I moved halfway across the world and joined a hiring agency/dispatch for easy job placement. It was a good deal, 30$/h and I get to know the companies in the area before taking my pick.
While I didn't have direct trade experience, my background has a lot of transferable skills, and while working out in the field I was quickly given a 2nd year apprentice who was paid more than me as my helper.
The general manager (GM) was an armchair manager, who didnt see any of the physical day to day operations. We rarely met, as I was working out of the shop – installing their hardware.
After a month getting to know the company, I offered to join them for 30$/h (I considered 32$ the right amount, but the work was enjoyable and I wanted to play the long game).
To my surprise the GM yelled that he wasn't paying 30$/h for “greenass hands”. He said he would have an offer for me in a couple days, but didnt even give me a basic number.
I pushed a little saying, “make sure the offer is competative with the other 16 companies hiring for this position in town.” (Not a lie, I checked)
He blew off his rocker and ranted for several minutes saying, “there are apprentices that have gone to college and studied for years who barely make that much” and “the business still has to be profitable.” “If you think you can get 30$ be my guest! Go! Take it!”
He then stated that 26$ would be adequate, and best he could do was 28$/h. I grudgingly said, “I can work with 28”.
NOW THIS IS HOW THE LOWBALL GAME GOES MOTHERFUCKING ARMCHAIR MANAGERS
We grudgingly accept, then immediately seek any job that pays even a single dollar more. Then one day we just don't show up to work, because we have accepted a higher offer.
The manager calls, and we tell them “I'm very surprised to hear from you! I didnt seem to be very valueable to your company, given the low offer for my time. I have accepted a higher offer elsewhere for 29$/h”. Their greedy little heart can stop beating
DISCLAIMER: this is what I'm doing. I'll be gone from here in a couple days, no notice.
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Now, what he doesn't need to know is that I have two offers in front of me at this moment. One is union for 35$/h with potential for 56$/h within 6 months. The other is 40$/h.
I have more relevant college training than a 4th year apprentice nevermind a 2nd year, i guess he never read the resume I gave him.
I really enjoyed working with this company, so I will definitely come back – in a year or two with my own truck and tools, for a contract rate of 70 to 100$/h. Some of the guys charge 115$/h, but want to really master this trade before that.