Almost a quarter of the U.S. workforce -- some 30 million Americans -- can be classified as low-wage workers, toiling in jobs that are often part-time, with little or no benefits, and pay under $9 an hour.

Here are the keys to surviving low-wage jobs -- and moving beyond them whenever possible. Follow these rules and you should achieve success in moving ahead in your job/career.

• Do seek career counseling to learn about other job choices. Many communities offer free or low-cost counseling through government-sponsored One Stop Career Centers.

• Don't let employers treat you as less than human. Find a way to fight back -- or find a new job.

• Do find the right employer -- one who respects employees at all levels within the company. A growing number of companies are offering more equitable pay, career ladders, and other benefits.

• Don't give up hope for finding a better job with a better wage.

• Do focus on the skills you use in your current job (as well as previous jobs, hobbies, volunteer work, household chores, etc.) to build a skills portfolio that you can transfer to new jobs.

• Don't quit your current job, especially if you are the main wage earner for your family, until you have lined up another job.

• Do use your network of contacts -- family, friends, co-workers, former bosses, neighbors, etc. -- to help you identify new jobs and employers. And do work on expanding your network at every opportunity.

• Don't ever lose the dignity you have for working hard and performing a solid day's work. It's the American Work Ethic.

• Do pursue educational opportunities whenever they are presented to you -- whether getting training from an employer or attending a local vocational or community college.

• Don't go it alone; do find a mentor, someone who can help you and guide you as you search for better jobs, employers. A mentor is someone higher in your organization or career field who can guide you, help you, take you under his or her wing, and nurture your career quest.

• Do become politically active. Register to vote -- and vote for political candidates who support activities that will improve your wages and working conditions (such as increasing the minimum wage or supporting living-wage laws).

• Don't let bosses or employers bully you or threaten you when you challenge wages or working conditions -- or when a labor union or some other employee collective tries to bargain for employee rights.

• Do take advantage of all governmental assistance offered to low-wage workers, especially the Earned Income Tax Credit.