Job offered lower salary than advertised because "internships don't count as experience"

2 phone interviews, 2 in person interviews and made me do 3 assignments. This was the most time and effort I've ever put into an application because the job posting listed $80k to $120k. When I finally got the offer, they said they can only offer me 70k because "Our policy actually does not consider internships to be experience, so we have to start you on an entry level position."

Sounds like complete bullshit they just made up to lower the salary. What's the point of internships if "they don't count"? Especially considering the existence of unpaid internships? (My internship was paid btw) Now I'm just gonna lie and say that wasn't an internship

Jobadvisor:

That definitely sounds frustrating, especially after all the effort you put into the application process. It's understandable why you feel like they moved the goalposts at the last minute.

You're right to question the logic of not counting internships as experience, particularly when they were paid and presumably involved real work. Many people gain valuable skills and insights during internships that directly translate to full-time roles. The existence of unpaid internships further complicates the issue, as it implies that even without monetary compensation, these experiences can still be beneficial for career development.

Regarding your plan to reframe your internship experience, that's a decision you'll have to weigh carefully. While it might lead to a better salary in the short term, there could be potential downsides if the employer later discovers discrepancies. It might be worth considering how you could present your internship experience in a way that highlights the transferable skills and responsibilities you held, without explicitly labeling it as just an "internship." You could focus on the specific projects you worked on, the tools you used, and the results you achieved.

Ultimately, you have a few options:

1. Negotiate: You could try to push back on their initial offer by clearly outlining the skills and experience you gained during your paid internship and how they directly relate to the requirements of the role. You could also point out the discrepancy between the advertised salary range and their offer.
2. Accept the offer: If you feel the salary is still acceptable and the opportunity is a good fit for your career goals, you could choose to accept it.
3. Decline the offer: Given the significant difference between the advertised range and the offer, and your feeling that their reasoning is unfair, you might decide to decline the offer and continue your job search.

Whatever you decide, it's a good learning experience about the importance of clarifying expectations around experience and compensation early in the hiring process. Don't let this discourage you, and remember that your skills and the effort you put in are valuable.

Is it too late to start over at 40 after losing a federal job?

I’m turning 40 this year, and I’m feeling the weight of uncertainty more than I ever have. Just two days after being promoted to manage an audiovisual communications department in DC, which is a role that I moved across the country for, I was told that my position is being eliminated. No sugarcoating, no time to adjust. C’est la vie.

I’m a military veteran with nearly a decade of federal service. Before that, I worked in film and television. I’ve got an MBA, multiple certifications, and a solid track record of leadership and high-performance. But none of that seems to matter in the job market I’m facing now.

I’ve applied to hundreds of roles in the past few months. From communications, production, to management, etc. and have barely heard anything back. I know the private sector sees my resume and probably thinks I don’t fit the mold. They’re probably right. I haven’t spent my career climbing the corporate comms ladder. I took a different route.

I am not complaining, but I am scared.

I’m staring down 40 with a 7-month-old daughter, no stable income, and no clear direction. I’ll do whatever it takes to support my family, but I genuinely don’t know what that should be. A total career pivot? More school? Freelance work?

Has anyone made a successful jump from government/creative work to a completely new career later in life? What industries or paths are realistic and worth pursuing at this point?

Any perspective is welcome. I just need to know this kind of reinvention is still possible.

Jobadvisor:

It sounds like you're going through a really tough and unsettling time, especially with a young family to consider. Losing a job so abruptly after a big move and a promotion is a significant blow, and it's completely understandable that you're feeling scared and uncertain about the future.

Let me be absolutely clear: it is absolutely not too late to start over at 40. In fact, your age, combined with your diverse experience and qualifications, can be a significant asset. You bring a wealth of knowledge, maturity, and a proven track record that many younger candidates simply don't possess.

Think of it this way: you're not starting from zero. You're pivoting with a full toolkit of skills and experiences. Your military service demonstrates discipline, leadership, and the ability to perform under pressure. Your federal service showcases your commitment and ability to navigate complex organizations. Your film and television background highlights your creativity and communication skills. And your MBA and certifications add a layer of business acumen and specialized knowledge.

The feeling that your resume doesn't fit the "private sector mold" is a common one for those transitioning from government or less traditional career paths. However, many companies are increasingly valuing diverse backgrounds and the unique perspectives that come with them. Your challenge right now is to effectively translate your experiences and skills into a language that resonates with private sector employers.

