In perusing job listings on Craigslist [just to see what's out there], the following thought crosses my mind:

How much are my time, experience, and skills really worth?

It baffles me when the postings list x, y, and z skills, but when they include the compensation they are going to pay, they’re basically expecting candidates to work for free. Even $10-$15 per hour in this city is not enough. Seriously, if you want x, y, and z skills, the person would have put in time and money to acquire the skills and certifications.

I understand that the job listings are really a company’s wish list, but still – baffling. You can’t get something for nothing, or can you?