Re: Pay (Am I getting screwed)

In article <001701c23cd1$61252190$0b00a8c0@ENIGMA>, phplist@operationenigma.com (Liam Mackenzie) wrote: > I'm employed by a small business setting up unix servers and scripting a > webhosting system for them. I'm only 17 years old, but I've finished year > 11 and I have my MCSE (Not that it means a lot) > > I'm getting paid $150 Australian per week, working from 9-5 on Mondays, > Tuesdays and Thursdays. > <snip> > What's a reasonable pay for this amount of PHP coding, for a 17 year old? > Do bear in mind that I'm scripting an entire webhosting businesses site. Your age shouldn't be the determining factor in how you get paid. Your *experience*, however, and the *value* you deliver are critical. Here are a few things to consider: 1) Do you bring to this company a proven record of experience delivering a valuable result, or is the company taking a big gamble that some complete novice will deliver as promise? Are they investing significant resources in you, for instance by paying for your schooling or on-the-job training, or are you the only one in this deal who is giving up something? 2) Someone else raised the issue of minimum wage; do check with a government employment agency to confirm that this very low pay meet minimum standards set by law. 3) If your boss is unwilling to consider a raise, try negotiating for something else that is valuable to you. For instance, if your code would be applicable for other contexts/companies, negotiate to retain the copyright on it, or for a licence to re-use/re-sell the code to any 3rd party you choose. If they insist that there isn't money available now, or that you haven't proven yourself enough, get him to commit to a reasonable benchmark--and that your compensation will increase to X amount as soon as the benchmark is reached. Etc. 4) Never underestimate the value of a good portfolio piece. If you've written clean, modular code and have a complete, working application to demonstrate your ability to implement complex projects, you'll be in a great position to negotiate for much better compensation on the next job. 5) Get a letter of reference now. Have your boss sign a letter that is *glowing*, and specifically lists your skills. Then at least later if you feel shafted or the relationship sours, or they drop the project half-way through, etc., you've still got proof that: while you may be young, you *are* experienced, and you *are* a valuable asset to any company. 6) I know this last thought doesn't help much with your present employer, but just note that not every employer looks at a 17 year old programmer as someone to exploit as dirt-cheap labor. The flip side is that there are also some managers who are convinced that just because they personally don't have a clue about technology and their neighbor's kids do, then clearly tech must be something that young people are naturally better at. LOL. Good luck! -- CC