Has anyone made a successful jump from government/creative work to a completely new career later in life? Absolutely, countless people have. Here are a few examples and potential paths, keeping your background in mind:

Leveraging Your Communications and Leadership Skills:

• Project Management: Your experience managing an audiovisual communications department, coupled with your leadership skills, translates well to project management roles across various industries (tech, construction, healthcare, etc.). Your federal experience likely involved managing budgets, timelines, and teams – all core project management skills. Certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) could be beneficial.
• Consulting: Your understanding of government processes and communications, combined with your MBA, could open doors in consulting. You could advise companies on government relations, public affairs, or even internal communications and change management.
• Nonprofit Management: Your desire to contribute and your leadership experience could be a great fit for nonprofit organizations. They often need strong communicators, project managers, and leaders.
• Human Resources: Your management experience and understanding of organizational dynamics could be valuable in HR, particularly in areas like talent development or employee communications.

Capitalizing on Your Creative and Technical Skills:

• Instructional Design/E-Learning Development: Your audiovisual background combined with your understanding of communication can be powerful in creating engaging training materials for companies.
• UX/UI Design: If you have an eye for visual communication and problem-solving, exploring UX/UI design could be a fascinating pivot. Many bootcamps and online courses can help you gain the necessary skills.
• Digital Marketing: Your understanding of media and communication can be applied to digital marketing roles, focusing on content creation, video marketing, or social media strategy.
• Technical Writing: Your ability to communicate complex information clearly could make you a strong technical writer for software companies, government contractors, or other technical fields.

Exploring New Avenues:

• Entrepreneurship: Your diverse background might give you a unique perspective to start your own business. This could be in media production, consulting, or even something completely different based on your passions and market needs.
• Data Analysis: If you have an analytical mind, you could explore data analysis roles. Many online courses and bootcamps can equip you with the necessary skills in a relatively short time. Your MBA likely included some quantitative coursework.
• Cybersecurity: With your federal background, you might have some foundational understanding of security protocols. Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field with high demand.  
• Trades: Depending on your interests and willingness to learn, skilled trades are often in demand and can offer stable income. This would be a significant pivot, but worth considering if it aligns with your interests.  

Here's what you can do to navigate this transition:

1. Reframe Your Narrative: Instead of seeing your diverse background as a disadvantage, frame it as a strength. Highlight the transferable skills and unique perspectives you bring to the table. Tailor your resume and cover letters to each specific role, emphasizing how your past experiences make you a valuable candidate.
2. Network Actively: Reach out to your existing network – former colleagues, military contacts, MBA alumni, etc. Let them know you're looking for new opportunities and explore any connections they might have. Attend industry events (online or in person) to expand your network.
3. Consider Professional Development: Identify any skill gaps for the roles you're targeting and consider taking online courses, workshops, or pursuing additional certifications. This shows initiative and demonstrates your commitment to learning.
4. Informational Interviews: Reach out to people working in fields that interest you and ask for informational interviews. This is a great way to learn about different industries, understand the required skills, and potentially uncover hidden job opportunities.
5. Be Patient and Persistent: The job search can be challenging, especially when making a career transition. Don't get discouraged by initial rejections. Keep refining your approach, networking, and applying for roles that genuinely interest you.
6. Explore Government Contracting: Given your federal experience, consider looking into government contracting roles. Your security clearance and understanding of government processes can be highly valuable to these companies.
7. Don't Underestimate Your Worth: Your years of experience and advanced education have value. Don't settle for roles that don't align with your skills and potential.

This is a period of change, and while it's understandably scary, it's also an opportunity for growth and discovering new possibilities. Your resilience, adaptability (proven by your military service and cross-country move), and determination will be key assets in this journey. You've overcome challenges before, and you can navigate this one too.

Focus on taking small, actionable steps each day. Explore your options, connect with people, and believe in your ability to reinvent yourself. You've got this.

Is job hopping still a red flag…...or the smartest way to survive now?

I’m 26, on my 4th job since graduating, and every time I switch, I level up in salary, work-life balance, and overall sanity. But every time I go on LinkedIn or talk to someone from the “old school” crowd, I hear the same thing: “It won’t look good. Employers want loyalty.”

Here’s the thing—loyalty hasn’t paid my bills. Raises are barely keeping up with inflation. The only people I know who’ve doubled their salary in 3 years? Job hoppers.

But I’m still wondering: Is this going to hurt me long-term? Will companies ever not side-eye someone who changes jobs every 12–18 months, even if the reasons are valid?

Curious where the line is now. Are we supposed to stay put to “look good on paper,” or is this just how career-building works in 2025?

Jobadvisor:

It sounds like you're navigating the modern career landscape with a strategic approach, and it's understandable why you're questioning the traditional views on job hopping. Let's break down whether it's still a red flag or the new normal.

Is job hopping still a red flag?

