Approaches for asking for a raise.

[ShockBoxer]

Here are the facts:
My skillset and experience is worth 40,000 a year+
I make just over half that
I broke up with my gf before Christmas and can no longer afford my apartment
This is brutally stupid as I live in the poorest part of the city and should be able to afford it three times over
I work 50 hours a week as is and have no desire to add McDonald's as a moonlight
I haven't been able to find another job (my first impluse)

How do express a desire for more cash without getting my income slashed to 0? (While it would be satisfying to see the look on his face when anyone else with my experience laughs at his pathetic offering... satisfaction doesn't pay my bills). I don't have a knack for sucking up, which seems to be how everyone else in the office has ever gotten a raise.

[BilltheButcher]

When are your reviews? 3month, 6month, 12month? Are you able to relocate? Also how long have you been working there? How long have you been out of college or how much experience do you have? 1year, 2years etc.? Do you have a leadership position in the company? Do they come to you when they need stuff done b/c they know you'll do a great job?

I get angry when someone who has like 1 year experience comes to me and asks for a big raise. I'm the one that took a chance on them when they had no experience, trained them and taught them more in 6 months then they learned in 4 years in college. Granted, if they are worth it then we pay them, but if they aren't, I assume they are looking for somethng better and get the ball in motion to replace them. It is a slippery slope.

[Pennywise]

If your skillset and experience is really worth $40,000, then someone will be willing to pay you that much. Stop expecting your current employer to give you what you want and go get it elsewhere. Try http://www.monster.com and be willing to relocate if you really want a better paying job. Your skillset may be worth less where you live now if there aren't a lot of related jobs there.

Asking for a raise isnt the way to go if you're only making half what you think you should make. They aren't likely to double your pay if they've got away with shortchanging you this long.

[TwiloMike]

Asking your employer to double your salary is tricky... what is it that you do and where in the country are you doing it? Try asking for a promotion as well- perhaps management will be more forthcoming if you accept more responsibilities with the extra pay.

[-TIM-]

What do you do for work ShockBoxer? That would help us provide better advice. Also, how are you determining that you are worth what you say?

Very few people who ask for a raise actually get one. In a business setting, raises are generally an annual event which happens after a yearly performance review. Companies who do this do not give out raises before then. Even if given a raise, it will not be more than 3-5% of an increase from your current base. The only way to get much more is through a promotion. Even then, you're looking at a 10% increase, on average. There are obviously exceptions to this though.

Without knowing what you're doing, I can only suggest looking for a different job if you need to double your income.

[Praetorian]

Let me quote the great Norwegian singer Lene from Aqua in "It's your duty"


Some people are born too shut up
And sit behind the desk
Some people are born to be safe and cannot take a risk
Handcuff up your boss yeah be rough
He might like it like it
He'll get a rise you'll get a raise
Don't tell his wife about it

:D

[ShockBoxer]

When are your reviews? 3month, 6month, 12month? Are you able to relocate? Also how long have you been working there? How long have you been out of college or how much experience do you have? 1year, 2years etc.? Do you have a leadership position in the company? Do they come to you when they need stuff done b/c they know you'll do a great job?

No reviews.

I can not afford to relocate.

I've been out of college for six years and have worked with this company for five.

I am not in a leadership position because I am the only member of my particular department. They come to me when things need doing and am quite frequently drafted to assist others.

Pennywise: There's a lot of people with my skillset looking for work and not a lot of work to go around. That's why I had to settle for what I've got in the first place.. or starve.

Twilo: All upper management positions are filled by members of the CEO's family. There is no upper mobility. In any case, I am a system's administrator... promoting me means putting me in charge of the LAN team, and I *am* the LAN team. There's only 20 terminals in the head office (and another forty at store level): There's no need for a 'team'.

I don't make enough to keep my network certifications current. This affects my job performance not at all... la ti da, a bunch of worthless ****ing papers passed out by Microsoft... but hinders my ability to land a NEW job.

Edit: I don't need to double my income (that's un-realistic at this position). I do, however, need to increase it by about 20%.

[-TIM-]

If certifications are the only thing keeping you from landing a better paying job, then you need to figure out a way to pursue those. Ask your bank for a loan, or get a part time job for a little while.

Do you have a BA or an AA? I'm curious because having your BA may open up doors to a career change. Many companies will offer entry level positions, paying more than what you're currently getting, to those with a BA level degree. And getting into an entry level position with a larger company is a great idea, because the opportunity for advancement is much greater than some family owned business, where they're only concerns are each other.

