I lost 12.5% of my salary in 2008/9 and Ive not had a payrise since. That 12.5% was my play money too. I would dearly like to change careers. I, as a Mechanical Engineer, somehow fell into the HVAC world when I graduated due to an urgent need to pay bills. I put myself through Uni later in life and had pressing bills to pay and thus took what was available at the time, not what I had wanted to do. Lesson here kids. Screw the bills and chase your dreams. I just cannot bear having debts. Even today ive only about £200 on my visa and a very modest mortgage. Although Mr Cranker you have been dangling airbox's in front of my eyes like a carrot, you wag.
your story echoes my own Boots, although my career is even less financially rewarding/stable than yours as im in the music game...now i do mostly teaching, which then begins to ruin your playing career as you get gradually drawn into it...
no cut but no rise since about 2010 told this year will get one but due to promotion rather than normal rise - I'm still waiting (for the rise not the promotion)
"What effect has the economy had on you?" Bizarre question. The economy feeds and clothes us all, as it always has done. So I suppose the answer to that question has to be "Keeps me alive".
Stop being contrary Pete. :tongue: You understood the question well enough. Hey I guess you remember rationing.
Although I've had a couple of small increases since 2009, in real terms, due to the increase in food, petrol, gas, leccy etc, etc, I reckon I've in effect taken at least a 10% cut. I used to have loads of spare play money, but now have to be careful... Looking at re-mortgaging next year which will help, but not really something I want to do, but feel that it will have a good financial effect in the long term...
I earn less than I did in 2008. But on a plus Mrs C earns more, in fact she has over taken me. I could go and earn more but I have it very cushy I feel as if I am almost semi retired ! Happy fucking days
Had my own consulting business since 2001 (and have never had a "fallow" period). My daily rate hasn't changed in those 13 years (but I have occasionally dropped it for the right job). You can only charge what the client will pay
I'm down approx 16k a year with current exchange rates and overtime cut. Thats no incl. cost of living, inflation etc. ;-(
Up to yesterday, I didn't realise that Grange-mouth refinery operatives earn on average £55k - no wonder people can't afford petrol bombs anymore
mate of mine was apprentice pipe fitter there same time i was apprentice mechanic, he was clearing three times as much.
£100 a week cut when I get a full week in, self employed and averaged a 3½ day week this year, this week I have been outside in the rain fitting fascia boards, sofit and guttering, tomorrow will be my 61st birthday and I will be taking scaffolding down from around a house extension on my own. A very wet and pissed off Steve.
The company I work for has been doing very well for a number of years now but staff pay increase's have been very small. I look at the size of any rise I get against the size of the company profit's and then reduce the amount of work I do acordingly. My mortgage is paid off, Mrs plug inherited a fair old wedge so I work on my terms now.............happy days :biggrin:
not had a pay rise since 2008 although the charity I work for has built in a 3% pay rise for the last 5 years in the bids for wages now me I am crap at maths but..................
