Should I continue to work as a programmer?

Question

Well, I know this world is never fair. I worked damn hard, contribute a lots of time(10++ hours EVERYDAY, work day-to-night on weekdays, and often work on weekend as well) to the project we are doing now. One day, accidentally, I found out that I am the lowest pay in the the project team (probably the whole company), the next day I really don't have the spirit in the past i had to program.

You know how I feel? They come late, work less, go home fast and never work from home. I come early, work hard, work at home, and I AM THE LOWEST pay? Are graphic artists pay much higher than programmers? I don't think so right?

Now I really don't have the mood to program/type code/debug. Anyone can help me? I really don't know what to do now..

Answer 1

I'm working for the last 11 years as a programmer. I do it because I love it. I have a fancy title that doesn't say 'programmer' at all, but that is what I do.

Find a company that has a pay structure that rewards the 'technical' stream more/as well as the other streams (project management etc), that way, If you love being a programmer you'll be compensated as well.

Answer 2

You could do what most junior developers do. Forget about the pay for now. Think of this job as a way to gain experience. Once you think you have enough experience, get a job with another company that will appreciate your experience and dedication with more money.

Answer 3

Is this your first job? If it is, you are paying your dues for the next few years. This is normal. If you like programming, stick with it. Things will get better. Bring a good attitude with you to work, and leave work at work when you go home. Take time to relax. Eat well and exercise. Make sure you are doing what you need to do with your education.

I've had days like this, worked in jobs like this. You will feel better tomorrow. Go out and play some basketball, blow off some steam.

Answer 4

Talk to your boss about a raise if it bothers you this much. Mention the hard work and dedication you give to your job every day. If the boss is not receptive to giving you a raise in the near future (say, in the next couple months), depending on the reason given, ask what you can do to be eligible for a raise during the next round of reviews. By no means should you mention that you found out about the pay of other employees, however. If you love your job, stay positive and keep doing good work.

Answer 5

Dear Illfate_Programmer

I feel for you, so I'll offer you some advice.

• you sound like you enjoy coding and have some of the habits that are requisite in being a great programmer. do not let pay scale and treatment deter you from what you enjoy doing. in the worst case - take your skills elsewhere.
• everyone is responsible for their own lives - as a corollary - you are responsible for your own salary. keep notes on the value that you add in your current job. research the appropriate market rate for your skillset. negotiate when the time is appropriate. (i am in no way condoning the sin of christianity - but it's basically the parable of the vineyard...)
• you may nor may not be undervalued - the best way to figure this out is to put your resume out there and see if there is another organization that is willing to pay more for your skills and work habits. appropriate research gives you bargaining power for both your current and possibly future jobs.
• most employers are reasonable - if you present them with a case for why you should be paid more, they will listen. btw - it is NOT a good argument to say you should be paid more because you saw someone else's salary.
• no matter how you are treated or how bad the situation, try not to let it change your attitude on life - be happy. act on the things that are bothering you, but do it joyfully.
• DO NOT ACCEPT LOW PAY because you are the newest/youngest member of the team. pay should be based on value added, not on age or experience. this is a common attitude and must be fought.
• i know people who started off with a low salary and were able to get 20-30% raises every 6 months. sometimes this was at the same company, sometimes this required moving on. always keep your resume current. update your resume when you learn new skills. document concrete examples of when you make a significant contribution to your employer.
• do not be surprised to find that you merit your low pay... it really depends on the languages you know and the skills/experience you bring.
• some skills pay a lot better than others... html/vbscript/access/excel rates << php/ruby/mysql rates << java/c#/asp rates << custom/rare/dba (true dba) rates << ... the fair billable range goes from $12/hr - $450/hr with actual pay ranging from $20k - 250k.

Sincerely, Abby