[ShockBoxer]

Debt repayment is a huge part of my financial problems. It costs me about as much as, oh, rent. This happens when you gamble and pay 20,000 for an education with the assumption that it will, in fact, get you a job that is capable of paying that back. Throw in a messy divorce and a credit card maxed out by the 'better half' of said divorce (she took the *other* maxed out credit card as a responsibility in the settlement).

I do not have a bachelor's. I have an accrediated diploma from a lame ass tech college that nobody outside of eastern Canada has heard of. I was young and very, very stupid.

[-TIM-]

Well it sounds like you're making about $10.00 per hours US currency, which isn't much. If you do choose to ask for a raise, make sure your reasons focus on what you do for the company, and leave out your personal financial status. Don't say things like, "I can't afford to work for this salary anymore." Your focus should be on what you bring to the table. You have to justify the raise.

It may also help to gather information on national salary averages for your position. I'm not sure how well this transfers to positions in Canada, but O*NET (http://online.onetcenter.org//) is a great resource which outlines positions, duties involved, and expected salary ranges. If you can show them how little you make compared to the average person in your position, then they may see the need to raise your salary. If you do a good job that is :D.

[-TIM-]

Here's what O*NET pulled up for System Administrators, which sounds similar to your position. Also note that these figures are from 2003 nat'l averages.

Network and Computer Systems Administrators (http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/15-1071.00)

[ShockBoxer]

That is similar to the range calculated by monster.ca and Employment Canada.

Close on the 10 USD. A little high, though. Depends on the strength of the Canadian dollar.

Yes, I really am that screwed. I'll never pull a 55k+ job without a bachelor's but a 30+ shouldn't be out of the question.

[Bohizzle]

if u really need the money, u could quit ur job and work some physical labour. this summer i made 11.75 (cdn)(student rate) for 50 hour work weeks... but full time workers started at 14.. and i'm pretty sure that company has lumber yards across canada.. just a thought, and that way u could save up some money for ur upgrdes so that u could get into a job that u really like.

Andrew

[-TIM-]

if u really need the money, u could quit ur job and work some physical labour...This might seem like a good short term fix, but it would be a bad move if you want a long term career doing what you are currently. A lot of people will see the complete 180 in your career path and toss out your resume before you even have an opportunity to explain why you did what you did. I would say your best bet is to find part time employment to help pay the bills or come up with the cash for additional schooling or certs. This will allow you to extend your tenure for the time being, which will look very appealing to perspective employers down the road. Just my $0.02.

[Bohizzle]

very good point, never even thought about that

[galileo]

A sys admin making in the 20s with 5-6 years experience? Dude...

[ShockBoxer]

Delusions of advancing a career are why I don't take 'quick buck' jobs like construction, call center, etc. Part time work I've looked at typically flees in terror from my resume as is... why would a system's administrator be wanting to work evenings or weekends at a movie theater?

Yeah, I'll probably have to look harder for some part time to pay off a few debts. I didn't want to deal with 70 hour work weeks... all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy... but if asking for an extra three or four bucks an hour doesn't pan out I won't have much choice.

[ShockBoxer]

A sys admin making in the 20s with 5-6 years experience? Dude...

Yeah. They got me cheap because I needed a job and I needed a job NOW after I recovered from the drug reaction to metaclorpromin that nearly killed me. It stuck. I've been looking for work since but living paycheck to paycheck is not the way to keep your qualifications current.

[galileo]

Yeah. They got me cheap because I needed a job and I needed a job NOW after I recovered from the drug reaction to metaclorpromin that nearly killed me. It stuck. I've been looking for work since but living paycheck to paycheck is not the way to keep your qualifications current.


You may have already said it, but are you willing to relocate? You shouldn't be scraping by.

[ShockBoxer]

I can't afford to, even if I wanted. If I got an offer from a company willing to move me I probably would relocate. My job search radius most certainly hasn't been limited to Nova Scotia.

[-TIM-]

very good point, never even thought about thatMost people don't think about it until it's too late. As a hiring manager, you use a person's previous employment, and patterns of employment, to determine if you want to spend time even considering a candidate past the resume screening process. If you have 100 applicants for a position, you're not going to pursue those that have you questioning potential red flags when you have a dozen others that look solid.

