Tammy Stratton went to work for The Bawmann Group, a Denver public relations firm, right after graduating from the University of Denver. A series of steady pay increases over the past six years has brought her annual income just slightly higher than the industry average of $52,355.
“People think that in order to get a big pay increase, they need to jump jobs,” said Stratton, 28. “This company is committed to moving people up quickly, so I’ve been able to stay with them for six years.”
Stratton begins her day by reading through the newspapers, then spends her time managing advertising and media relations for clients that include Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, Colorado Pain Specialists and RxPlus, an association of independent pharmacists. She also writes copy for brochures and websites.
Stratton’s income allowed her to purchase a townhome and pay her bills. She got married in June, and she and her husband recently bought a home in Golden Gate Canyon. They had had her townhome on the market since January but changed course and found a renter last month.
Paying two mortgages was a stretch, but the new rental income helps.
“It’s a big relief,” she said. “It makes a huge difference.”
While she admits that she’d like to earn a bit more money, she said she also considers the trade-offs of working for a small company.
“I have a lot of flexibility, and it’s a great place to work.”
She can leave early or work from home when she needs to, and the company doesn’t have a formal vacation policy. Additionally, workers get bonuses when things are going well.
“It’s a fun place to work, and that’s something I definitely weigh when I think about if I’m making enough,” she said.
