Is Your Job Too Expensive?

Back to blog

GL HOFFMAN

I am sure the list changes with age. I am not sure what i would do if my TIVO was taken away, but do I really need it on three TVs at home? How about drycleaning/laundry delivery services? (I know now why they never put the cost of individual cleaned items on the bill.) Plowing my driveway gets pricey up here in Minnesota, but I am saving $5 a month now that I have discovered REDBOX, the DVD rental idea at McDonalds. So, I am saving money right and left here.

GL HOFFMAN of MN @ Apr 21, 2008 16:02:27 PM

It used to be...

The company paid for dial-up access (and, later, broadband), so I could do work at home.

The company paid for a BlackBerry and associated service, on which I got work-related email.

Now the policy is...

Everyone gets their own broadband, because... well... because they do, so the company no longer pays.

You buy your own mobile phone or PDA.

You pay for the service plan for the mobile device. The company will selectively reimburse you, but won't pay for regular service.

There are professional organizations, and such, and many of us find it in our best career interests to join them. On our own dimes, of course.

So, let's see... annually, approximately:

$ 500 -- cable Internet (not counting TV)

$ 800 -- BlackBerry service

$ 200 -- IEEE membership

$ 200 -- ACM membership

--------

$1700

... plus the one-time cost of a BlackBerry that's replaced every two or three years.

It does add up.

Barry Leiba of NY @ Apr 21, 2008 15:39:17 PM

Beg the question

What is meant by "earnings"? Does that take into consideration that many people are working part-time, therefore earning less? Does the number include benefits, including government transfer payments? Is it household or personal earnings? Since households now number many fewer persons than in the past, household earnings have not been growing while inflation-adjusted personal full-time earnings have increased well above inflation in the past 20 years. (re Sowell, Economic Facts and Fallacies)

Sam C of CA @ Apr 21, 2008 15:03:58 PM

Back to blog

Add Your Thoughts
About You
The Inside Job

The Inside Job

You're taking a break from your job-hunting and job-hopping ways and have decided to stay put in your current position. Liz Wolgemuth’s careers blog will show you how to make the very best of your job, each day.

advertisement

advertisement

Subscribe

U.S. News Digital Weekly

A weekly insider's guide to politics and policy — in a multimedia, digital format. 52 issues for $19.95!

U.S. News & World Report

6 months of U.S. News & World Report's print edition for only $15. Save up to 67% off the cover price!