[-TIM-]

I can't afford to, even if I wanted. If I got an offer from a company willing to move me I probably would relocate. My job search radius most certainly hasn't been limited to Nova Scotia.Then you need to be willing to relocate, and make that known. This alone will open up a lot of doors. Companies will pay, or help out with, relocation costs for the right person. If a company wants you bad enough, they will pay for you. They are looking at you as a long term investment. And since you've spent 5 years in your last position, you've demonstrated that you're around for the long haul. You have some great things going for you, you just need to open up what you're willing to do.

[MrWebb78]

Delu why would a system's administrator be wanting to work evenings or weekends at a movie theater?

.

maybe you should ask yourself what is more damaging to your pride...

1) wokring at a movie theater for a little while

2) getting evicted from your apartment since you can't afford to live on your own

don't knock "stupid" part time work.

[mrelwooddowd]

A job is a job..I'd be a damned waiter if I had the time, just for extra money. Divorces SUCK!

[Jorge Sanchez]

I didn't read this entire thread because I was too shocked at the (little) amount of money you make.

Demand a raise. If they don't give you one, leave and find a better job.

I make about the same as you do, I don't have a degree and I go to school half of the year during which time I don't work at all. You deserve to make more than you are. If they aren't willing to pay you, find someone else who will.

Go in there and plainly state the facts (minus the bit about your financial problems) and tell them you deserve a raise. In the meantime, start looking for a new job. From the sounds of it, this place doesn't even appreciate your skills, why would you want to stick around?

[ShockBoxer]

MrWebb: It's not the I don't apply for the theaters... it's the theaters that say 'what the hell??' when they see my resume. I've gotten the 'uh... aren't you a little overqualified to work at Radio Shack?' line before.

MrElwood: Yes, yes they do.

Jorge: It makes no sense to burn a 10 buck an hour job without at least another to fall back on. If I can find a place that won't cripple my career (like a cell phone call center would) and pays that much then yes... I will indeed demand more money.

[-TIM-]

MrWebb: It's not the I don't apply for the theaters... it's the theaters that say 'what the hell??' when they see my resume. I've gotten the 'uh... aren't you a little overqualified to work at Radio Shack?' line before.That's quite strange. If I were any of the employers you mentioned, and I needed part time help, I would hire you in an instant. It's the people that can't hold down a job that I would be worried to hire. Here you are with a profession, 5 years of tenure, obviously bright (Sys Admin bright). What more does the theater or Radio Shack want in a part time employee? I don't think these type of employers are the ones that can get away with the "you're overqualified" line.

[mrelwooddowd]

Places like that fear people with a real skill-set because they don't want to put the time and effort into training them, only to lose them to a good job they're qualified for when it comes around.

[Shao-LiN]

Ask your company to pay for whatever updated certification tests you think you need/want. Seeming as though you are the LAN team, I would venture to guess that they would do it.

[ShockBoxer]

I've asked about that before. You'd think they'd want my skillset current so I don't run into situations where I answer 'I can't do that.' ... the truth is, though, I have a classic Dilbert boss. He doesn't know what I do, and he doesn't care to know what I do. As far as he's concerned I'm a drain on his personal bank account since I do nothing to directly make money for the company. He keeps me around because things run better when I'm there.

If I ever decide to raise some cash to switch careers I'm just going to go do system assembly and repair for Futureshop. It pays more and is easy. Sad but true. The reason I don't right now is that it's a career dead end.

[Guido]

He keeps me around because things run better when I'm there.That sounds like a good reason to keep someone to me. What he may not realize is your importance to keeping the company running smoothly and in keeping productivity high. He's not going to make money if his company isn't productive because nobody can use computers that are crippled by spyware and viruses. So, though you may not be directly making money for the company, you're certainly keeping the company from losing the money they otherwise would be without you.

[Anthony]

The reason I don't right now is that it's a career dead end.

Hello. Earth to ShockBoxer.

You've been working at the same job for 5 years and make 20k a year. You'd make more money at a call center. Wake up and smell the coffee. You are already in a dead end job.

Start passing out resumes.

[Guido]

This is a good thread, by the way. I'm currently mulling over this same thing since my wife wants to go back and get her PhD. She won't be able to work full time anymore, but even with a stipend for teaching or something, we won't make as much money as we are now if I stay at my current salary level.

