Underappreciated

While I (some times) enjoy my current position, I've been taking a few interviews here and there to remind myself of what's out there. I had a good one a couple of weeks ago for a managing director position of a local arts organization. The full-time position was to run the day-to-day operations of the organization, manage the ensemble and its weekly rehearsals, coordinate with volunteers and of course the board, and to help fundraise (which wasn't in the job description they posted, but I'll go with it). They're looking for someone with a good deal of experience. Well, well, I've got proven experience in all of those details. Sounded like a perfect match to me. Until salary was discussed.

Starting pay for all candidates was $30k.

[insert record scratch here]

Yes, you heard me. $30k. Shall I say it one more time? $30k. For an "experienced" professional running the day-to-day operations of an arts organization, and not to mention the administrative tasks of weekly rehearsals AND fundraising.

I know I'm not in the arts for the money - it's a bigger mission than that - but $30k is just insulting for the amount work to be done.

Cry with me here, please.