Feeling fortunate...

I just this email at work...

Good afternoon everyone -
There seemed to be confusion on the part of a few people about the system-level salary directives we got several months ago so I just wanted to reiterate --- the University system has prohibited any pay raises (merit or cola) for all employees for the upcoming year.  Unfortunately, this extends not only to faculty and staff but also to those on grants.   This  means that whatever a person's salary is as of the end of this June, it will remain that amount into the next academic year.

On the bright side, I have to say how very lucky we are that thus far the legislature has really protected us from deep cuts.  Even with the furlough days, we have done better than most state agencies in Maryland and we are in a far, far better position that folks at universities in most other states ...including our neighbor to the south (Virginia).

XXX is strong and in a good position right now despite the broad economic downturn.

Signed,
The Director


We recently got furloughed but nobody lost their job...THANK GOD. Now they are basically telling us to be happy we have our damn jobs and no they ain't giving us NO MO $$$$ 


Let's get this right...higher cost of living, energy bills on the rise, food costs more, gas is more (though less than last year) and we ain't getting a raise....DAMMIT I GOTTA GET A PART-TIME GIG 

My company froze merit increases this year too. 

It's tough all around!!! 

Yep...funny thing is that I have always worked 2 or 3 jobs while pushing my way through school...I ain't too proud to do it again if I have to that's for sure.

I feel you - I downsized my habits - switched from retail to store brands - I try to keep life simple these days.....

Hey YaYa. I work for a private university and no word yet on our pay increases as we go into annual reviews. I'm thankful to be working here while they pay my way through school, but I need that pay increase too.

I thank god that I am union because they are required by our contract to give us raises for the next 3 years no matter what. Not only that but they are also required by our contract to give us our bonuses in April.  I know that I am very very blessed.

I understand the feeling.  My job laid off 218, stopped all merit increases( right before I was up for one) and furloughing 80 hrs from Feb to June and possibly more.  Then they send out the email talking about be lucky we still have a job.  What a mess.

HB job just sent out a letter stating that they no longer will have insurance for there retiree that does not retired before the age of 65 or by June 2009. So that means he has two years before retirement. He not worry most of the retiree had drop the Company insurance for other insurance anyway.  If he's not worry I'm not going to let it worry me. And sure no raises just told him we have to spend like there is no more raises nor overtime. And they still have there jobs even though the men over them having to do jobs they have not done in years. And all the outside help that they hire are not being hire right now. Even feeling the high cost I'm looking at a gas bill just as high as the light bill.  They usual are one high in the winter the other in the summer but not this winter gas and light bills are running 240 something and more during Dec. Jan. Feb. Yes watching the spending close wanted to down side. I have a huge home with was fine with two kids now it just the two of us. Not using living,dining and a 3rd bedroom half the house is being heated and cooled and not being used a total waste of money. Still do want to down side but that mean out to a job with 2 sick parents.  unless the insurance are going to let us be health care taker  that if  insurance will pay a kid to do the home help for there parents.