Update - Take a new job with no pay raise?

[meinus]

Should I accept a new job with no pay raise?

Is this the state of the economy?

Background: My current position is grant-funded and will end in July. The new position is in the same industry but private vs. public. I have a Master's degree and 5+ years of relevant experience. I have been at this salary (as a regular employee) previously for 3 years now. Should I hold out for more $?

[cpadvisor]

ask for more money, and see what happens...

if no more money up front, show them why you're worth more money and ask for it then...

if you show them you're worth more money and still no more money, start the job search again...

[souldoubt]

Definitely agree with asking for more money just to see what they say. After that I would be curious is the job you are talking about full time as far as not being subject to a grant and ending at ___ date down the line? If so and they say no to more money it would depend on whether or not you think something else will come along as the current job ends.

[thyme4change]

I moved jobs twice with no increase in pay. I thought it was better to be employed at a rate that supported my family then to be unemployed because I was holding out for fictional jobs with fictional salaries.

The first time was a place holder in my career. But the second move was very worth it. I was quickly promoted and given additional money. I thought I would have some success at that one, as I was the perfect candidate for the job.

[Tiny]

Have you compared all the benefits? I once changed jobs with no increase in salary - but came out ahead - I would pay less out of pocket for insurance, had $40 a month "transit check", had the potential to cash in unused vacation (versus loosing it), had the potential for a yearly merit bonus (in addition to any project bonuses) and a holiday bonus... but the real bonus for me was being able to work fewer hours going from 55 to 60 hours EXPECTED each week to working 40 to 45 hours EXPECTED each week. I was salaried at both positions and paid for 35 hours each week...
Yes, I got no increase in salary and yet my paycheck got bigger (by a bit) and I suddenly had weekends free...

ADDED: make a list of all the pros/cons for the new job compared to the old job... keep in mind your 'career' path. Try to be objective about where your career is going at your current place of work and where it might go at the new job. Being Objective is hard... so if you know you have trouble doing it find someone you trust to talk to about it (preferably someone NOT at your current or future employer). Try to keep your overall work goal in mind.

Then you'll have your answer!

[robbase]

Should I accept a new job with no pay raise?

requires more information, is the new job more responsibility? require more technical skills? Or do you just think if you take a new job you should just get paid more?

also factor in unemployment

[tskeeter]

First, you're never in a better position to negotiate compensation than before you accept the offer. It's unlikely you'll be able to negotiate more money later, unless you get a promotion.

That said, the job offer isn't just about the pay check. It's also about the benefits, the promotional opportunities, and the visibility the job might give you both inside your employer and outside your employer. If the company that gave you the offer is an industry leader and you will have the opportunity to attend conferences and meetings where you can make a good impression on others in the industry, a new job at the same pay may provide the platform for a lot of career advancement, if that is what you seek.

Ya gotta look at the whole picture, not just the pay check.

[Deleted]

I'd be looking at the difference in benefits as well.

[NastyWoman]

Are other jobs available in your field? If they are are they in your area or are you willing to relocate?

[share88]

Don't forget to factor in quality of life. I would be one to trade a shorter commute, shorter hours, or no travel for less money - but only to a point. Just depends on what you value and how many people you have to support on your salary.

[garion2003]

I changed jobs last year - the cash salary was lower. Not by much, but enough to make me think. but I looked at all the options:

1. Better benefits, overall, worth up to 50% of the difference between my old salary and the new one
2. More stable institution, with more opportunties for advancement
3. The new job would round out my resume.

So I took the job, but before I accepted I asked if they could come up at all to "be more competitive" - and they raised the salary by 3,000.

[meinus]

I just wanted to let you all know what I decided (because it's annoying when someone asks a question and never comes back...I lurk all the time. ;D )

I asked for more $ and got it! I would have taken the job had they said no anyway: Incredible benefits + awesome opportunties. I am very, very excited about my new job! Thank you for the advice -- it got me more $$$!

[alabamagal]

Great news! At the time of job offer is the best time to negotiate salary and benefits!

[Deleted]

Congrats! And thanks for coming back and telling us.

[Deleted]

Good going - best to get the bump up front and not count on them taking care of you later. I joined my current employer about 18 months ago and they tried to low ball me by coming in $2k under my previous salary. By the time we finished some back and forths, I was 8k above previous salary. Companies want to play the recession card, but don't let them IF your skillset is in demand.