Salary or being fulfilled?

[chatenoire]

I've posted before about how I haven't really liked my current job since day 1. Three months in, it has got better, but it's super unstable (they change what I should focus on every other week), there's a hiring freeze, and quite honestly my role is for all terms and purposes redundant.

I've tried to find another job pretty much instantly, but haven't had much luck (I think it must be something in my CV that the ATS doesn't like, but recruiters I've spoken to say it's absolutely fine).

I've finally found a very promising lead, I used to work for a direct competitor in a similar role (in fact I worked with some accounts that switched from this company to my previous employer). So overall, I'm a very good fit. I had a quick exchange with the CEO and he thinks so too.

Here's the thing, the salary isn't advertised and on Glassdoor it looks like it would be a 20% pay cut at the very least. I'm the main breadwinner and although I don't think it's the end of the world, it would definitely have an impact on our finances.

So, would you query it? Or go through the whole process accepting a lower salary is a decent compromise for more stability (and fulfillment!)

Focus less on thinking about it as fulfilment. To me, fulfilment is about the satisfaction and enjoyment you take from a job which is important but not always the biggest priority (unfortunately). You can have a good, well-paid and low stress job that isn't fulfilling. What you're describing is security and stability and a job that impacts your wellbeing and those are absolutely priorities.

Is there room for negotiation in the new role? It's always worth having the conversation but, if there isn't, I think it's completely fair to take a hit in pay for the sake of your wellbeing.

It all depends on your financial circumstances at home. Sit down with your partner and work out what a 20% cut would mean for your family and whether you can make it work. You're not being unreasonable to consider it but no one can tell you whether you should.

I think ultimately it would cost us our luxuries (holidays, going out, but mostly holidays).

I'd go through the process and then talk salary. I would be hopeful you could negotiate some sort of uplift, particularly if they know your existing salary and it is a similar role.

Very similar role in the past and present. I do have an industry wide that benchmarks salaries, so I might be able to share that with them..

Once they definitely want you, you're in a good negotiating spot. I think your existing salary is a more compelling argument than benchmarks but both are good.

Glass door shouldn't be used as a salary guide, you don't know the circumstances of the people who are on there.
Interview for the role and if they offer it to you, see what salary is offered, negotiate more if necessary.
Personally, I would not take a pay cut for an equivalent role when you are only three months into this one. It might lead other hiring managers to wonder if you were asked to leave this job and took anything instead.
Take a promotion or pay rise, otherwise stick it out for longer.

Go through the process and when salary is discussed, benchmark yourself against your current salary. If they'll not pay you what you are currently "worth ", I'd decline.

I’d apply personally, but hold out for the salary match.

My current salary (base) was still a salary cut from the previous one. Once you add the bonus it evens out, and has.the potential of being higher.

If I use my salary when I was part of that industry the difference could be as high as 40%

Well they've already said I'm probably too expensive but they'll if they can meet me in the middle.