The perception of job hopping is definitely evolving, but it's not a simple yes or no answer. Here’s a nuanced look:

• Historically, yes, it was often seen as a red flag. Employers valued longevity and commitment. Frequent job changes could signal a lack of loyalty, an inability to settle, or even performance issues.  
• The "old school" perspective still exists. Many hiring managers, particularly those from older generations or in more traditional industries, may still view a resume with numerous short tenures with caution. They worry about the cost of recruitment and training for someone who might leave quickly.  
• However, the stigma is decreasing. Several factors are contributing to this shift:
  • The changing nature of work: The traditional "lifer" model is less common as companies restructure more frequently, and the social contract of guaranteed long-term employment has weakened.
  • The rise of the gig economy and project-based work: Shorter-term engagements are becoming more normalized in certain sectors.
  • Focus on skills and experience: Many employers are now prioritizing the skills and experiences a candidate brings, rather than just the length of time spent at each company.
  • Gen Z and Millennials' career priorities: These generations often prioritize growth, new experiences, and work-life balance, making them more likely to switch jobs to achieve these goals.   
• It depends on the frequency and reasons. Changing jobs every 12-18 months might still raise eyebrows for some. However, if you can articulate clear and logical reasons for each move (career growth, better opportunities, industry changes), it can be viewed more positively.

Is it the smartest way to survive now?

Your experience aligns with a growing trend:

• Faster salary growth: As you've noticed, switching jobs often leads to more significant salary increases than annual raises within the same company. Research indicates that job hoppers can see substantially higher lifetime earnings.
• Accelerated career progression: Moving to different roles and companies can expose you to a wider range of experiences and responsibilities, potentially leading to faster career advancement.   
• Skill development and broader networks: Each new role offers opportunities to learn new skills, adapt to different work environments, and expand your professional network. This can make you a more versatile and valuable candidate in the long run.
• Better work-life balance and "sanity": If your previous roles didn't offer the work-life balance you desired, moving to a new company with a better culture and more flexible arrangements can significantly improve your well-being.   

Will this hurt you long-term?

It's a valid concern. Here's what to consider for the long term:

• Potential perception issues: While the stigma is decreasing, you might still encounter hiring managers who are wary of frequent job changes, especially as you move into more senior roles where stability is often highly valued.
• Building deep expertise: Constantly moving might prevent you from developing deep, specialized expertise in one area, which can be crucial for certain career paths.   
• Loss of long-term benefits: You might miss out on benefits that vest over time, such as significant retirement contributions or extended paid leave.   
• Networking depth: While you'll build a wider network, the relationships might not be as deep as those you'd forge with longer tenures.

Where is the line now?

The "line" is becoming more blurred and depends on several factors:

• Industry: Some industries, like tech and startups, are more accepting of job mobility than others, such as government or traditional corporations.
• Career stage: Early in your career (like your current stage), some level of exploration and movement is often seen as normal as you figure out your path and gain diverse experience. As you progress, employers may look for more stability.   
• Reasons for moving: Clearly articulating your motivations for each job change is crucial. Frame your moves as strategic career decisions focused on growth and development, rather than dissatisfaction or instability.   
• The overall job market: In a strong job market, employers may be more willing to overlook a history of job hopping if a candidate has the in-demand skills.

Are we supposed to stay put to “look good on paper,” or is this just how career-building works in 2025?

The answer likely lies in a strategic balance:

• Staying put solely to "look good on paper" might mean missing out on significant opportunities for growth and higher compensation. Your experience shows that job hopping has been beneficial for you so far.
• However, constantly jumping without a clear strategy could raise concerns. Aim for a narrative in your career where each move makes sense and contributes to your overall goals.
• Career-building in 2025 often involves being proactive and adaptable. This can include strategically changing jobs to gain new skills and advance your career.   

Recommendations for you:

• Continue to be strategic: Don't just jump at any opportunity. Ensure each move aligns with your long-term career aspirations and offers significant benefits.
• Be prepared to explain your career trajectory: In interviews, be ready to articulate the reasons behind your job changes in a positive light, emphasizing what you learned and how each role has contributed to your growth.
• Focus on accomplishments and skills: Highlight your achievements and the skills you've gained in each role on your resume and during interviews. This can help to overshadow concerns about tenure.
• Consider staying slightly longer in future roles: As you progress in your career, strategically consider staying in roles for a bit longer (perhaps 2-3 years) to demonstrate increasing stability, especially if you find a position with significant growth potential. This can help alleviate concerns as you aim for more senior positions.
• Network effectively: Build strong relationships in each role. These connections can provide valuable references and support your future career moves.   

In conclusion, while the traditional stigma around job hopping hasn't completely vanished, it's significantly diminishing, especially for younger professionals in today's dynamic job market. Your experience suggests that it can be a smart strategy for career growth and survival. The key is to be intentional, articulate your moves effectively, and balance your desire for growth with the need to demonstrate increasing stability as your career progresses. You're not alone in navigating your career this way, and many companies are adapting their perspectives to recognize the value that experienced "job hoppers" can bring.