For those who show initiative and accept leadership) to 5% (for those who consistently go "above and beyond").

* A co-worker who earned a 5% last year routinely works unreported overtime in order to reach her goals. She's slowly showing signs of burnout though.

* The company's Vice Presidents makes merit increase decisions based on the following: how much salary money is left in the budget at end of fiscal year, the employee's written self-evaluation, the supervisor's written evaluation, employee-of-the-month nominations received, and the employee's quantitative productivity statistics.

When it comes to negotiating salary, I keep in mind that almost everything I do day-to-day fits into a goal of doing the best I can on the annual review. To that end, I volunteer for extra committees and offer to help organize special events, I let my supervisor know my personal goals and frequently ask for his feedback, I attend as many trainings as I can, I track all my productivity statistics and write them into my self-evaluation, I do my best to get to know co-workers outside of work, and finally I make use of the company's "open door policy" pass along good ideas or constructive suggestions to corporate leadership. My first year in the company, I was a 3%-er without doing all this. My second year, after using the above tactics, I became a 4%-er.

(yay) My advice to anyone wanting to negotiate their best possible merit increase is to first get realistic expectations. For example, my husband's company grants 5% raises for average work and they get end-of-year bonuses. Second, set goals for yourself and track your own progress so you can let your supervisor know you are interested in personal/professional growth (not just more $). Then at annual review time, you can demonstrate why you deserve the best and your supervisor will be willing to go to bat for you. Third, have an accurate realistic idea of your strengths and weaknesses. Know what you "bring to the table" and what you are doing to improve on. The result will be a more confident you who easily demonstrates your worthiness for your share of the cake. Best of luck!

I relocated from another state far, far away and the pay I now receive in GA for MHP is nearly 30,000 less a year. The pay is abismal for all social services in the state of GA.

I developed a serious health condition and was told "ONE MORE INCIDENT AND YOU'RE OUT". Instead of letting this happen I calmly explained the situation and asked to resign which was accepted. I am sorry it had to happen but it was fair. Fortunatly, I did not need the job but would have preferred a more positive ending.

Allegations of breach of company policy were not substantiated.

Ask about local museums and other activities. Find out about whether they have similar interests. For instance, Do you prefer to become involved in religious activities? or, Do you prefer to hang out at the local coffee house?

I really do not have advice on this topic but I am seeking advice. I have worked in the mental health field in CA. for over thirteen years. I am orginally from WI. I relocated to CA. 15yrs. ago. I find myself at a lost because I am so burnt out on the economical strain of living in CA. You would think that CA. is the leading state in decent pay rates for mental health/social services but in fact, the job market is lagging and it doesn't appear that obtaining a Master's in Psychology has much effect on earning potiential. I am a single woman, my children are all grown and I really want to move on and have the life-style Iv worked so hard for. However, I have not reached my goal of earning possibilities. The pay is good if you work for the department of corrections but that is not what I prefer to do. I would appreciate any advice you have to offer.