Don't feel bad. I was offered $11/hr and I have a state masters license been in the field for 9 years, mostly industrial work. I also had an offer of $10 with no benefits and another $11/hr for the first 40 hours for a perdiem. I just got off a job making $28/hr plus the perdiem working 72 hours a week. Usually the higher paying jobs have better people to work with. How ever I would rather dig a ditch with a tooth pick than work with some guys. Nothing like digging a ditch in 100+ degree weather and your "Buddy" is inside sitting on drywall.
It's been awhile sense your last post. I hear NJ is not going so good for workers. My cousin is hurting with his small resi, construction business. I hear you needed to be in the union to work in some states that have a union shop. I called my local 5 up and they guy told me over half have a lay off. I just told him I need it to workout of state traveling. He told me he was sending a package and they I will look it over then I would need to meet up with him. Set your price and don't back down. I played the game of "we'll give you a raise after 6 months or a truck" well when that time comes the company is laying off people. It's not easy to get a raise once your in. My last company that I worked full time with was great. How ever. I called in about 4 times to sit down and talk were they want me to go and were I need to be at financially and career wise. I got no response. I then put my 2 weeks in and then they come tripping over their feet to the site talking to me. what a joke.
Hope it works out for you.
