Would you take a job that paid 20 percent below market rate ?

[pumpkinpe]

It’s a bit of a red flag, isn’t it?

they’re a young team and I have a lot of experience, but are only willing to pay quite a low salary. The bonus is in line with industry standards, but how likely it will be to earn that, remains to be seen.

I am just not sure it’s a good idea. any experiences ? I know it very much depends on the sector etc. I don’t want to be too outing. But other roles are paying more.

So there are no "perks" compensating for the lower salary?

My jobs is below market rate pay (possibly not as much as 20%) but I get longer than standard holidays, and a lot of flexibility to work at home, and the hours I choose. Plus when I'm not working from home, the office is only a mile away so no commuting. And there are high employer contributions to the pension. Those benefits are worth the lower salary in my pocket. I wouldn't work there without the "extras".

No I would not, know your value. Too many companies trying to get skilled people for a reduced rate. I also never factor in bonuses as in my experience firms try and squirm out of paying them.

Yeah so I’m thinking of asking for something in return. The perk they offer is that they’re so amazing I’ll definitely get the bonus. But they’re asking a lot. A lot of office time, a lot of abroad travel. The role is senior and carries a lot of responsibility. Maybe I could ask for a more senior title? Because the role deserves it and so does my experience.

I never just look at basic salary. Benefits, annual allowance, working hours, expectation of unpaid hours, flexible working etc. All of them need factoring them in.

I never just look at basic salary. Benefits, annual allowance, working hours, expectation of unpaid hours, flexible working etc. All of them need factoring them in.

Depends on your situation

Are you in a job now?
Would you love it?
Could it be a stepping stone?
Other perks?
Commute time/ wfh?

They seem very inflexible tbh with everything.

So would you be happy to be underpaid if youre over job titled? Is that what you mean?

@Shr3ddingI don’t even know. I guess maybe.

I’m not sure I’d want to be underpaid for my job title as then you’ll be putting that on your next CV and they’ll know they can underpay you too.
When you say they’re a young team, do you mean it’s a start up? Can you ask for some equity? It’s risky but might have upsides in the longer term.

No one will ever know what I was paid. It doesn’t work like that in my industry.

it’s a startup ish and yes, more equity is something else I’ll ask for.

My job is paid slightly below market rate but I have a generous bonus and benefits system. I would bear in mind that it’s very hard to get annual pay rises (in my industry at the moment), so you don’t want to be underpaid to that extent if regular pay rises aren’t guaranteed.

The pretty inflexible would make it a no from me. If they are inflexible they need to be paying more not less. Id leave this one.

Equity in a start-up is just a dream. It might pay off, but you're sacrificing, quality of life, flexibility and salary. They're cheeky and desperate to even suggest it

It’s so true. They reckon their product is so incredible that they can go around having no flexibility.

@pumpkinpeHow is the bonus structured? How does it work? Profit share? Is there a profit? How do you “earn” it?

Title of job is a bit shallow. What’s in a name? No monetary remuneration ! Why don’t they have job evaluation that is coherent? Sounds like they want a cheap deal and won’t pay for experience.

Have you checked profitability? Why are they penny pinching? Or do they really need “expensive” you if they cannot afford you? You must see something in them but are shares worth it?

They think people will be lazy if they pay them more, it’s base salary and commission based.

Well the company culture sounds dreadful. Youd be mad to consider it.

Madness. Dont take a 20% pay cut.

They didn’t tell me that, the recruiter told me. Yeah you guys are right.

20% is madness unless it comes with some seriously good benefits and flexibility , my current role is a little underpaid but the health insurance is great and I use it a lot amongst other things so I stay. I wouldn’t take a cut just for a job title.

It depends what else is being offered. Do they offer flexible hours, private healthcare, access to discounts in supermarkets/high street, etc. Can you work from home? Have a company car? Salary isn’t always the measure of what benefits you receive. Look at the whole package. Look at the values of the company.

It would be a hard no from me.

I don't see any reason why you'd consider taking this role. If they're being inflexible now, imagine what they'll be like once you've actually started working there.

Lots of start-ups work like this. They want you to do long hours, in person, and pay lower salaries than a big corporate would. They don’t really pay up for experience because they prefer young hard working people with no commitments and an open mind to older more expensive people who have to leave at 5 on the dot.

But in return, if the business takes off you might become a multi-millionaire. I’ve seen that happen to one family member. So whether it’s a good deal or not depends on how good the company is, how likely they are to succeed and how much equity they are willing to give you.

I think it would matter how much I needed a paycheque. If I needed the money I'd take it for security and continue my job search,