Posted By Jasonjg Ok I am on last 2 months before dip 2 exams, I have collectively gained 2-3 years varying experience as either a assistant, dogs body, or associate consultant either way I kind of know the general gist but accept there is a lot more to learn despite this so called in-depth core knowledge. What should I expect to get paid in North West, when I decide enough is enough for the base study and £6ph jobs in-between and now’s the time to get the experience in the field for which I have strived to get qualified in?. This self-funding has taken its toll on me, and I am about to start seeking rewards both financially and socially from June onwards. (run low on bank account so no more pubs for a while). In hindsight, I think I got too set on getting dips done (ego thing), it stung me in the foot as I could have used the first £2000 to get an other qualification i.e. flt instructor, MH trainer and then got work relating to that whilst I went on further study. The rushing and closing of opportunities has in a way come back and bitten me. Hindsight really cheeses me off lol To the future I say

Posted By rsymonds I have a BSc(Hons) in Occupational Health and Safety, a Planning Supervisor Certificate, P402, along with other short courses I have attended, 3years experience in Health and Safety and I’m relatively young at 26. I am currently what you would call underpaid (if what is said prior is true). But saying that i do not feel hard done by. I currently work in an environment and industry (construction) that I enjoy, the people I work with are good to be around and I’m constantly learning more about the industry due to the wealth of experience at the company I work for. I think that salary is NOT the be all and end all, fair enough we all like nice things and the only way to get these things is money, but you have to look at the bigger picture. for me there is no point going to a £50k job every work day if you hate the place.

Posted By Alexander Falconer Descarte, its all very well stating that if you are prepared to move you can quickly climb the safety ladder. However you have to remember, many employers don't really want a job hopping mercenary. Lets face it, would you employ a potential candidate for your company who has had 5 jobs in 4 years? I wouldn't, I would think, is this guy going to desert me in the next year or so, and I have to re-recruit again, and cost me money!

Posted By Alexander Falconer Descarte, my apologies, I can see your point - Contract work does pay the money, and is ideal if you have no ties. Unfortunately in my case, have to stick with full time employment to keep my wife and 2 year old son in the style they are accustomed to, otherwise I would join you!

Posted By Alexander Falconer I could, but then again, I'm your typical tightfisted Jock who keeps his dough locked in his sporran!

Posted By Phill Firmin I would like to pick up on the 'Care' issue noted by Lesley. Life whether it is family, work or social requires a 'healthy' balance. People naturally have their opinions as is evident from this discussion. It is clear that feelings can get quite emotive on the issue of salaries, but when all said and done, we live in a democratic society and I would assume that none of you would want it otherwise? There are a lot of other countries where the kind of poverty some are claiming here bears no resemblance, and is strikingly different, to what many experience elsewhere in the world. Take a look at Africa or India for instance! It seems to me that a key problem area we have in the UK is that of becoming self-centered, un-caring and inconsiderate toward others, what price can we put on such things? We can neither put Employers or Employees in a box and lay down one set of rules for all, as is the case for families or social life. Many comments we read on this forum are very subjective - like personal debt - it rises for whatever reason and people want more money to cope with it, which is understandable. The thing is you have to deal with the issue, be responsible, sink or swim! I think personal discipline in having what we can afford at any one time and being content are extremely important lessons to keeping us out of debt and for our own enjoyment of life. It is nevertheless helpful to be content and not over demanding in what life, society or government owes us - we often have problems of our own making and tend to blame others for them! There will always be the more 'innocent' compassionate cases to consider. We came into this world with nothing and will leave with nothing - a point worth remembering when you are chasing the wind regarding salaries or money. There is such a thing as satisfaction in life if only people would come to realise this - if we all chase after more all the time, then we are in danger of ruining our country, how do we expect our children to survive, if we simply leave them just greater problems to face. Our forefathers endured terrible loss of human life and devastation due to war in the past generation and many gave their lives sacrificially, why? To bring the conflict to an end, we are the benfactors! Think about these things, be appreciative of others, be thankful for your job and like Lesley and a few others have implied here, show 'care' not based on your salary, but because life is too short! Professional people like us, should set the standards and 'behave' accordingly, we have an inherent responsibility! Phill.

Posted By Glyn Atkinson I'm certainly glad I live where I do, N E Lincolnshire, I could moan about my travel distances and outgoing expenses, but won't, and have to say that my salary and location gives me freedom for a nice house, two family cars, two good foreign holidays every year, regular meals out and treats for family, the ability to go to the bank and draw some spends out when needed, so life is good towards the northern end of the country - without the £40 k+ salary, but I'd take one if offered - locally though.

Posted By Descarte Yeh but who would want to live in Grimsby ? :-) Scunthorpe is soo much better, ps used to work in North Killingholme if you know NE Lincs you would probably know this place ;-)