Reply by Dallas

Topamax,

I was basically the only person running the office at the small electric company I worked for. I got the job because I knew bookkeeping and was also an IT guy.
We had 5 engineers on staff at any given shift and I was the one who woke up and answered the phone at 03:00 when an engineer couldn’t figure out why his computer wouldn’t work.
I also did billing and payroll for about 50-60 people, I also ran parts if there was no other tech or apprentice in the office.
It didn’t start that way, but as the big guys started in, we lost contracts and income.
For 6 weeks I was the only Secretary, receptionist, phone person, hell desk person, IT guy, webmaster, and HR guy.
My boss took me in to his office and told me to never do anything like that again without being paid 3X as much as I was getting. He was a good and honest guy, but he is the one who originally hired me.

I immediately went back to work and did a slow down. It took about a day for him to come to me, laugh and offer me $26/hr. I countered with $50/hr and we settled on $35/hr, (This was the mid 90’s).

I have set my prices the same way using his advice ever since: Never compromise on your value, never compromise on the quality of your work. Never doubt that your work will stand up with the best. If you do, you will live in public housing and need help all your life.

-- Improvise.... Adapt...... Overcome!