Negotiating pay?

[Cottonheadedninhymuggins]

I am going to look for a new job this year. I have been 3 years in my current job, 14 at my job prior to that. We live in a rural village and I commute 15 minutes each way into town for work and school run. I have been fortunate as that short commute has seen me on hand for the DC at nursery and school. I’ve been able to do the school run and work from home when I needed to (DC unwell etc) when I was in my role for 14 years. Took a chance on my current role but it’s becoming a toxic workplace where you can do right for doing wrong. I’ve held on but now feel I need to look for something new.

Town where I work is small and wages have not been great, especially in my 14 year job. Always at minimum wage but as I say, the balance was brilliant at the time. Current job pays more. I am earning £14 per hour now which, when you look at other jobs locally is a high wage. I know it’s not a lot elsewhere. I suspect current management are paying me more than average in the hope I won’t leave as they know they are difficult to work for.

Looking at local jobs today, the pay rates are low to what I earn now. Some don’t advertise a pay scale at all. I’d be hopeful to get interviews but I am not sure how to tackle salary. I don’t want to price myself out of a job. I can come down a little but obviously don’t want to. I could commute to big two cities but commuting times are lengthy. Earning potential a bit higher but would be swallowed by commuting costs/parking/trains etc. I’d be looking at 1.5 hours minimum each way and this is why I’d be prepared to come down in salary a little to stay local. DH commutes daily to the city but we hardly see him due to traffic.

Thanks for sticking with this. I am trying to give a full picture. What’s the best way to tackle salary expectations. I assume don’t apply if their advertised salary banding is lower than I’d expect? What’s your advice with no salary scale etc? Two jobs in nearly 18 years means I’ve little experience of this.

I am also going to look at WFH jobs but I fear being isolated. I am 54.

I think you can negotiate, how much would depend on what skills you bring to the job, there is always a risk they will say no and offer someone else the role. I think the way to do it is to go in with your salary expectations ( you can always go higher to allow yourself room to negotiate down) if no range has been mentioned in the advert it won’t hurt to ask at the interview if they don’t mention it. Good luck

You need to look at what they are putting into your pension too ... a big factor

Pension contributions locally aren’t great. I’d be very surprised if anyone was offering more than the minimum contribution unless working for the council.