Skill: Project Management (United States)

There's stable amount of engineering work around Hampton Roads due to the presence of the Navy base, the shipyards, Siemmens VDO, NASA, STIHL, and various government contractor temp agencies. All the above companies are still hiring during the recession.

Since the company is usually compensated a fixed amount based on current contract terms, raises are not common because they cut into company profit margins. The best you can hope for is to grab the full amount your contract rate increases per year if such terms are built into your contract.

The best chance for a pay raise is to identify another company in need and change companies to work for them. This is especially true if the other company was just awarded the contract and does not yet have the personnel to start the contract when required. At that point, the new company has almost no options other than to hire you. This was my strategy when I moved from my last company to my current one and I negotiated a 25% raise without my current company knowing.

Be a commodity that means you are needed,

replaceable but not an easy replacement,

once in that space you will not have to ask

for a raise just make a gester and it will come

Performance is the way, good tip going

in is if they will not match your ultimate salary ask for it based on performance in 6 months

to a year review. Now it is built in and try

to keep that going on a yearly basis.

It's nerve racking enough to go before your employer and ask for a raise. Keep your request short and simple as possible. Look them in the eyes, confidently state your qualifications and what you expect for pay, Then be silent and let them speak.

Working hard and deligently to make a better future for our children

Job Security

Manage your career like a business and dont worry about so called "job security". Look at your current job as not only a pay check but as an on-going opportunity to build your resume and experiance. Take advantage of all training and development seminars, request to be a part of any major team that is doing something you feel you could make a contribution to or that you feel would enrich your work experiance. Network relentlessly and always maintain a solid professional demeanor. Give yourself a pat on the back at the end of the day for the 10 or 20 things you could have said but had the sense not to - you wont be remembered for the blooper or unkind word you didnt say - but what you do say will follow you forever. Job Security is a myth that should have been put down years ago - we carry our security in our heads, we make it happen and keep it alive.

Manage your career like a business and dont worry about so called "job security". Look at your current job as not only a pay check but as an on-going opportunity to build your resume and experiance. Take advantage of all training and development seminars, request to be a part of any major team that is doing something you feel you could make a contribution to or that you feel would enrich your work experiance. Network relentlessly and always maintain a solid professional demeanor. Give yourself a pat on the back at the end of the day for the 10 or 20 things you could have said but had the sense not to - you wont be remembered for the blooper or unkind word you didnt say - but what you do say will follow you forever. Job Security is a myth that should have been put down years ago - we carry our security in our heads, we make it happen and keep it alive.

When I changed careers I took the excepted pay cut. I took a temp position, worked hard and took on several extra responsibilities. Once I became permanent, I was extremely disappointed with my pay, but I was told I could move up and that I would be able to get a great bonus. I received an excellent review, exceeding expectations, but only received around a $0.30 raise. They hired someone else to fill my position and I moved on to a complete different position. None of the Managers ever spoke with me about my new position and more importantly pay! They continue to avoid the meeting and they continue to blow me off. I should have left after getting such a small raise, I am at least 10k underpaid and continue to see new hires come in with no experience, same background and degree for as much as 18k more.

Factors keeping me competitive:

(1) - Training

(2) - Additional Education

(3) - Participate at Conferences

(4) - Update/Keep Abreast of Changes to SOP

(5) - Get opportuinities to participate in interesting projects.

Do I have a sense of job security? No

What aspects of your job, your work, your company, provides you with sense of job security.

(1) - Car benefit

(2) - Perks for tickets

(3) - Atta-boys

(4) - End of year bonus

5 years ago I was 24 years old with 2 Associate degrees under my belt (Machine Tool Technology & Mechanical Engineering Technology). I was very limited to my job tasks, salary, and where I could work due to my small working portfolio (2-3 years working experience with only Associate degrees).

I was making around $32k/year, but I had larger goals to fulfill for myself! Now, I'm not complaining of what I achieved up to this point in my career, but I just "wanted a bigger piece of the pie", which usually encompasses a larger salary and upgraded job title & responsibilities. I cannot express how important furthering one's education can benefit the individual. Within the past 6 years, I've received my BS degree in an engineering discipline while working full time, and I am now VP for a consulting firm making double the salary than what I did only a few years ago! Whether you're trying to achieve your Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree, self-motivation and ambition pays off!! If you're currently in an education upgrade, keep your head(s) up high & good luck.