Career Changes Support Group
This community is dedicated to the difficult challenges of transitioning from one career or job to a new one. Especially as we grow older, it can be very difficult to acquire the skills and relationships and take the financial risk to make the switch.
I have been out of permanent work and underemployed, just doing freelance stuff since the end of 2011. Late last year, a client of mine for freelance things and former colleague asked me to become involved in a new business he is starting. Since then we have been meeting with 4 other people that are also involved a few times a week to plan.
Finally, last week I met with him to discuss money. Well, what can I say, starting off it is a lot less than I had anticipated. I tried negotiating for more, but he didn't budge. I will be working part-time at first, but even so, it is low. The company is a start-up, and he is funding the thing until we have the website up and running. Without that, we can't bill clients. Supposedly in 3-4 months once clients start paying, there will be an increase, but it's still less than I expected and low for typical salaries here. The idea is that if it works out, there will be a bonus plan implemented in a year, which will raise my income further if goals are met.
I can't help but feel kind of deflIated and dissapointed, especially since I am an educated professional with a lot of experience. I spoke to one of the other people involved and she is feeling similarly. My husband did point out that it is more than I am currently pulling in most months, and money is money. Also, I don't have people knocking my door down to hire me. I am an expat and in the country where I live most hiring is done through personal contacts. So, even though I have skills, they are often not appreciated.
Has anyone experienced this before? Do you have any advice for staying patient and motivated until the raises start kicking in? This is my first time in a start-up type sitiuation, but from what I gather I wouldn't be the first person taking a low salary at first to reap the benefits later if it is a success. Unfortunately, I am a pretty impatient person. Not taking the job is not really an option, since I have had a tough time job hunting.
Finally, last week I met with him to discuss money. Well, what can I say, starting off it is a lot less than I had anticipated. I tried negotiating for more, but he didn't budge. I will be working part-time at first, but even so, it is low. The company is a start-up, and he is funding the thing until we have the website up and running. Without that, we can't bill clients. Supposedly in 3-4 months once clients start paying, there will be an increase, but it's still less than I expected and low for typical salaries here. The idea is that if it works out, there will be a bonus plan implemented in a year, which will raise my income further if goals are met.
I can't help but feel kind of deflIated and dissapointed, especially since I am an educated professional with a lot of experience. I spoke to one of the other people involved and she is feeling similarly. My husband did point out that it is more than I am currently pulling in most months, and money is money. Also, I don't have people knocking my door down to hire me. I am an expat and in the country where I live most hiring is done through personal contacts. So, even though I have skills, they are often not appreciated.
Has anyone experienced this before? Do you have any advice for staying patient and motivated until the raises start kicking in? This is my first time in a start-up type sitiuation, but from what I gather I wouldn't be the first person taking a low salary at first to reap the benefits later if it is a success. Unfortunately, I am a pretty impatient person. Not taking the job is not really an option, since I have had a tough time job hunting.
Looking for jobs through regular channels is absoluteley futile, so I am not too positive about finding something else. Finding work here is about who you know, social networks - people you went to school with, people your parents know, etc. I am not from this country, so my network is extrmely limited and this has hindered my search, that is for sure.