However, my predicament is different. I can't relocate since my wife will be attending school here (U of Illinois). Plus, I have a fairly specialized position (urban planning/economic development). There aren't many choices of places I could work. Thus, I have that working against me. Finally, I work for city government, thus raises are not as simple as the boss just giving the "ok". You have to go through an evaluation process and must be able to demonstrate that you are going far above and beyond the dutuies and responsibilities listed in your job description. I've been here for almost 4 years, and I know I could be making $15k or more than I do now somewhere else, if I were able to move.

[ShockBoxer]

Dead end job, absolutely, but on paper it looks like exactly the type of entry level position a real company wants to poach from. Difference between a dead end job and a career terminator (such as if I decided to go be a garbageman, or cleaner, for a bit because it pays better).

Bah. Within six months I won't have the luxury of deciding. I'm going to line up a higher paying, high turnover job and ask for that raise ASAP.

[Anthony]

On paper it looks like you've been doing the same thing for 5 years and they are probably wondering why you didn't make a move sooner!

[DarrenEff]

I can't afford to, even if I wanted. If I got an offer from a company willing to move me I probably would relocate. My job search radius most certainly hasn't been limited to Nova Scotia.


Where abouts in NS are you from? There are plenty of job postings daily for government and established companies. And even RIM are opening up in Halifax and there are 100+ jobs coming up. You are being way underpaid for a sys admin.

And if you don't know of these job postings, I'll post the link when I get home from school.

[-TIM-]

Places like that fear people with a real skill-set because they don't want to put the time and effort into training them, only to lose them to a good job they're qualified for when it comes around.You're overlooking that fact that these places offer on the job training which requires next to nothing in terms of time commitment or money. They are used to having turnover. That is why I said employers like these shouldn't be using this excuse. Most part time positions out there are filled by those with full time jobs, or stay at home moms who just want a little spending cash. Either category is likely to jump ship at any time.

It's employers in business industries that spend weeks training a new associate that will avoid hiring someone who is overqualified and will likely be underpaid for their skills, that have this as a concern.

Really, does it take that long to show somebody how to pop corn or sweep the isles? :D

[muscleup]

I went to a tech school just like you. It was a networking emphasis type degree. I started out doing tech support for a local cable companies high speed data internet product. Taking customer calls sucks, but I was just looking for a foot in the door at a fairly large company. I answered phones for about 2yrs, volunteering for any special projects I could help with to get off those damn phones.
Through volunteering for different projects, I was able to make some contacts at the corporate office. I then started applying for anything IT related. One manager eventually got me an interview for a software specialist position. She said my persistance over the years basically got me that position.
Now I am getting all kinds of experience since I made it into their Corporate IT department. I am doing nothing I actually went to school for.

If you honestly have 6yrs exp, then I think you should look for a larger company to work for. One that will be able to promote you on a regular basis.
You are making below entry lvl pay with 6yrs of exp....that is sad.
I think you should make it a goal to find a better/larger place to work in the next 6months. Asking for a raise at your current gig will not be beneficial to you at all. If they can't promote you, you wont see anything over a 10% increase, and you said you were wanting a 20%.

[ShockBoxer]

Where abouts in NS are you from? There are plenty of job postings daily for government and established companies. And even RIM are opening up in Halifax and there are 100+ jobs coming up. You are being way underpaid for a sys admin.

And if you don't know of these job postings, I'll post the link when I get home from school.

I'm in Halifax and welcome any link you can throw my way. The more the merrier. I'd love to get a government position.

Muscleup: I did my tour of duty as phone tech support for Roadrunner. Horrible, horrible existence. I didn't get to move to the LAN team because I almost died and was incapable of work for a few months... puts a hell of a dampner on a budding career... but that was what my goal was.

I'll start again if I have to.

[DarrenEff]

Job Bank (im sure you are aware of, you'll have to refine the search)
http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/JobResult_en.asp?qText=(@Meta_CommunityGrouping%20(GNS007))%20and%20@Meta_Student%20NO%20and%20@Meta _InternetFlag%20YES&ProvId=02&ProvIdList=&CommGrouping=GNS007&OrderBy=Date&Keyword=&Student=false

Government (you have to check daily, jobs come and go quickly, not ALOT of computer jobs but a few)
http://www.jobs-emplois.gc.ca/jobs/halifax_e.htm

Career Beacon (lots of jobs everyday)
http://www.careerbeacon.com/prov/en/3

RIM (Country: Canada, City: Halifax :))
http://client.njoyn.com/cl/xweb/XWeb.asp?tbtoken=YFhRQRJcNVB7Yy4lLkAuJF5xQVNTFE9NdxZaaVUveiFMWysKfHldLEtoK0FoAWZ2BEUY&chk=dFlbQBJZ&Page=joblisting

[Shao-LiN]

You shouldn't have to start again. You have job experience. Now go look for a job that fits your abilities.

