I am a TV station manager for a very small TV station. I love it. I manage a small team and I get to produce video content that is seen by tens of thousands of people. I'm also a journalist and news anchor. We wear lots of hats here but I love it.
But I'm paid $15 per hour. I have 14 years of professional experience in this field and a BS in journalism. I'm used to making so much more, but there are no other stations in my area.
My boss has made it very clear to me he never intends to pay me more, and he refuses every idea I come up with that involves us both making more money. He wants to be the only one making any money and he thinks I should have to live on poverty wages because of my age. Totally bizarre and disrespectful. Today he told me I'm lucky to make $30k/yr at my age.
My brother offered me a job with his company making double that and he says the atmosphere is super chill. They have a 401k, great insurance, and lots of time off. I would hate the job, though.
My family deserves more. My personal happiness should only equate to about 25% of my decision, I think. Another 25% should be the work/life balance I get, while 50% should be pay and benefits. Am I close to the mark here? Should I go work somewhere that doesn't benefit me or make use of my skills for more pay?
Honestly even with loving the job now, I hate going to work because I know I'm undervalued and always will be. It's hard to work for so little and be happy about it. What do I do?