[quote=skerzz] . . .
For the paralegal positions you did not successfully interview for, were you asking for the same salary as the younger worker? Perhaps you were a more qualified candidate, but did not get the job because you were too expensive (boomers are generally more expensive and demand higher wages because of more personal financial obligations/expectations than their millennial competition)? [/quote]skerzz, I’m sure you are aware that job seekers can’t command more money than the range an employer stated they are paying just because they have more “obligations” than the next candidate. A prospective employer doesn’t CARE what a candidate’s financial obligations are. If boomers are making a higher salary than millenials in the same office, it means they have more experience doing the work. How would you like to work at a firm for 30 years and then see a young “green” new hire come in who is making more than you for a position you actually interviewed for!
My salary reqs were always in the range the firm advertised. For a small firm, however, the cost of my health insurance would likely be double or triple that of younger workers for the same policy (which is out of anyone’s control). I guess if I go back out on the interview circuit, I’m going to just ask for the amount of the insurance premium they’re paying for a 35 or 40 year old to be placed in an HSA account every month and use it to help pay my (exorbitant and rising) premium. That’s really the only way I feel I can “stay competitive” in the job-seeking market. I really like working for smaller plaintiff firms or firms who represent small to medium-sized businesses. Since the ACA was enacted, the difference between my monthly premium and a 35 yo’s premium is likely $600 to $800 month and rising rapidly because I am now mixed in with everyone in my age group who has health problems (the majority). That $600-$800 is a barrier to getting hired.
The reason I am having this discussion “out loud” here :=0 is because I am strongly considering trying to get a job in 2016 just for the health insurance. Law firms usually offer PPOs from major carriers and an employee can qualify for coverage working just 32-35 hrs week. I want to leave Covered CA and stay off of it and I still have a few years left until Medicare kicks in.
