To think I don't earn enough?

[NotHereToMakeFriends]

I've been working in my field (Marketing and Communications) for around 4 years and I've moved jobs 3 times (2 due to redundancy) and I only earn 21k. I'm not happy where I am as it was not what was advertised in the interview but I was getting desperate.

My questions is AIBU for thinking I am underpaid at 21k?

Nope. Sounds about right.

Sorry, I mean YABU. 21K sounds about right for only being in the field for 4 years and having moved 3 times.

Where are you based and what sector? I work in comms, that sounds very low of in London.

It totally depends on your level - what qualifications and professional training do you have? What level of responsibility do you have?

@otterturk not London I'm East Midlands based. I'm a Digital Marketing Executive and I earn less than my colleagues as I have only been at the company for 7 months (they did say it would be unlikely my pay would go up) but my friends, who have been working just as long as I have earn up to 28k so I think I'm quite low in comparison.

Depends what your job is. Entry level marketing assistant - no. Director of marketing for a multinational corporation - yes.

@QueenOfTheHighCs University Graduate, Google Analytics qualified. As mentioned I'm an executive and have worked up from an assistant level where I was earning 14k. If it wasn't due to the redundancies I would be earning more I think.

Really depends on your responsibilities and if you have niche skills.

Focus on learning and developing, volunteer for bigger projects and more responsibilities.
It might lead to more money later on, or a case for promotion.

If it doesn’t, you’ll have a much better CV and be able to negotiate more in your next role.

Can you quantify how much your marketing skills have made/saved the company during your tenure?

This for me is the most compelling argument when I'm looking at staff salaries in my sector (not marketing but similar). If you can show that you've made us money, I will reward you generously. I'd do some sums and then, assuming you've added value, make your case with the numbers in a cool and dispassionate way. Good luck.

@7Worfs I currently work on side projects and freelance based projects because I trained in Media but don't get to use these skills where I currently work so I like to use my creativity and knowledge and help smaller businesses who are either just starting up or don't have the knowledge in marketing or creating assets.

Good point from PP - keep track of measurable achievements, and also look up the chartered institute for marketing, there are many ways to keep growing professionally and become more valuable to employers.

Ah cross-post, it looks like you are on the ball about your development then - even if you are a bit underpaid now, keep at it and money will follow, if not with this company, with the next.

If you're getting paid below market rate for your occupation you need to look for another job

That is quite low - I am in the same field and our grads are paid around £26k (not London)