[DarrenEff]

ShockBoxer, don't know if you've seen it yeah but I threw some links your way a few posts above this.

May I ask where you work? And where it was you got your diploma?

[ShockBoxer]

I work at the head office for a company that owns 22 clothing stores. I got my diploma from CompuCollege, which was a really expensive and stupid thing to do in hindsight.

Bookmarked the links, by the way. Thanks.

[DarrenEff]

hehe yeah, places like that seem like a great idea before hand.

I'm not sure if you're familiar with McKenzie college here in Sydney, but it's roughly $13,000 for a one year diploma. They only do animation, networking and now music.

I have 2 friends that went there and graduated (even at top of their class) and theyre still doing odd jobs here and there, not comptuer related.

[ShockBoxer]

That's it in a nutshell. I'm one of the lucky few who ended up with a job in the field.

[intargc]

ShockBoxer: Are you a network admin or system admin? If you're a network admin are you certified with Cisco? If you're a system admin can you work with Solaris or Linux? If not, that's your problem. If you're just a Microsoft junkie, Microsoft people aren't paid what they used to be paid. The positions for those two areas are in need of people with a broader skill set than just Windows Server admins and someone that can run cat5 cable.

I used to be a System Administrator. My specialty has always been Linux and Solaris, but I was certified in Microsoft crap too. When I went for job interviews with Microsoft companies, they wanted to pay me near half of what the other companies would pay me. Now I'm a C++ developer on Linux... got sick of Admin work.

Anyway, put it this way. There is a Linux admin here that admin's all of our developer boxes (which is about 12 boxes). He makes half as much MORE than the Windows Admins here make and they're taking care of twice as many boxes on the network. :)

Maybe up your skill set? You don't need certifications in Linux or Solaris (although, they do have them and they can't hurt). You just really need to know your stuff. If you're a network admin, try jumping on the Cisco bandwagon. My friend is a network admin and he said he didn't start finding jobs until he got certified in Cisco... Go figure...

[ShockBoxer]

Yes, I should really look into adding Linux and Solaris to my skillset. Cisco I've looked at as well... but it's so bloody expensive to be certifed in.

Well, I went for it and was told that he'd have no problems giving me more money... once a lingering problem was fixed. Perfectly reasonable on the surface except the problem lies with the company that maintains our SQL database. I'm in charge of everything 'computery' though. Since they're standing between me and keeping my apartment I"m going to start cracking skulls until they fix their damned pointers.

I'm over the barrel now. He'd hold back a good recommendation until this problem is fixed so even escaping to another job is no good.

Victory or death!

[Y2A]

I'm over the barrel now. He'd hold back a good recommendation until this problem is fixed so even escaping to another job is no good.



Why? 5 years of good work wouldnt warrant a good recommendation? My recommendation is that you tell him to suck your...

Good luck with the skull crushing and raise :)

[intargc]

Linux is very easy to learn once you get over the initial learning curve of thinking it should be like Windows. That's the main problem people have with Linux or Solaris. They think "But Windows does it this way". Leave those thoughts behind. Linux and Solaris aren't Windows. Windows was not built to be like either of them and they weren't built to be like Windows. Just keep that in mind when you start reading about it and learning it. Basically, start in with Linux with a clean slate. Do not expect anything. Just learn what the author tells you. You'll pick it up much faster if you don't try to compare the two all the time. :)

Here's a good plan for you. Start learning Linux. You know Linux is free so there is no problem with price. Go to Half.com, pick up a good Linux book. If you want recommendations on some, PM me and I'll give you PLENTY. Start running Linux on your home PC and learn how to use it over a 2 month span. Get online, learn how to network with it, etc... After all of that, come up with a small plan to implement Linux in your current work environment. Since you are in charge of all things "computery", this shouldn't be a problem. You can come up with a problem and tell them Linux is the solution. Just make sure that when you set it up, that it's fool proof so nobody can complain.

From that point on man, you can easily put on your resume that you have "linux experience". If you can implement a file server or mail server or DNS server or Web server on Linux and you can put that on your resume, you'll start getting more money... Trust me.

