I didn’t completely hate working there but getting paid a living wage was extremely difficult. Some background: I was a marketing exec at top global companies – then, I switched careers. Went back to school and got another masters degree in counseling. Already had a MBA.
First jobs out of school pay slave wages because employers know counselors need to accrue hours to get a license to allow us to practice independently. Most organizations don’t even hire full time, choosing to hire per diem. Seriously, counselors out of school could get paid more working at a retailer or Starbucks. Forget benefits. I knew this going in and focus on the long term. I got hired to work at an intensive outpatient program as a counselor.
The day I started, I was greeted as the Program Director which was news to me. I went in and asked for more $ and was told I had to wait 4 months. I got $3K a year later after complaining when they promoted a person on my team and paid them more than what I had been making. I had tons more experience than this person and this person still continued to report to me.
During this time, the pandemic had hit. I helped them create telehealth programs, protocols to see client In person that were adopted at the other organization’s 3 locations and basically ran the facility I was based out of. Ran it so well, the program exploded with clients. The owner then sells a majority stake in the biz based on how well the biz is doing and the transaction takes place just before Christmas of 2020. The old owners gave us notebooks for Christmas.
Fast forward, I get my last license in October of 2021 and email the old & new owners about this development and ask what will be my new title and pay. They didn’t acknowledge my email but were eager to flaunt my credentials when filling out forms for their own site licensing with the state. The same day I sent my email, I applied to a private practice that would pay 50-75% more than I made. I got the job 3 weeks later and put in my one month notice. I recommended staff promotions to replace me and new hires to make my departure easier. They didn’t even try to match my new salary.
A month ago, they called me back to ask me to return to run the clinical team for the entire company of four facilities — my salary would be the same as I’m making now. From what I heard through the grapevine, shit started to hit the fan. The work would be quadruple what I’m doing now which seeing clients individually in private practice. They offered no other benefits. I politely decline and they ask how much $ it would take. I told them the salary and benefits I would need to come back and they and went away.
Lessons: Know your worth! Also, be nice to counselors starting out, they are living hand to mouth while helping people and don’t get compensated for it.