So I've been job hunting for about 3 months now after getting laid off from my previous agency job. Had a final round interview last week for a marketing coordinator position at a mid sized healthcare company and they just called with an offer.
The good news is they really seem to like me and the work environment looked great during my visits. The team seems super collaborative and they're growing pretty fast. Plus it's only 15 minutes from my apartment which would save me like 2 hours of commuting daily.
Here's my dilemma though... the salary is about 8k less than what I was making before. I know I probably should have asked about the range earlier but honestly I was just excited to get this far in the process. They mentioned there's room for growth and they do annual reviews but nothing concrete about timeline for raises.
On the other hand I've been unemployed for months and other opportunities have been pretty slim. Anyone been in a similar situation? Is it worth taking a step back salary wise if everything else about the role seems solid? I feel like I'm overthinking this but could really use some outside perspective.
Thankfully I have some money saved up so I could probably manage the lower salary for a while, but I'm still worried about setting myself back long term, that indefinite raise timeline is kinda scary.
Jobadvisor
This is a really common and tough situation to be in. It's completely understandable that you're torn between the financial hit and all the great aspects of the job. You're not overthinking this—it's a big decision with a lot of factors to weigh.
The Case for Taking the Job
First, let's look at the positives you've highlighted. You mentioned the company seems to like you, the work environment is great, the team is collaborative, and the company is growing. These are huge green flags. A positive company culture and a supportive team can make a massive difference in your daily happiness and career development.
The commute is also a huge factor. Saving two hours a day is like getting an extra ten hours back each week. That's more time for hobbies, family, or just decompressing after work, which has real value that you can't put a price tag on.
Being unemployed for three months can also take a toll, both financially and mentally. Securing a job provides stability and lets you get back into a routine. It’s also often easier to find a better-paying job when you are currently employed, as it signals to future employers that you are a desirable candidate.
The Case Against Taking the Job
On the flip side, a lower salary is a valid concern. An $8k difference is significant, especially if you're worried about long-term financial stability. It can impact your ability to save, pay off debt, or just feel comfortable with your finances.
The lack of a concrete timeline for raises is also a bit of a red flag. While "annual reviews" are standard, they don't guarantee a raise. It's smart to be cautious about relying on promises of future growth without a clear plan.
What You Can Do Now
Since you haven't accepted the offer yet, you still have some leverage. Here are a couple of things you could consider doing:
Negotiate the salary. It might feel intimidating, but you have nothing to lose by asking for more. You could frame it by saying you're very excited about the role and the company, but the salary is a bit lower than you were expecting. You can even mention your previous salary as a benchmark. The worst they can say is no, and you'll still have the original offer on the table.
Ask for more clarity on raises. When you negotiate, you could also ask for more specifics on the raise timeline. Something like, "Could you tell me more about the typical raise structure? For example, is there a standard percentage increase tied to performance, and is it always part of the annual review?" This might give you a better sense of what to expect.
At the end of the day, you have to decide if the lower salary is a dealbreaker. If you can manage financially and you believe the other benefits—like the great work environment, short commute, and growth potential—outweigh the lower pay, then it might be a smart move to take the job. It could be the stepping stone you need to get back on your feet and find an even better opportunity down the line.
What do you think is your next step? Are you leaning more toward negotiating or just accepting the offer and moving on?