When I started out doing Linux admin work in 2001, an entry level position was $42,000. I barely knew squat back then. I could install Linux and get it configured. That was about it. I learned how to install Apache, BIND (DNS) and QMail (SMTP) by myself from Google and books. I learned how to install Samba (for a windows file sharing server) from books as well. I left that place and got another entry level position at Cox Communications in 2002 for about 7 months making $45,000 and then left to do C/C++ programming because that's where I really wanted to be. However, my entry level jobs were paying much more than what you're making.

Give it a shot.

[Tryska]

i'd sya you are SOL on getting the sort of raise you are looking for.


might be time to shop the resume on the sly. sounds like you are in a dead-end situation.

[ShockBoxer]

Y2A: Out of sight, out of mind. Walking now would get me a 'yeah, I remember him. He couldn't make our computers work.' Fair, no. Reality... hell yes.

Interagc: I've got a linux textbook laying around somewhere that I've never gotten around to. I've also got a second computer laying around collecting dust (the radeon card in it overheads during 3d apps not matter what I tweak but it's fine besides that). I think those two things will compliment each other nicely.

Tryska: I am shopping around in case this all blows up.

[Tryska]

shockboxer - cool. i know it's hard wiht the market you describe, but it sounds like you are working for a small family-owned firm, and it's going to be like getting blood from a stone trying to gain any upward mobility.

[ArchAngel777]

Sorry, didn't read the posts in here, but I will give my advice in regards to the OP.

Before you can ask for a raise you have to first make sure you know you are worth it. Believe it or not, many people talk and pretend like they are worth it, but are too sheepish to ask for a raise. Well, this alone is evidence that they really don't believe they are worth it. So get that under control. I mean, are you really worth 40,000 a year? Do you really have the skills that your employee needs? If so, the first problem is out of the way.

The second issue comes with tact. How do I ask for a raise? What do I do if it is not enough?

Well, my first suggestion is something of the sort "I know that my financial situation isn't you problem, but the fact is, I have to pay my bills and I have having a real difficult time making ends meet. I was hoping we could discuss pay so that I will be able to continue to work here, because I really enjoy it a lot"

First of all, you are taking the blame off of them, you are explaining that your situation is important and leave a subtle hint that you will be forced to move to another job if the bills cannot be paid.

Another way to go about it is to simple say "I would like to discuss a raise with you. I have given XXX amount of years here and I really enjoy it. But I do not feel that I am advancing here and was hoping we could resolve this".

The final way is to take advantage of a situation and exploit it. I don't condone this behavior, but it works. If you are in a position to really screw with the company (waiting till their fire too many people are low staffed, etc) you can really find some decent raises.... Again, I do not condone this, but I know a LOT of people who do this, it does work, but it is a tad unethical. Not to say they would not do that to you...

[intargc]

Intargc: I've got a linux textbook laying around somewhere that I've never gotten around to. I've also got a second computer laying around collecting dust (the radeon card in it overheads during 3d apps not matter what I tweak but it's fine besides that). I think those two things will compliment each other nicely.


People laugh at me, but the way I got started with Linux was from a "Linux for Dummies" book. No lie. That and one of the "Learn Unix in 24 hours". I read both of those books in 2 weeks. The problem I had was that I still used Windows for everything and only used Linux when I wanted to read about it. I honestly did not learn much with Linux until I completely removed Windows from my computer and installed Linux. I went probably 2 years with barely learning much in Linux and then when I installed Linux and removed Windows completely, I learned enough to get my first job and I learned it all in 3 months. No lie. I was just forced to learn it at that point because otherwise I couldn't do squat unless I did learn it. Honestly, what I learned how to do was use http://www.google.com/linux :) After all of that, I realized I didn't even want to use Windows anymore. So, here I am, 5 years later and I still use Linux on my home PC/Laptop as well as my work computer/laptop.

[Titanium_Jim]

Dude, that sucks. For sys admin you got screwed BAD on salary. I have never been to college, all I have is a little A+ certification and a little vocational school and HSDiploma, and I JUST got a job doing low-end tech support full-time for 37k (American). I don't know anything about Canada's job market or economy so I can't give you much advice, but have you considered going into the military to be a tech?

[ShockBoxer]

I have, yes, and may again look into it. Or say screw it and head south if I can get cleared to work in the US.