Salary Expectations Question

[SomeoneKidda]

I'm posting for traffic mainly, but I can make it an AIBU if anyone wants me to

I'm a freelancer, writer, doing pretty well and love being my own boss. However, a job has come up in my area that I would LOVE, and it's pretty much the only one that might tempt out of my freelancer status.

The salary is DoE. I've got the experience, all relevant. My hourly rate is £50, which I sometimes tweak for longterm contracts.

What do I suggest as a salary expectation? They have specifically requested this. It's wfh with v occasional travel, performance-based bonus scheme, 'excellent benefits' and 30 days annual leave. It's full time but with almost complete flexibility.

I haven't done a CV in years and have no idea really of salary points within the writing industry, as I've just set my own rates for so long and had the luxury of regular clients. I know the salary won't work out at £50 ph - I'll be taking a drop in salary I expect, but I do really love the sound of the job

Anyone got any advice that might help me out? Thanks if so!

You need to research similar jobs to see what the market rate is for that role

Its unlikely to be anywhere near your freelance hourly rate though

Figure out what the salary range of that profession/employer is.
Figure out how to negotiate the top end of that scale.
Then see how that compares, with the whole package, to your current situation. (And also factor in bigger lifestyle decisions and whether being more flexible OR having all the benefits of a fixed position is better.)

Can you do a desk research benchmarking exercise? Look for similar roles and experience to see what they are paying as a guide. You may not find like for like and you'll need to factor in your specialisms and skills eg science and medical writers get paid more than more something like travel or lifestyle as there's an expectation of additional training and expertise.

Is there any info on the benefits like matched pension contributions that might help you work out how the drop in salary might be offset?

I've gone from freelance to employed as a copywriter. It's worth remembering that although it seems like a drop, you get: paid sick days, paid annual leave and pension contributions. You also don't have to deal with the faff of tax returns

Depends what area you write in, and b2b/b2c. What's the job title? I've never done freelance, always full time employed as an editor. I value the full wfh flexibility too much to give up with small children, and the pressure to find new jobs as freelance wouldn't work for my personality.

Is there a contact name/email or could you call direct and ask to speak to HR/hiring person? Have a conversation about the job, talk about your experience and ask about the salary range. Theres no harm in that op