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This has been an interesting thread --
As an employee, I don't discuss pay rates with
other coworkers. It's unprofessional. However,
I do discuss rates with my peers, through this
list and professional organizations, etc. I find
that publications that publish this info are over-
generalized, underestimated, or outdated.
Not discussing rates with other coworkers has
pros and cons -- yes, it can help cover discrimination,
but hopefully, if you talk to other professionals in
your area and are aware of your skills, you will know
if you are being over/underpaid. On the other
hand, as folks pointed out, not discussing salaries,
etc., does help prevent petty jealousies and politics
from interfering with work.
I suggest getting to know what the rates are in
your area and getting to know what you are worth.
Then go negotiate.
A.
PS. A quick aside re: someone's comment re: discrimination
in female-dominated industries -- it certainly happens. A
textbook example is the healthcare industry. Nurses are
primarily female; however, male nurses are paid more
on average than female nurses at all experience levels.
--
Alexia Prendergast
Senior Technical Writer
Seagate Software
alexiap -at- sems -dot- com
>----------
>From: Tim Altom[SMTP:taltom -at- IQUEST -dot- NET]
>Sent: Monday, May 19, 1997 10:49 PM
>To: TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
>Subject: Fee Disclosure
>
>I've been following the fee disclosure thread with interest, because I've
>been on every side in this question...newbie, old hand, employer....
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