I do feel good about the job and the people I'll be working for (co-workers? no idea, haven't met them yet). But we're about to get hit with a $200/m increase in day care.

I think I'm going to have to tell them that I know I've already signed the agreement and my start date is in four days, but I'm going to have to withdraw unless they can offer me enough to at least match my current net.

Fuckity.

eta:

Could EM kick in a little to help cover Emmett?

Nope. She's got nothing right now. P/T work with no insurance, outside help to cover the rest of her expenses, nothing extra at all. Hec and I have been figuring that we'll probably have to budget a bit in every month to support her until she gets another job.

If the review is in 4 months and there's a chance at a further increase then, we could probably tough it out. If it's six months to a year, I don't know how we can manage. How should I word this email?

JZ, do you still have the possibility of getting another, better paying job at your old place? I have no advice, but best of luck to all of you.

Damn, the snow is coming down fast outside. I just went to rescue TCG's Christmas presents from the car, and there is already several inches on the ground.

IOweirdN, I apparently have been given a free subscription to a bridal magazine with one of my registries. Someone please come and take the crazy bridal magazine away from me.

JZ, do you still have the possibility of getting another, better paying job at your old place?

There's always the possibility. Just no certainty as to exactly when or even definitely if. At this point I've proven that I have no talent or patience for accounting-type jobs, and senior administrative/executive assistant jobs come vacant very very rarely here.

Though everyone's made it clear that I am welcome to stay here at this job for as long as I want, so I could just dig in my heels and stay put until something better comes along; I just don't know when or if that would be.

And I do really like and admire the individual I'd be supporting at the new company, and it sounds creative and interesting and like a big stretch in a good way. I'm just not in a place where I can take a pay cut. Certainly not a pay cut that comes with a doubled to tripled commute, as this one would.

{{{JZ}}}

TCG has been told he can go home now, except he thinks the roads are too bad and very busy, so he is going to wait a couple of hours.

sj, I'd probably wait, too. Not because I'd expect the roads to get better. But because empty roads are easier to navigate in rotten weather.

sj, I'd probably wait, too. Not because I'd expect the roads to get better. But because empty roads are easier to navigate in rotten weather.

That's pretty much what said. I'm just being overly worried.

{{{{JZ}}}} Fucksticks. But please don't feel bad about doing what you need to do for your family.

How about something like this, JZ?

Dear GiveMeMoreMoney!People,

After reviewing my salary and withholdings with X, I've discovered that my take home pay would be $350 less per month than my net pay in my current position. While I really want to take this position and am excited at the prospect of working for COMPANY, I simply can't take a cut in pay and support my family. Unfortunately, unless there is room for further salary discussion, I will have to rescind the offer.

I sincerely hope that we can reach a mutually beneficial solution as I'm so looking forward to working with you. I'm sorry that I didn't realize sooner how much my withholdings and insurance would affect my net pay. I look forward to speaking with you.

Gloomcookie is good at this stuff! I'm sorry you're being placed in this position, JZ. {{JZ}}

Also, Laga! For the use of your recliner, you get a totally awesome mix CD. Give me inspiration.

I like GC's letter. Although technically, you accepted their offer but I'm not sure of a better way to word it. My other thought is, and this might be more personal than you want to get into, would be to add something about "sole regular income for a family of four" simply as a way of saying "I'm really not just asking for more money. This is a serious problem for me".