Almost a quarter of the U.S. workforce -- some 30 million
Americans -- can be classified as low-wage workers, toiling
in jobs that are often part-time, with little or no benefits,
and pay under $9 an hour.
Here are the keys to surviving low-wage jobs -- and moving
beyond them whenever possible. Follow these rules and you should achieve
success in moving ahead in your job/career.
Do seek career counseling to learn about other job
choices. Many communities offer free or low-cost counseling through
government-sponsored One Stop Career Centers. Find the one in or
near your community by using this
service locator.
Don't let employers treat you as less than human. Find a
way to fight back -- or find a new job.
Do find the right employer -- one who respects employees at
all levels within the company. A growing number of companies are offering
more equitable pay, career ladders, and other benefits.
Don't give up hope for finding a better job with a better wage.
Do focus on the skills you use in your current job (as well as
previous jobs, hobbies, volunteer work, household chores, etc.) to build
a skills portfolio that you can transfer to new jobs. Go to our
transferable skills
section to learn more about this technique.
Don't quit your current job, especially if you are the main wage
earner for your family, until you have lined up another job.
Do use your network of contacts -- family, friends, co-workers,
former bosses, neighbors, etc. -- to help you identify new jobs and employers.
And do work on expanding your network at every opportunity.
Read more about
networking.
Don't ever lose the dignity you have for working hard
and performing a solid day's work. It's the American Work Ethic.
Do pursue educational opportunities whenever they are
presented to you -- whether getting training from an employer or
attending a local vocational or community college.
Don't go it alone; do find a mentor, someone who can help
you and guide you as you search for better jobs, employers.
A mentor is someone higher in your organization or
career field who can guide you, help you, take you under his or her wing, and
nurture your career quest. Read
more about finding a mentor.
Do become politically active. Register to vote -- and vote for
political candidates who support activities that will improve your
wages and working conditions (such as increasing the minimum wage or
supporting living-wage laws).
Don't let bosses or employers bully you or threaten you
when you challenge wages or working conditions -- or when a labor union
or some other employee collective tries to bargain for employee rights.
Do take advantage of all governmental assistance offered
to low-wage workers, especially the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Questions about some of the terminology used in this article? Get more information (definitions and links) on key college, career, and job-search
terms by going to our Job-Seeker's Glossary of Job-Hunting Terms.
Dr. Randall S. Hansen is founder of Quintessential Careers,
one of the oldest and most comprehensive career development sites on the Web, as well CEO of
EmpoweringSites.com. He is also founder of
MyCollegeSuccessStory.com and
EnhanceMyVocabulary.com. He is publisher of
Quintessential Careers Press,
including the Quintessential Careers electronic newsletter,
QuintZine. Dr. Hansen is also a
published author, with several books, chapters in books, and hundreds of articles. He's often
quoted in the media and conducts empowering workshops around the country. Finally, Dr. Hansen is
also an educator, having taught at the college level for more than 15 years. Visit his
personal Website or
reach him by email at randall(at)quintcareers.com.
