They can't afford me

[Tradd]

I had a phone interview this week for a job in another state. Much smaller metro area than I am in now (I'm in the Chicago area). The position was global trade compliance for an importer. They insisted the candidates have a bachelor's degree, MBA preferred. They also said a customs broker license was non-negotiable (this is difficult to get, as you might remember me mentioning). I have a bachelor's, customs broker license, as well as 22+ years industry experience.

I was approached by the company's HR department on LinkedIn and pretty much begged to apply. Towards the end of the phone interview they asked what I was looking for salary-wise. I told them $70K. I current make $60K base, and with OT this year, it will be about $65K, maybe a bit more. There was silence after I said how much I was looking for. They wanted to pay $45K and NO moving expenses. They would not negotiate that at all. Now, the cost of living is less, but to expect me to take a $15K hit and no moving expenses? I simply said it wasn't possible and thanked them for their time.

I'm still shaking my head.

[Williamsmith]

So let's just say they call back and offer 50k. Will you be prepared to negotiate by maybe meeting them halfway for 60k and a 4000 dollar moving expense? You did say you live in Chicago....where is the job?

[kib]

Well, it's a feather in your cap that they want you but can't afford you. :) Unless you have a burning desire to move from chicagoland to ___, a smile and a shrug, right?

[iris lilies]

Let's see, you are in the transportation business and they won't pay moving expenses? Unh-hung, ok. Insert eye roll emoticon here.

look, I don't know about salary although their offer seems low, but moving expenses are a one time cost. they won't be carrying that cost forward through the years like salary. Besides, they have no idea how minimalist you are and how inexpensive you would be to move, you stuff anyway.

[Tradd]

So let's just say they call back and offer 50k. Will you be prepared to negotiate by maybe meeting them halfway for 60k and a 4000 dollar moving expense? You did say you live in Chicago....where is the job?

It's several states away in a town smaller than the suburb I live in now. There are other factors that would play into me not accepting after doing more research in the area and talking to friends who used to live there. Rents are very similar to what I pay now, other stuff is what is less expensive (such as gas and food). It's a no go, all around.

[mschrisgo2]

Seems to me that their offer is REALLY low, in any job market, considering the amount of education they are requiring.

And, you know, I made the mistake of taking a cut in pay "to work some where that I really wanted to be" and in 15 years have not been able to get back to where I was, dollar wise, never mind adjusting for inflation, housing costs in California, etc. That was a move that I regret, and I always advise others to look long and hard before stepping backwards.

[Tradd]

Seems to me that their offer is REALLY low, in any job market, considering the amount of education they are requiring.

And, you know, I made the mistake of taking a cut in pay "to work some where that I really wanted to be" and in 15 years have not been able to get back to where I was, dollar wise, never mind adjusting for inflation, housing costs in California, etc. That was a move that I regret, and I always advise others to look long and hard before stepping backwards.

The education thing is what really rang an alarm with me. I pretty much applied and did the phone interview on a lark, pretty much to get some interview experience.

[rodeosweetheart]

It shows you are on an excellent career trajectory!! Now maybe just look in a city that will pay a bit more? Did you ever think about Charleston or Savannah or Miami? The last one is not my cup of tea, but the weather is pretty neat.
I lived in Chicagoland for 27 years--raised my kids in Barrington and then St. Charles. I love Chicago and still miss it.
But we can't afford to move back--taxes on the reo's I was looking at back in St. Charles are around 4k for a 100k house foreclosure house. Prices us out of the market.

I think you would adore Savannah and fit right in; it's a very classy city. My dad grew up there. If my granddaughter were not up in Maine and so adorable, and my kids could afford to travel to Savannah constantly, I'd be there instead. But we are thinking of New England now.

How about Portsmouth or something like that? Or Portland, ME, where my kids live. Don't exactly know where you can do what you do.

[Tradd]

Rodeosweetheart, I LOVE winter and the cold! I'm actually going to be in Charlotte next weekend to visit a friend and investigate the area, but I suspect NC will be too hot & humid for me. Raleigh was nearly unbearable when I was there at the end of May. Charleston, Savannah, Miami - way too hot and humid.

I won't touch anywhere in the NE. Not a good fit, politically as well as the gun laws.

I'm not far from Barrington. I'm in the NW burbs. I rent - $800 a month, which has never changed in seven years. I could never afford to buy here at all.

