26-year-old quits during first week after receiving less than half of the pay he was promised: 'I received my first paycheck, and after taxes, it's just over $500'

Salary transparency should be a non-negotiable part of the job application process. Unfortunately, far too many employers continue to maintain an air of mystery in their language on job postings, during interviews, and even in employment contracts. While we wish candidates did not have to force that kind of transparency out of their potential future employers so that all cards are on the table, if they don't do it, who will?

This 26-year-old was working as a behavioral therapist in an underpaid position, so he pivoted to taking on work at a package delivery company as a side hustle. He recounts that the initial listing for the position stated that the pay would be between $1,000 and $1,400 per week. That range was reconfirmed during the interview process, so when the author was officially offered the position, he took it, thinking he understood exactly what to expect.

However, at the end of his first week at the company, he received his paycheck and noticed that after taxes, his pay only amounted to approximately $500. That's less than half of what he anticipated! He returned to his contract to assess the situation more closely and saw that a true pay rate was not specified. Instead, a "pay per package" rate was listed. He assumed the range discussed in their interview and on the listing would generally be where the weekly pay ended up, but well… we all know what happens when you assume.