Structural Packaging Designer in Chicopee, MA
Compensation
You at Work
Life-Long Learner
Fiscal Responsibility/Needs
Long Term Goals
My Work Ethic: I am a very detail-oriented person as well as a perfectionist. As a worker I value quality over quantity. I will put extra time into a project to ensure it turns out to my standards. I am overall a hard worker.
My Job Values: In a job I value a company that cares about their employees and promotes a family atmosphere. I want to feel comfortable at work
My Personality Types: With this line of work, one is expected to be very detail oriented, creative, and good at solving problems. My personality type confirms that I am a natural at being observant and detail oriented and creative. However, it also tells me that I tend to struggle with decisions and being extroverted. In the “real world” it is important that I can make my own decisions confidently and effectively communicate with others. I am working to better myself at these skills. Still, my personality type is known for not seeking out managerial positions due to their weaknesses.
Myer Brigs: ISFJ-T, also known as the Defender Personality is most known for being meticulous to the pint of perfectionism. Although they tend to procrastinate, they can be relied on to get the job done on time. This personality tends to take their responsibilities personality and go above and beyond to exceed expectations and delight others
Basadur: Conceptualizers are considered the artists. They tend to be big idea people, perfectionists, and overthinkers. They tend to look like procrastinators; however, they are really focusing on completing a single task perfectly.
Honesty, Integrity, and Ethics: Since I want to feel comfortable at work it is import that my workplace showcase honesty, integrity, and ethics. Each of these impacts my work because if I am unable to trust the people I am working for, I will be unable to focus on the task at hand.
Average Salary in Chicopee, MA: $50,000
National Average: $60,000 (ranging from $43,000 - $88,000)
Benefits: This job offers several benefits, including health insurance, vision insurance, a retirement plan, and paid time-off.
Cost of Living: This is how the cost of living in Chicopee, MA compares to where I currently reside (Maumee, OH).
Groceries/Food&Drink: 26% more
Housing: 39% more
Utilities: 6% more
Transportation: 2% less
Healthcare: 33% more
Rent Comparison: The average rent for a two bedroom apartment in Maumee, OH is $866/month compared to $1,203/month in Chicopee, MA.
Leisure Budget: My proposed budget does include hobbies and other leisure activities. I based it off my current budget. Since I already live on my own, adjusting to my new post-graduation income, gave me more leisure money.
Short-Term Spending Habits: Currently, I work on saving as much money as possible. For example, currently I am saving for my wedding in October. Therefore, I have approximately 75% of my paycheck going to my wedding account. My fiancé does the same. I have always excelled at budgeting my money and setting aside my savings.
Potential Budget Adjustments: The budget I have made has proved to me that I am ready for whatever financial changes come with relocation. I currently live on my own (with my fiancé), so I am used to paying for groceries, bills, etc. If there is anything, I would like to start saving for a house. This will require Matt and I to continue funneling money into our savings account after our wedding has happened.
Financial Future: When I have a steady income, I would like to start looking into retirement plans and 401Ks. I currently have my savings account that Matt and I invest 75% our paychecks into. I feel this is a good first step towards preparing for a healthy financial future.
Long-Term Financial Goals: My long-term financial goals are to save enough money to afford a home and a new car. My fiancé and I are already starting to think about home down payments. It must wait till after our wedding (especially with the financial struggles happening in the world currently). I fill probably focus on getting a house within the next year or 2.
Potential Salary Range: I am not interested in a management position in my industry. However, I would enjoy becoming a Senior Packaging Designer. This way I would be able to continue doing what I enjoy while having some say in the outcome of events. The average national salary for a Senior Packaging Designer is $80,783.
Industry Trends: There are multiple trends within the packaging industry currently. Some of them include, digital printing, personalized packaging, recycled packaging, playful colors, flexible packaging, etc.
Industry Growth: Currently, digital printing is a huge anticipated growth area for packaging. The various printing methods are slow to evolve, so it is important to note that digital printing is improving. Digital allows the option for more variable data printing, personalization, and cost-effective small runs. This could open this industry up to opportunities with other markets, including small personal businesses.
Continuing Education: After I graduate, I plan to continue my education by making use of online resources to keep up with trends. From my education I have learned that I must be a life-long learner. Some resources include YouTube, Google, Linked-In, etc.
Going Back to School: Looking at my 5-10 year plan, I do not think that I need to pursue another degree; however, if I were to, it would be specifically packaging related. This way I would have more of a foothold within the packaging industry. Since our current major is so broad, sometimes we need more knowledge in a specialized area.