New Job Pay Cut - Help!

Went to an interview today in Stockport, and got offered the job.
Problem is that they can only initially offer me £16,500, rather than £19,500 that I'm currently on in Leicester.

I'm still living at home with my dad at the moment, and planning to move up to the Manchester area with my girlfriend (she's also looking for jobs up there too), so there's the benefits of the g/f plan going ahead, moving out of home, similar perks to my current job, and eventually the pay (as it's on a career grade scale) will eventually be more, all seem to be a good thing.
But to be paid 3k less (£200 a month less in real terms after tax) is a bit of a kick in the balls considering it's doing the same job as I do now.

I've got till tomorrow lunch to make a decision and still don't know what to do!
HELP!!!

Just clicked on your profile says yer work for the Council - in which case if you know what they are saying is true (ie that they can't offer you more because of fixed rules / grades etc) then if you think you will make the money up (sooner is always better than later!) I would say swallow it, but only given the other benefits to you at this point in your life (I am thinking g/f & leaving parents.....and nookie on tap - just don't tell her "It" costs you £3k a year ).......in nay event living with yer g/f (and her earning) will mean certain living costs are cheaper than being on yer own (albeit maybe not as cheap as with parents!).

However if it is a commercial firm (or the Council do have a choice) I would call their bluff on the basis they are trying their luck, and if that doesn't work tell 'em to fook off on the basis that they are taking the p#ss....and also that it ain't a good omen to start with!

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by Steve_God

Went to an interview today in Stockport, and got offered the job.
Problem is that they can only initially offer me £16,500, rather than £19,500 that I'm currently on in Leicester.

I'm still living at home with my dad at the moment, and planning to move up to the Manchester area with my girlfriend (she's also looking for jobs up there too), so there's the benefits of the g/f plan going ahead, moving out of home, similar perks to my current job, and eventually the pay (as it's on a career grade scale) will eventually be more, all seem to be a good thing.
But to be paid 3k less (£200 a month less in real terms after tax) is a bit of a kick in the balls considering it's doing the same job as I do now.

I've got till tomorrow lunch to make a decision and still don't know what to do!
HELP!!!

Unless its £200 cheaper to live there then dont do it.

I also imagine that living with your dad is going to be cheaper than with the g/f, look at exactly what you are paying now and what your dad is paying out and thats a better idea of the costs per month. (At least when I lived with my folks I paid what seemed a lot, but was actually very little)

Do not even think about it. At your age every time you move jobs you should be looking for an increase. Move every 2 to 3 years and get an increase each time.

Just keep looking for a new role in the Manchester area, as its big enough to have many options open all the time.

Just remember to take your bright wet riding gear as it is always miserable and raining down there.

I think if it makes it possible for your life to move on, and you know that you are on a scale so your pay will increase, it is worth considering. Sometimes you have to take a small step back to move forward.

You are young and you are starting out, a girlfriend who wants to pay her way and share the financial burden ... sounds worth 200 quid a month, and must be more exciting then living had home with dad

Originally Posted by SoulKiss

.... living with your dad is going to be cheaper than with the g/f, ....

This much is true, partners will always have different spending patterns to parents....you will learn this very very shortly after having a month of "I like this duvet set, what do you think? Good."

Remember too if you're living at home you'll have to shell out something to get yourself on your feet even if you move into a semi-furnished rented place together, so £200 a month *might* be significant.

(Setting up on your own can be expensive, depending on how you do it and what your preferences are, and of course, how much you've got saved.)

I'm in a little bit of the same boat (apart from the house / dad / girlfriend thing), but have a few years on you, and am looking at the same problem essentially.

Good luck, but on a personal note, I'd be tempted to call their bluff, but I'm a bit cheeky like that. Whatever you tell them, be confident about it. If they liked you in the interview, then they think you're worth it...you have to tell them you're worth the extra £3k though now, if thats what you want.

The org is watching you....

McSlavedrivers

ask if you can work the frier, you get responsibility money for that.

jack the job in - go travelling to get some perspective!

Work to live not vice versa

Originally Posted by Kinvig

jack the job in - go travelling to get some perspective!

Work to live not vice versa

I did that at around 28 - changed me life 100% .....and even money wise afterwards have done a lot better than I would have staying on the same track - sometimes a bit (or a lot!) of distance is needed to get some perspective on your life.

Regarding calling their bluff, IME always better to do this face to face rather than on the telephone, and preferably with someone who personally can make the decision (I appreciate not always possible in a large organisation).......and IME the best "tactic" to negotiate is when you are genuinely prepared to walk away....cos' that way you are in a win win situation and it gives you the ability to be politely blunt (to point out the bleedin obvious!), even at the risk of offending.

Remember "Yer don't ask, yer don't get"!

Good luck - and keep us posted.

If the scale will eventually take you to a higher salary that's good. I would have thought if that is the case then they are also able to appoint you on a higher starting salary anyway. If you do work for a council they know what you're on currently, it is not appropriate to offer you less. I've never come across it. There's your pride and what your worth to consider. You have got experience £16,000 is having a laugh isn't it? Surely you are worth more than that. Good luck.