Oh, and smonster..

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA >[link]

My current job is the first one where I made myself counter-offer, even though I was desperate to get out of my job at the time. I did it because I was tired of kicking myself all the time for never having done it before. And it makes a huge difference.

This! My current job I actually didn't, and should've. But the job before this, I did...which helped me have a higher salary THIS job, because even though I was only at the last job for four months, they looked at that salary, and said "so you were making around (my actual salary+$10K)? I'm afraid we can only offer (actual salary+$5K)..."

I ordered a filing cabinet from West Elm. I was getting sick of keeping my files in crates, and I figure, if I'm going to buy a real filing cabinet, I might as well get a nice-looking one, and West Elm had one that matches my desk. I didn't notice when I ordered it that that item has in-home delivery, but once I did notice, I figured that was cool -- they'll bring it, assemble it, and take away all the packaging. I've been getting sick of assembling things.

Anyway, it turns out that, for my part of Pennsylvania, they only deliver on every other Tuesday, and only between 8 and 5. They call the Saturday before to give a two-hour window when they'll deliver. They called this Saturday to tell me that they'd be delivering it tomorrow, but it was during a time when I couldn't be home, because I was teaching. So I called to reschedule, and they could reschedule me for two weeks from tomorrow, and they could put down that I'd prefer a particular time slot (the only one when I'm not teaching), but they can't guarantee that, and if they can't give me that time zone two weeks from tomorrow, then I'll have to wait another two weeks.

How do they expect to deliver to anyone who has a full-time job?

I am officially in love with my new shower curtain . It is hookless ( no more curtain rings ) and is transparent at the top third -- so more light in my tiny bathroom

I am officially in love with my new shower curtain . It is hookless ( no more curtain rings ) and is transparent at the top third -- so more light in my tiny bathroom

...how does that work, hookless???

I have been thinking that much as I love my very pretty shower curtain, I may need to go get a clear one (or, partly clear), because there is no light in my shower (the light is outside, and so is the window). And that's starting to bug.

smonster, is the cost of living significantly lower in Nola?

I think it's about the same, although restaurants are generally more expensive and verra tempting. Definitely not cheaper. Unless I want to live in one of my much-beloved but super sketch neighborhoods. I could buy a gutted house for $10K!

So, how would I counter offer? "I'm currently making top + $5K, and I'd really love to take this job - could you manage top + $1K?"

That sounds right on to me, smonster.

and is transparent at the top third -- so more light in my tiny bathroom

I just get the clear vinyl curtain liner and use that. With a small bathroom not having something that blocks light or space is great.

So, how would I counter offer? "I'm currently making top + $5K, and I'd really love to take this job - could you manage top + $1K?"

Basically. I mean, in theory, you should focus it more on your awesome skillz and how they're worth more than the offer, but...in reality, I think most people are going to phrase it more like "Am SO EXCITED about your company and this offer and would REALLY love to take the job...BUT....I was really hoping for something at least a little closer to my current salary. Would really love to take the job (blah blah skillz/enthusiasmcakes), is there anything we could do?" (Would other than money also be an option, smonster? I mean, obviously money is huge, but you said bennies aren't as good either? Would more vacay, opportunities to hit up NoLa, etc be good?)

[x-post with meara]

And the other place you can negotiate is benefits. If they can't offer better concrete benefits, ask for more vacation time.

When we've had our phone conversations, the theme that persisted was that you wanted off of the computer and out into hands-on work, training people. That's a big deal for you and I think if that's really what this job is, it sounds like an awesome opportiunity. But you did mention the company having some issues, right? Are those resolved?

Yeah, another week of vacation would definitely be appreciated, especially if I'm going to try and stay involved with Historic Green. Is a week of vacation roughly equivalent to $1K?

I just talked to my HS friend who did accounting for them for about a year. His take is that they were taking rather more risks than he really liked, but not necessarily doing anything wrong. He recommended that I go for the ride, knowing that it might not be around forever. But you know, if I get a year of experience out of it and a move to New Orleans, could be worth it.