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Im not searching for a new job but an acquaintance reached out about a similar role at a similar energy company.Turns out 2 ppl threw my name in the hat. I looked into it and the position was posted 2 weeks ago.Their director wants to meet.I bet pay is one of the first things to be discussed so that no one’s time is wasted.Am I crazy for not wanting to entertain it for less than 20-25% base pay increase?Is it selfish to ask for more? I’m sure most salary conversations end in negotiation anyways?
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A lot of places aren’t paying out bonuses right now, so I wouldn’t trust it. I used to work base plus commission and they always lied about how much you could make to the new hires. Also what happens if you relo and the job isn’t good or downsizing?
I feel like 2k less salary but more bonus potential wouldn’t be enough for me to leave. Too much risk.
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Was coming to say this too— always negotiate salary without considering the bonuses.
I’ve lost a lot of money this year because I negotiated my salary with the recruiter saying “with base and bonus we can meet your salary expectation.” Well here we are with bonuses cut so I’m taking home a lot less than I want.
I think you’re being a little short sighted about the base to be honest - $2K is just not that much money when you really think about it (likely less than $100 per month post tax depending on tax rates where you are). One possibility is to negotiate the % bonus, ask if they can give you a lower bonus potential on the grounds you prefer a higher base.
Is the cost of living higher where you’re moving to? If so, negotiate on the fact that the salary isn’t competitive for the area relative to your current salary where you live (always avoid saying how much you make now). I would focus your negotiating on how much you love the opportunity, the team you’ve met but you need $xxxK to make the move. I would aim for $5-7K over your ideal (nice round number) and hopefully you’ll land closer to what you want.
Also if there is more upward mobility in this new role vs your current role, it sounds like a great move. If your relatively happy with your role and think you can weather the economic downtown for the next 1-2 years OR a similar opportunity could come down the pipeline if you want it, I would wait it out. Would wait it out if you’re feeling risk adverse/the new firm won’t come up on the base and you can’t justify the decrease to yourself.
Thank you so much for you advice 🙏
I think it’s reasonable to let them know the X they offered is lower than your current base rate, and while you’re taking into account the total rewards package they have you were really thinking it would take Y for you to consider leaving your current role. Even if you’re taking the job no matter their response - if they say the offer is final just ask for the evening to consider the full offer, and then just follow up saying you’ve decided to accept. Also, before you ask I recommend thinking about what’s the lowest they could offer that you’d still say “yes,” to. It reduces the angst and toughness of the post-counter offer decision making process.
Thank you for this advice!
I am not familiar with academia /fellowships so not sure if this is a typical offer or not. 1, $2000 is not an adequate salary increase but you mentioned this is a lateral move. Others of mentioned cost of living. 2, others said the bonus should not be the dangling carrot here. 3, how could base salary go down in year two? 4, future opportunities is another dangling carrot. How is this even attractive? Conclusion: Are you willing to take the risk to relocate for a position that does not guarantee your long-term goals and a salary that is actually close to the same? As I said, I am not familiar with academia and fellowships. Are you at the stage in your life where you are willing to take risks to relocate for a lateral move? Seems like a big jump, but I don’t understand the full context. I don’t think this situation is about the money. Keep in mind you will lose more money in taxes for those bonuses then you would for salary. They know that.