Is it crazy to expect fair pay?
When I first started working in healthcare + AI, people would say:
“Since you’re young, you should be grateful for ANY opportunity.”
But here’s what I learned the hard way:
I can’t build AI models, train datasets, design workflows, talk to patients, AND handle documentation…
for someone who thinks AED 3000 ( 816 dollars) is “good for experience.”
The responsibility is huge.
The skill is specialized.
And the emotional weight is REAL.
No one sees the hours you spend debugging a model at 3am.
No one sees the stress of working with real patient outcomes.
No one sees the pressure of trying to make tech safer for people in pain.
But THEY see your age.
And they try to price you based on that.
Here’s what I do now:
1. I state my expected pay based on skill, not age
2. I list out the actual deliverables I bring
3. I don’t negotiate below the number that makes me comfortable
4. If they say “experience,” I say “respect goes both ways”
5. I say no faster than before
I’m curious… what’s the lowest offer you ever got… and what was the job?
Tell me in the comments. This is a safe space.❤️
#AskLemon8 #careerinsights #lemon8healthcare #lemon8challenge
Entering the healthcare and AI field brings unique pressures that go beyond typical job descriptions. It’s not just about programming or data analysis; it’s about improving patient care with technology that carries real emotional and ethical weight. Many young professionals face the unfair expectation to accept low pay simply because of their age or perceived lack of experience. However, this mindset overlooks the specialized skills and long hours many dedicate to this demanding sector. Fair pay isn't just about money—it recognizes the responsibility involved in working with sensitive health data and directly impacting patient outcomes. Roles often require multitasking from building AI models to interacting with patients and ensuring workflows are seamless, which demands an advanced skill set coupled with emotional resilience. It's important for emerging professionals to clearly communicate the value they bring. Listing real deliverables and setting pay expectations based on concrete skills helps shift the conversation from age-based assumptions to merit-based respect. Saying no or negotiating assertively isn’t just about self-interest—it advocates for fair standards across the industry. Besides compensation, building awareness around the emotional burden is critical. Public discussions about mental stress, late-night troubleshooting, and ethical considerations in AI for healthcare can foster understanding among employers and clients. This awareness may encourage better support structures and more realistic pay structures. For those navigating this space, sharing experiences and creating supportive communities provide empowerment. Discussing lowest offers and job challenges openly helps individuals validate their worth and prepare strategies for negotiations. Ultimately, fair pay is necessary to sustain talent and innovation in healthcare AI, ensuring practitioners can focus on improving patient outcomes without sacrificing their well-being.
I used to clean up rental properties,it's been about 20 years ago.the people have different ideas about payments on this. a few times I did it for referrals which cost me and didn't get any referrals from either person. there is a lot involved when doing the work butt if they wanted it done they paid or didn't either way is fine with me.