State: Pennsylvania (United States)

When I started this job I was very excited because it gave me an opportunity to work in a rewarding environment. I did not realize they had reduced the previous job title from Chief Operating Officer to Director of Operations kept the same amount of responsibilities but lowered the level of authority. I do almost everything but I am restricted from calling all of the shots that affect final outcomes. At this level the position should pay a min of six figures and have the authority to execute.

If you are thinking about or are in this career, it can be very rewarding and you could live the good life. You are truley the master of your universe. I get so much satisfaction when someone tells me they love their hair! Sometime this is enough to love this career. But we can't pay bills with compliments. On the other hand if you keep at it and don't change salons, in a few years you will be making good money and in 7 to 10 years you will be making great money. Don't change salons; pick the right one from the start. It will be your home for a long time. If you don't make at least 250 a week full time in a year and a half, leave. If you do and like the people you work with. Then you hit a home run. As long as there is incentive to earn more money. And you can hone your skill.

I work hard and I always finish before everybody else so I offer my help to others but I make sure my manager is in front to hear it. Be careful because it can make you not very popular with the other co-workers that are lazy but in the eyes of your manager you will be the star.

I've asked for raises and I am sure a lot of others have as well BUT they do not give raises UNLESS you move up as a lead, manager etc. My manager, store and district manager just laughed and say "Sell more and you're make more" but I did that and it doesn't work because they cut our commission rates to peanuts. The only advice I can honestly give is to find a better sales job. Look for one that deals with technology/services. They will pay you higher hourly rate, commission and more benefits.

I am fortunate to work with many students from a local pharmacy school as my site is an approved externship location. I am surprised at how many of the students, after years of being taught to be clinical thinkers, are lured into working for chains that do not respect their pharmacists or encourage them to assert their clinical acumen, intead treating them like highly paid technicians. Speaking from experience, I can tell you that there are many things to consider when looking at that big beautiful salary. For instance, how much help will you have on a daily basis? Is there a drive through? Do you get a paid lunch? How many hours will you need to stay after close to finish up scripts you had no time to address during paid hours? Where is parking available for employees? Will you have to work holidays? How are holidays staffed? Is there a pain clinic nearby? Do you have to handle cash, i.e., making deposits or filling the registers? Oh how I could go on... just remember what your Momma taught you: if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Computer based training is a great way to learn new technology quickly and it is affordable for anyone. I am not big on certifications, but I must say they will open doors especially when dealing with inexperienced recruiters, managers, human resource people.

If you want to make real money today, then you need to look into some form of commission sales. Unfortunately, many people want to make $100k but think they deserve to get it upfront! Commission sales people are the top income earners in the world. I started at the age of 22 after graduation from college. I took a shot while I was young and stuck with it. I have always made near or above six figures and today I make well over 100k, and I get a salary and commissions. Start young and keep with it. Your first year may be rough but in your 2nd year you may be making 2 - 4 times what all your friends are making with their "safe" jobs in their little cubicles.

The company I work for is a contractor for a Government Agency. They don't pay nearly as much as the government employees. The Government employees have great job security, benefits, etc. I have a good benefits package (medical, dental, vision), but little in the way of job security. Our contract is up for renewal in September, and, although it might be extended for another 9 months, right now it is up for open bid and we could lose it that way, or just lose it. I hate having to look for another job- the last time it took me three months and 385 resumes sent and countless interviews (mostly with job seeker companies or contractors). I just want a job that has good job security, a job that I can actually enjoy and excel in with an employer that recognizes my abilities and work ethic that isn't too far from home, with a salary that will actually make me feel a little more than comfortable and hours that aren't too bad. I guess that's an ideal that most people hope for and may be unrealistic, but wouldn't it be wonderful to actually get that kind of position?

I believe that the engineers within my group are severely underpaid

You have to know your value in order to receive what your worth.