Good point, Larry
I spent a good part of my early career as an employee. Back in days past the engineering consulting firms were the largest, and most stable employers of surveyors and survey technicians.
In my experience, we (licensed surveyors) were viewed as support staff, and not professionals. Our job was to provide the minimum amount of survey data required to complete any given project. We simply weren't given the time or resources to perform as a professional surveyor should in a lot of instances. Job One was to minimize labor costs to maximize profits. I simply got tired of someone telling me, "Hurry, hurry and cut corners so I can make more money." Being licensed during those days meant little because survey licenses were like cobwebs..hanging on every wall.
I believe in the last thirty years surveyors in the U.S. have established themselves as a profession as unique as the private ownership of land. We blend mathematics, geodesy, legal principle and a love for the great outdoors with some of the most advanced technology available.
I take care of my clients and provide them with informations and direction that only a professional surveyor can provide. My fees reflect this. My employees are paid well enough that I don't believe there is a one of them that is looking for employment elsewhere. I make a good living and so do they.
There is nothing at all wrong or greedy about requiring your share of the fees in any organization as long as you provide the value as Larry described.
Only if I flash the gun. 😀 Haven't had to do that. Yet.
Or, he could lay it all out there and start his own business. Find a bank to give you a loan, buy equipment and a vehicle, find insurance (business, professional liability AND health), hope clients hire you, hope clients PAY you, expect to work 60-70 hours per week, and pray every night the economy doesn't take a dive.
[sarcasm]Then you, too, can be a greedy business owner[/sarcasm]
Good point, Larry
"We blend mathematics, geodesy, legal principle and a love for the great outdoors with some of the most advanced technology available".
You bet!
I was working at a firm in Paducah, Kentucky when I received my license.
They actually did give me a raise upon being licensed. They didn't tell me they were going to, more money just showed up on my next paycheck the week after being notified. When I pointed out the error in my pay, they told me that was my raise for being licensed and that they could now list me as a licensee when submitting qualifications for government contracts.
Hello Jon,
curious...what percentage of your pay was your raise?
I wouldn't say the average consulting firm owner is making enough to be considered greedy. It is true, if you want to set your own salary then start a business.
They aren't like Wall Street Vulture Capitalists by any stretch of the imagination.
Sorry,
But that has been so long ago (more than 12 years) that I couldn't say an exact percentage.
As I recall, it was around a couple of bucks per hour raise.
I got between either a 5 or 7 $/hr pay raise when I got licensed (don't remember which).
Larry P is right in that you are worth what you bring in. Taking on liability on YOUR license is a value regardless of who pays the liability insurance. If they don't value your license, then tell them they can't use it. See how long it takes to get a raise.
Hello AKsurveyor,
Thanks for getting back to me. I appreciate your insight.
Is that Alaska...AK....spent some time in Anchorage, it was beautiful.
Thanks, rlshound
Hello rlshound,
Yes, my office is in Anchorage. Alaska is a great place to survey in.
I hope all works out with your employer, and they show that they value your achievement.
Thanks AK, will see what happens...