To give you an idea of my surroundings, I'm in an area where it's nearly impossible to find any house, apartment or studio rentals for under $1300 (and trust me, you wouldn't like these if you saw them…).
While searching for jobs, I have had multiple interviews in the last month, only to find out mid-interview that the budget for said positions were between $13 and $16 an hour. I don't want to get into too many specifics but all of these positions require all or some of the following:
repetitive labor, computer skills, data entry, international shipping experience, operation of various types of heavy machinery, experience with CAD software, management experience, certifications, bachelors degrees, etc.
Nothing spectacular but all serious, full time positions with real responsibilities of tangible consequence, that require years of experience working with both your body and your brain.
Every time I get off of the phone with these people, I sit in silence for a moment, wondering to myself, “*who is actually taking these jobs???*” At $15/hour, one could expect to take home $400-$500/week after deductions. This wouldn't even cover my most *basic* expenses (rent, electricity, food, gas, car insurance).
I'm not asking for anybody to justify their personal situations, I would just seriously like to hear from those of you who have taken or are seriously considering taking these jobs, if you live in an area with a comparable COL to mine.
If nobody was taking this pay, they'd stop offering it. Help me understand how these employers can keep a straight face when they tell me that they'd have me run 1/3 of their business and not even pay my rent.