I am a Certified Small Business Consultant with over 15 years of advising small businesses from idea to exit, on all aspects of forming a company,... writing business plans and financial projections, to working with existing businesses to access capital, financial planning and analysis for financial viability, sustainability and growth. Let me know how I can help! more

Miranda, count the coast. Know your why, who, and how, and GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Me too, many times.

Where is God in your life? If the problem lies within you, toxicity will follow wherever you go. But remember—you are not a doormat. There are ways to... communicate without stress, without anger, without the need to fight or defend. Speak with wisdom and grace. Trust God, and ask for His guidance. Also grab a copy of Mel Robbins book, "Let Them!" ;0) CC
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You've been scammed and thank God they didn't pull money from you account as they have many others. You have to do your due diligence. Call the... employer and asked for the person who is contacting you. I've even turned scammer in. Do not fall for that.... They are scammers. The old way of interviewing still applies... In-Person... God bless. CC  more

You may also want to bring it to the attention of State Officials - they have a department that tracks fraud of this nature. I submitted a few of... these scam checks that were sent to me - hopefully they can shut the perpetrators down...... more

What skill set is strongest ?
Aim with strongest asset -
If industry is best for you.

you should look into substitute teaching !

I would follow Suzanne's advice. Your feeling that you are underpaid and your being prepared to show that you are being paid below market are two... different things. Look at it unemotionally and even discuss with a friend or family member.
The second aspect to consider is the quality and quantity of your work. You are in a strong position when you are the 'go to' person for difficult projects that need to get done. And, of course, go through this process if you like the company and want to stay.
There is no one approach to handle such issues and depends on what you or your boss are comfortable with. You could ask to setup an appointment with your boss to discuss your career and compensation. He may have HR join in the conversation. All this assumes they like your work and do not want to lose you. Be yourself and respectful. I was successful in getting 10-30% raises in two such instances. Good luck. more

The simple answer is, are you productive that your productivity can be seen and felt? If not, damp the idea of a salary increase. I have one thing I... call my motto, which is "Let results speak for me, not me to speak". By this I mean the output of my work should speak for me. Let me give an example of what transpired is at one I was involved in a project. Three of us were engaged in this project but I was the one who did the most difficult part, yet the rate was the same. The boss new that the part I did was difficult so one time he tried to have the task rotational for the three of us. My two colleagues later refused to take up that task so I continued. The first payment was due for us to get paid and the boss called me first. He told me he wouldn't be able to meet the project deadline without me because the task I was doing was core to the project deadline which my colleagues refused to take up. He thanked me because we were on schedule and encouraged me to continue that way. What surprised me was he double my pay, which thing I didn't ask for but just came out of me being much more productive.

All in all, never ask for a salary increase if you aren't productive. But if your productivity can speak for itself, then you'll be rewarded for it. more

Well it is good to help but remember for you to grow plan using profit and also spend less than you earn

Ask for me money so that you meet your savings needs to expand your business, if they cannot give you tell them you will start helping out when you... scale up your business.


If they do give you, scale up your business and you can treat their help as a loan you pay back. Obviously you won't neglect some duties or bills you are able to undertake.  more

I have been told that Indeed is pretty scam-free. However, I was seriously scammed on Indded, and if not for the intervention of my bank, I would have... had pay back over $2000 to the bank. They would have attached my social security. Please double-check the address. I was fooled by look-alike web page. more

Yes

Count your losses

Legal advice has a cost that you cannot afford at this time.
My first reaction is that the international co cannot have such devious behavior and... stay in business. The intermediary introduced you to the other guy and handled the transactions. If they were not appropriate, unless they are involved or naive, they should have at least cautioned you. You may want to reexamine the issue and see who deserves the blame.
And, if you received more than expected, why did you not return it? Was it manna from heaven? You may want to reassess your own contribution to this mess. You probably signed some loan papers that should have raised a flag in your mind.
Anyway, now that you are stuck, how do you get out of it? Determine the blame first and then get tough. Let them know that it was unsolicited loan, you cannot afford it and, without significant relief, you may be forced into bankruptcy. Credit advisory outfits can guide you better.. If you need legal advice, try Legal Aid first. Good luck. more