To ask for more money?

[Jellyheadbang]

I have been offered a job which currently isn't advertised. I have kind of been headhunted by someone I've worked alongside...they've managed without someone in place for the position but really need somebody now. anyway, the hourly rate is ok but not enough for me as a single mum with a mortgage , not as much as my current role (which I am not enjoying anymore but pays really well for my level of skills and qualifications)
The hours and location of new job are better, it could be fun, they have offered it to me there and then at the interview and told me to go away and think about it.
I don't know how to assertively tell them I need more having not discussed it in the meeting..can I even ask at this stage or would it seem rude?
if you have any ideas I'd love to hear them!

You were right not to discuss it in the interview OP, but absolutely fine to do so now.

I work in HR and we always raise an eyebrow at the candidate who don't negotiate. You're essentially doing yourself out of money as we expect you to ask for more and already know our upper limit for negotiations!

They should at least match your current salary. You want to move further in your career, not back step

Thanks so much guys I really appreciate this support and this has give me real food for thought.
I have spoken to a couple of friends in business and a manager and we have put together a draft email.
I have been given the director's email address by my contact so am going to try my luck, nothing ventured, nothing gained!

As bumblingbovine49 says.

Good luck op and good for you

Thank you kaytee well 'tis done now, I have never done anything like this before.
As my kids are with their dad and I'm off to see the new bladerunner tonight I'm going to treat myself by taking a pint of tea to bed and watching the original Bladerunner in preparation for tonight.
And probably checking my emails on a regular basis

You don't ask you won't get.

Update: they've offered me the money I was hoping for when I interviewed.
so not the figure I asked for yesterday but it's a compromise and what I was expecting to be offered in this first place. Think I'm going to go for it, just waiting to hear about t&cs!
Thanks all for supporting and encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone

Definitely ask, they want you, you are a perfect position to negotiate so do it. Make sure you value your skills adequately, I'd suggest you should be looking for approximately 5% more than your current salary.

Just read your update! Awesome, see negotiation is always worth it.

Congratulations OP! Really glad it worked out. Well done!

Ahh thank you
Am actually grinning here !

This is the the perfect Mumsnet thread, genuine problem, sensible solutions, a positive outcome and an update!

If only there was a reason for a diagram ;)

Well done OP.

If you are accepting a pay decrease make darn sure it's worth it and it's not going to cause problems for you. I say this as an employer, I don't like an employee to have money issues. I want them focused on their job. I have never hired someone on less than they were previously earning.

sonders sure a diagram could be shoehorned in somewhere!

want2bSupermum tbh my current salary is only a very recent pay raise, I have for years managed on what they are offering now and I hope that tax credits will adjust accordingly.
What it lacks in pay it should make up for in terms of less stress and anxiety, precious time given back to my little family, shorter days and nearer location as well as a much more interesting job, no unrealistic targets.
My job has been understaffed so long and the pressure is piling up and up, it's been soul destroying!

Good luck! I hope it all goes well for you.

RING And ask if there’s an email address you can contact them on

Then tell them you are very interested in the job and can they match your current hourly rate of x.

Well done OP

Congratulations op

Thank you 😊 I'm excited now!

Well done Jellyhead and congratulations. Onwards and upwards.for you now.