The Raise
The first raise I ever got was when I was 18, I received a 15 cent raise working as a clerk at a rock and gem shop.
The second time was at Terminix, I got a $1 raise, which is the max they allow for their “really good” employees.
Today I received a raise for 10% of my gross salary, plus a $350 bonus. The “normal” raise rate is 4%, and I more than doubled that.
I have to be honest and say that I fought back tears during my year review. I’m constantly wondering if I’m good enough for my job because I’m surrounded by such intelligent people and feel infinitely inferior. And given my past experiences with employment, who can blame me?
I’ve never had a “career”, heck, I never went to college. I had no hope of affording college, and despite everyone saying I could get financial aide, I would have had no hope of paying that shit back either. There’s people I know that owe $80,000 in student loans, why would I put myself in that situation?
But because at 14 years old I decided to fuck with html, I’ve landed myself into a dream job with great people making decent money for a 20-something female. I’m saving for retirement on my own, I’m learning how to take care of my finances and live frugally. And I’m growing more and more confident that I will not end up in my fathers position. That I will be “okay”.
That takes a lot for me to say that. And it’s such an amazing feeling to be given that chance.
I don’t know what I’m going to do with the bonus. I’m torn between putting it all into a Roth IRA, or putting half in and half into the auto loan for the mustang. I may do the former, to help compound the interest.
My next goal is to look for some classes in object oriented programming, and work towards bettering myself for next years review.
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3 Responses to “The Raise”
June 21st, 2007 at 11:29 pm
First of all,congrats! That’s a pretty substantial raise!
Second, I’m about to start my daughter a Roth IRA because the savings potential is too good to pass up. I’d say go that route. Although, depending on how much interest you are paying on the Mustang that might not be a bad idea. We always try and figure that into how we save our money. We usually always try and apply extra money to whatever is going to cost us the most in the long run…
Good luck!
June 21st, 2007 at 11:31 pm
Uhhh, I broke my link up there somehow. *slaps forehead*
The blond is strong with me today.
June 24th, 2007 at 12:09 am
the key to not having huge loans is not taking them out. most state or community colleges can be paid for with grants. i only took loans out to live on. i didn’t need them to actually go to school. My sister who went to a pricey private college has buttloads of loans and such. Just something to think about in case you ever want or need to further your education.
And congrats on the raise! That is awesome! And has it really been a year already? Wow!