Been at this company five years. Lead the department I am in an make $18/hr. Started at $14. Working as a painter using automotive paints, but it doesn't have anything to do with cars, just plain old manufacturing.
The thing with painting is that there are many compatibility issues with various products, which means what works at this place isn't necessarily going to work at other places. As it stands now, I am the only employee who knows all the ins and outs of our process. Even bringing in another skilled painter would mean they would need training on a number of things.
The good: Flexible with hours, just need to put in the minimum of 32 hours. As long as you get your workload done you're good to go. They are very safety conscious, buy the best of the best in order to diminish the health risks, though you can't ever fully eliminate them all. Company pays for all monthly costs of health insurance. Dental insurance is paid by employee, but it's damn good.
The bad: They hired a new guy to work under me last year when I was elevated into the role. Found out they got hired at $16/hr and got a $1 raise within six months. While it's good the company is beginning to offer better pay initially, I feel I deserve a wider gap with such an inexperienced worker. Being the person who knows our entire process, I now feel VERY undervalued. Was getting pretty tired of the monotony before finding this out, but now hate going in with every fiber of my being.
The fear: Don't have an alternate plan. Don't want to stay in the industry, so don't want to get an offer to leverage this place with. Just want out.
Fortunately, due to VERY STRICT budgeting for the past several(4-5) years, there is a decent amount in savings. While it was hopefully going to be used for a down payment on a house, it could sustain me for two years if I stay as cheap and frugal as I have been.
After a lot of thinking, I have decided that I am work 40% more than I am making, because that's the amount it will take to afford a home, and I'm at a point in my life where I fucking deserve that. This company will NEVER go with an increase that high. I am confident with this, because the dude who's worked there 20 years doesn't even make that much.
So am I an ungrateful POS who should find value in the good things this place offers, or should I just GTFO with no plan?