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Re: Low Pay vs. No Pay

Subject: Re: Low Pay vs. No Pay
From: Bruce Byfield <bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com>
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com>
Date: Mon, 24 Jun 2002 18:21:53 -0300


Heidi Von Markham wrote:

I'm really trying to understand this thread, particular the sentiment that
tech writers should not work at low-paying jobs until the economy recovers.
In my area, the lowest bidder is often the ONLY bidder. Am I missing
something? How are people paying bills?

I suppose that there's at least two arguments in favor of holding out:

- The solidarity argument: Taking low paying jobs hurts other writers. Whether you accept this argument probably depends on whether you believe in collective actions, and whether you believe that other writers would do the same for you. Personally, I believe in collective action, but when I consider the backstabbing and exploitation that are the norm in the STC (which you'd think would have at least a tendency to believe in solidarity), I have no faith that many other writers would do the same for me.

- The long-term argument: Taking a low paying job may help in the short-term, but will hurt you in the long term. This argument is a fairly practical one, but whether you can follow its logic depends on whether you can afford to turn down a low-paying offer. If you're short of money, you might not be able to think in the long term. I certainly wouldn't stand in judgement of anyone who went for the short term; the decision is hard to make.

--
Bruce Byfield 604.421.7177 bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com

"So that the meek will inherit the earth
Because they haven't the strength to refuse it..."
-Leon Rosselson, "What It's All For"




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References:
Low Pay vs. No Pay: From: Heidi Von Markham

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