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Sounds like you don’t have many options, so I would take it. Once in, it will be easier to ask for a raise or look elsewhere from a position of strength.
Agreed. Leverage current offer at the 2nd firm to show that another firm wants you. Job searching is definitely draining. I did it for 3 months before I received an acceptable offer (not ideal) in a new practice area for me. Hang in there, keep grinding it out. Moving for a job 4 hours away without some compensation for moving expenses is definitely not ideal. Keep submitting if the 2nd firm ends up not extending an offer. Applying and interviewing is the process we all have to put work and effort into and an acceptable result will come, hopefully sooner rather than later. Good work = result(s).
Whats the issue with taking it to lift some of your financial stress and still continuing to look for better opportunities?
Because its 4 hours away and they have to move for this job
I would not take that offer unless you are going to be out of money in the next three months. It's too far away (unless it's full remote), and the no insurance thing is a red flag. What else are they going to cheap out on? I'd hope for the one 2 hours away. Or take a part-time job nearby to make ends meet. At some point something will pan out. I took crap job after crap job and was able to ultimately end up with a not as crappy job. Yay!
Not having insurance at a small firm is not a red flag if they will pay more to compensate for individual plans...
I wouldn’t take it and keep looking. Maybe get a job in a different area of law close to home if there are any that’s hiring. 4 hours away for $70k doesn’t seem worth it.
I agree. $70,000 seems really low.
I had originally asked them for $85,000. The thing I don't understand is that they advertised the position as having a salary range of $70,000-95,000/year. So, they have the funds to pay more than $70,000 if they advertise up to $95,000. I understand that I am a newer attorney, but most listings I'm seeing for my experience level start at 80,000.
I used to work in Group Benefits and since the ACA passed (aka Obamacare), employer group plans are not necessarily less expensive than individual plans depending on the state. Also, if you’re contributing to your group plan premium (not paid 100% by the firm) it might not be worth it. I joined a small firm in 2017, established in 2008, with 3 attorneys and 3 staff that didn’t offer health insurance and didn’t pay more for me to get an individual plan. Thankfully, I already had coverage through my wife’s employer plan. Gained much breadth of experience there that helped land me at another firm 4 years later, 10 minutes from home and higher pay. Now at a larger firm, about 200 employees, learning different practice area, better pay and does offer group benefits but my wife’s plans are still better. 1.5-2 hour commute depending on traffic so there’s that tradeoff. Thank God for podcasts. Check out ehealthinsurance.com to shop and browse for individual plans.
$70K seems awfully low for a member of a Bar. Can you counter for a higher salary? The problem with accepting a position for which you are overqualified and underpaid, you won't have the freedom to pursue a more suitable position. You'll have to take long lunches, leave early, call in sick... I am sure you know the drill.
So, you have been out of work for 3 months. Take heart, I know people who have been out for close to a year, and more. We are talking of hundreds if not a thousand resumes and applications. In July of 2024, I was cut loose from a position after 10 years of employment. It hurt. Minimal severance, immediate loss of benefits, no vacation accrual payoff since we had unlimited days off. It took me 6 months, 150 applications, heart breakingly close job offers/interviews, and nearly falling victim to scams, before I landed my current position. Keep going. My advice is don't accept something where you are not going to be happy. Good luck.
$70k is an insult for someone with 2YOE and no health insurance taboot. You could make more in government. If you take this they will no doubt overwork you so hard that you will not have any energy to look for something better. I know it is hard but try to hold out for something better.
Sharing. They are willing to consider going up to $77,000 since private pay insurance is likely around $6000/year for me personally. I would like to be at $80,000, especially since they would want me in the community helping to bring in new business as the firm is smaller.
I honestly don't know whether to accept or reject. I'm tired and don't want to keep job searching. An income would help with financial stress. I need something added to this offer though to feel better about it.
I apologize for rambling. This is a very stream of conscience post. Any thoughts? Or ways to negotiate this offer to potentially something better while keeping in mind this is a small firm that doesn't have big firm resources?
I didn't expect this post to get this many comments. Thank you everyone for the advice! I'm definitely going to try to negotiate the offer to raise the pay to help offset the private pay cost for health insurance. I did also move up my other interview to before the offer deadline
GRSM is hiring, and has offices in all 50 states. A lot of its offices offer flexible work options (e.g., remote).
You could consider starting your own firm!
You should start your own practice. Your minimum expenses to start is very small compared to the wasted opportunity cost you have right by not working on anything. Plus your risk is being uninsured for health. You might end up being more likely to get hired somewhere because you would be bringing some clients as opposed to other applicants who would bring zero clients.
whats your YOE
2 years of experience. I was sworn in 2024
How can they not offer health insurance? Is this not a full time position?
Do you have any suggestions on where to look for individual plans? I've done some research, and I've found most plans are $6,000/year since I need something with copays for specialists and not deductibles being met first.