I'll try to make this brief.
My son graduated with a Chemistry BS 3 years ago. He was hired at an environmental lab a few weeks after graduating. Compensation was shit and still is, but he knew he had to pay his dues. We let him live at home and he paid off his student loans in 2.5 years. He's unusual for millennial. He shows up on time, does what he's told, and stays until his work is done. He's even been going in on the weekends because his department is short staffed.
He's been at the same company since graduating and is now an Analytical Chemist II. The company has a high turnover and my guess is because of the compensation and leadership at the top. He told me that 3 department heads have moved on in the last 6 months. He's asked for a pay increase, but the GM just ignores his request. I told him they don't care if you stay or go, so do what's in your best interest. We have the 5th highest cost of living in the country. The median 1 bedroom is $1650 and you need about $62k to afford it. I think he needs to get out of environmental labs and possibly the Portland Metro area, but that's his decision.
Here's where I could use some guidance. Companies and recruiters are reaching out to him and he's getting interviews, but they are for comparable positions at the same pay or less. I've been in sales 40 years and he's made it clear he has no desire to try that path. He loves chemistry and being in a lab.
Any pointers or direction I can pass on? I know nothing about his industry. I won't tell him what to do. He's an adult, but I would like to give him some tools to help in the job hunting process.
Thanks
UPDATE: 6/2/22 I come in contact with a lot of tech companies in my line of work. I passed several company names on to him to inquire about opportunities. He just accepted a great offer with one of them working in their R&D department under a staff scientist.
It's an outstanding opportunity. I'm proud of him for getting outside his comfort zone.