[flowerseverywhere]

I remember how hard you worked to pass that exam. It took a huge amount of time, effort, and I think it costs you some. It was a huge accomplishment. Don't let anyone take advantage of you

I have moved a lot but each was good for us. It is difficult to start out in a new city, though. Finding good markets, some trustworthy friends and acquaintances, a church or social organizations or whatever you are onto that are a good fit.

You our are worth it!

[Float On]

It always amazes me how little is offered for how much they want...no matter what the job is. Most of the job market seems to expect people to be as desperate for any work like it was '08-'13. I've passed up 4 jobs in the last year because I can make more staying where I am part-time.

[Tradd]

It always amazes me how little is offered for how much they want...no matter what the job is. Most of the job market seems to expect people to be as desperate for any work like it was '08-'13. I've passed up 4 jobs in the last year because I can make more staying where I am part-time.

In the meantime, I keep hearing everyone say that finding qualified people is difficult.

[Tradd]

I remember how hard you worked to pass that exam. It took a huge amount of time, effort, and I think it costs you some. It was a huge accomplishment. Don't let anyone take advantage of you

I have moved a lot but each was good for us. It is difficult to start out in a new city, though. Finding good markets, some trustworthy friends and acquaintances, a church or social organizations or whatever you are onto that are a good fit.

You our are worth it!

I'm not totally sure I want to move. My entire support system is here. Things at work have pretty much quieted down from how bad things were even 16 months ago (the awful GM was fired in September 2014).

[rodeosweetheart]

I'm not totally sure I want to move. My entire support system is here. Things at work have pretty much quieted down from how bad things were even 16 months ago (the awful GM was fired in September 2014).

800 in rent in the NW suburbs is awesome!! I love Chicago, and that area especially. When your support system is somewhere, stay. I say that having left Barrington and still missing my friends there.

As to how hard it is for them to find qualified people--I think what they are not saying, in my industry, is how hard it is to find qualified people willing to do the job for 50% of what they used to pay, and what they should be paying, lol.

[SteveinMN]

As to how hard it is for them to find qualified people--I think what they are not saying, in my industry, is how hard it is to find qualified people willing to do the job for 50% of what they used to pay, and what they should be paying, lol.
This is far closer to the truth. Most open white-collar positions come with a Christmas Wish List of qualifications -- and pay that is nowhere close to competitive. And then they whine about how hard it is to find good employees....

[Zoe Girl]

It always amazes me how little is offered for how much they want...no matter what the job is. Most of the job market seems to expect people to be as desperate for any work like it was '08-'13. I've passed up 4 jobs in the last year because I can make more staying where I am part-time.

no kidding, our department and district just bumped up pay seriously, and seriously overdue. However we are still struggling to keep people in jobs because they have options even in a lower paid industry now. i love studying however i am not going to get any more education because it won't pay.

i remember how hard you worked, if you want a change then make sure it pays

[Lainey]

Not trying to derail your thread, Tradd, but the reality of the job market these days is sometimes bizarre. I saw last month that they were asking for bailiffs here in Phoenix to have a bachelors degree.

Related to that, one of my co-workers happened to ask a senior guy about his background. Turns out the guy grew up in a time when the local large manufacturer took in h.s. freshman - 14 years old! - as trainees to learn a manufacturing trade. You went to h.s. for 1/2 day and then work 1/2 day. At the end of 2 years you had earned some college credits and a skill, but the program also continued on if you wanted to keep working, attend college, and come back to work as an engineer. This guy took the latter route, but said he still uses the skills he was taught as a teen and was very grateful for the program.

Of course, the program is gone now.

[Tradd]

My head hurts. There have been lots of cutbacks at work. We lost two girls in my department at the beginning of the month because we lost one customer that they only worked on. One was on maternity (had been off due to issues for two months) and the other left two weeks ago. It wasn't bad to lose this customer because they were a long term pain, and consumed a lot of resources (employees), but weren't worth it.

A couple of people were let go in other departments because business is slow, well, down actually (due to the sluggish economy and China slowing down).

Today took the cake though, in that we were totally surprised. There was a 12 year employee in my department who was fired today. Purely performance issues. I knew there had been issues with her for a long time, but I didn't realize just how long. There have been lots of changes over the past 4-5 years and she was always very negative about any changes. She didn't keep up with some things like she should have and it eventually caught up with her. I was not sorry to see her go. She and I always had a love-hate relationship. The VP of Compliance and Customs was also let go. That was a financial decision, but not a wise one. She was very good with training and keeping people up to date on stuff. The national compliance manager is very good, but he's also very overworked. Customs is in the process of switching totally over to a new system and the issues we are having are endless.

