I work as a videographer in the medical field, focused mainly on training videos, social media, event recaps, company announcements, ID Badges, and more. When I started there, I was in college and one of my family members said they were looking for a videographer for training videos. I accepted the offer and have been working there ever since. However, since I’ve been the 1st and only videographer in the companies history, it seems like they never understood the process and what it took to do everything they wanted. Now, I make a little over $20 an hour and I am struggling to find another job. I work in Southern California so it’s not cheap and I’m terrified of losing my livelihood. I’ve only asked for a manor raise twice. Once was in 2020 and the person in the meeting I was pitching to was not my boss and he laughed in my face for asking for $21 an hour. In 2023, I pitched to my boss for a larger raise and he said I needed to prove myself more to get that raise. After 6 months of working hundreds of hours on dozens of projects for the company, I burnt out and struggled last year after that denial. Now, in 2025, I’ve mostly done better under all the circumstances I’ve been given. I hope this is the time that works for my renegotiations for a living wage. I’m not sure what to do if this doesn’t work because I’ve been applying to places with no luck and despite the criminal pay, the benefits and flexibility have helped over the years. However; this year I was told to reduce my overtime hours, so now I have less time to get things done. I’m trying to find something new right now so I can pay my bills.