Salary expectations

[Blackbookofsmiles1]

I’m looking for some opinions on salary expectations.

A married women in her early 40’s with two children and a mortgage, working 40 paid hours a week, mon-fri at 26,500k. Worked since 16 so have over 2 decades of work experience in various office roles. I live in the Midlands.

Would you say 26,500k is an acceptable salary being at the life stage I’m at? Or is this a very low wage? Just gathering thoughts to help me decide if I should take this job or find one with a better salary, as to me this is very low and more like a starters wage, but not sure if my expectations are in line with reality?

Honestly that’s low, it’s below our graduate salaries!
But the fact you’ve been working 20 years, have 2 kids etc doesn’t mean a fig.
If you’re doing simple, low skill, easily replaceable work, it’ll pay £26k whether you’re 18 or 80.

It's a low salary, but a reasonable salary as an initial job returning to work after a career break.

It's a low salary. I'm surprised that employers manage to recruit anyone one less than 30k given the cost of living.

My first job after graduating paid 28k, and that was over 15 years ago! 26.5k in 2025 is appalling for any full time job.

It really depends on the going rate for the job. It might be an ok salary for a low level admin job. It all depends on skills, experience and qualifications usually.

Your life has nothing to do with the pay so not sure why you mentioned that. If you think you’re underpaid for your work or need more money you either need to work in a place where salary is negotiable and make a case (not possible where I work) or get a new job or more training to aim for a new job.

its not a lot for 40 hours a week but depends on your sector and experience I guess? I’m mid 30s and on 44k plus up to 20k bonus for 30 hours a week.