We will see how I like Charlotte when I visit this weekend.

[Tradd]

I'm in Charlotte now. What I've seen of the football obsessed culture down here, I totally dislike. My sports are hockey and baseball. I really like where I live in the Chicago area. Rents down here are high. Wages for my industry are less than the Chicago area. Some of the tax stuff here is crazy.

[lmerullo]

*waves at tradd* We were in Charlotte today. Just wait until it's time for a NASCAR race.... I agree about the rents in the city proper, but just outside the loop it's very reasonable. People commute from all over the region, so if you were considering it a little more seriously, I would check the suburbs out. And wages, also lower but the cost of living overall is lower than Chicago. Although it sounds as if this might not be a good fit for you.

We have a vacation home just south of blowing rock, in the foothills of the blue ridge mountains. I compare it to our home in Florida, so not quite Illinois. Food and gas are the same. Housing purchase price lower in nc. homeownership taxes and insurance MUCH lower...but of course Florida has no state tax, and you would be renting so it wouldn't apply. Wages are the same-ish, but the problem is getting a good job. Sometimes I feel that is as rare as hen's teeth. It's likely that if you lost the job you came here for you might have to relocate again. Connections / networking / nepotism go a long way, and outsiders don't stand a chance.

Personally, I love the culture and the small town feel. Nobody is afraid to lend a hand or offer aid. If you look lost, I guarantee someone will offer directions. If you still seem confused, they will likely lead you there. No kidding. I chat with complete strangers all the time. Sometimes I will see someone I've spoken to before - now we're instant friends!

[ToomuchStuff]

I'm in Charlotte now. What I've seen of the football obsessed culture down here, I totally dislike. My sports are hockey and baseball. I really like where I live in the Chicago area. Rents down here are high. Wages for my industry are less than the Chicago area. Some of the tax stuff here is crazy.

Things would have been crazy with the baseball obsessed culture, if the Cubs made it to the series. (but odds are your a Sox fan)

[Tradd]

I'm a Cubs fan. But it's more than that. It's as if football and basketball are the only shows in town. I saw that in Louisiana with football too. It's religion in the south and more than an obsession.

[Tradd]

*waves at tradd* We were in Charlotte today. Just wait until it's time for a NASCAR race.... I agree about the rents in the city proper, but just outside the loop it's very reasonable. People commute from all over the region, so if you were considering it a little more seriously, I would check the suburbs out. And wages, also lower but the cost of living overall is lower than Chicago. Although it sounds as if this might not be a good fit for you.

We have a vacation home just south of blowing rock, in the foothills of the blue ridge mountains. I compare it to our home in Florida, so not quite Illinois. Food and gas are the same. Housing purchase price lower in nc. homeownership taxes and insurance MUCH lower...but of course Florida has no state tax, and you would be renting so it wouldn't apply. Wages are the same-ish, but the problem is getting a good job. Sometimes I feel that is as rare as hen's teeth. It's likely that if you lost the job you came here for you might have to relocate again. Connections / networking / nepotism go a long way, and outsiders don't stand a chance.

Personally, I love the culture and the small town feel. Nobody is afraid to lend a hand or offer aid. If you look lost, I guarantee someone will offer directions. If you still seem confused, they will likely lead you there. No kidding. I chat with complete strangers all the time. Sometimes I will see someone I've spoken to before - now we're instant friends!

People are generally very helpful up here. The job situation is the real issue. I've been watching the job listings online for my industry for NC since the spring. Things have slowed to a trickle. Now, it might just be the time of year, but things are slowing up here pretty badly with the Chinese economy slowdown. Other companies are laying off people, as mine has. So I'll just stay put. I like the demographics of my area.

[iris lilies]

I have no idea if there are jobs in Nnew Hampshire, but that's a state with heavy libertarian leanings which respect gun possession. From my quick review it looks like concealed carry is permitted. It has beautiful,cold,winters, that's for sure!
you are probably best to stay in Chicago, but I am interested in your thoughts on New Hampshire.

[Tradd]

Jobs would be scarce up there. Plus, I'd have to drive through NY to get to other states. No, thank you. It's very difficult driving through NY with any sort of guns, even locked in your trunk. Many people have gotten jammed up. Even transferring through a NY airport is an issue.