View Full Version : Job offer in small town an hour from Chicago
Ultralight
6-28-19, 4:38pm
Yesterday (Thursday) I got a job offer from a college an hour outside of Chicago.
This job would be considerably better than my current one
Current job vs. Small town outside Chicago job
$50k vs. $58k
15 days vacation vs. 25 days vacation
Retirement is the same; benefits are the same.
Here is the catch. When they called, I asked if they could bump it up to $60k. The lady said she would discuss with her manager and call me back. She did not call back on Thursday. She did not call back today (Friday). So I just called her a little while ago to let her know I am still interested and wanted to discuss the position further. I left a message on her voicemail saying such. Looking back... this was probably a bad idea. But I wanted to discuss with her the timeline she had in mind for me to start because the Baltimore job wants my final answer by Monday at 9am. This job near Chicago is the one I really want, but I would probably settle for the Baltimore job if this near-Chicago job does not work out, for some reason .
Thoughts?
Its Friday before a holiday week, things are going to move slowly. Your negotiation was not necessarily a bad thing.
Teacher Terry
6-28-19, 6:20pm
Curious is the job in Wisconsin or the other direction? If you were going to negotiate salary I would have done it on the Baltimore job. This job was a better job in all ways. I would have just taken it. Hope it works out.
Ultralight
6-28-19, 6:24pm
Curious is the job in Wisconsin or the other direction? If you were going to negotiate salary I would have done it on the Baltimore job. This job was a better job in all ways. I would have just taken it. Hope it works out.
I should have taken it. But I did not know they were just going to ghost me.
Nothing I can do about it now if they did indeed ghost me.
And I did negotiate the Baltimore salary. They originally offered me $51k. I asked for $58. They said $52 or F yourself.
So I said: "Lemme think it over until Monday."
They said: "Let us know by 9am."
I agree that the negotiation didn't necessarily kill the job. Maybe they had to escalate the counter-offer and the other person isn't available today.
The only bad thing is you have to decide on the Baltimore job by Monday am... I would accept Baltimore (if you want the job) and then renege if Chicago comes through.
Ultralight
6-28-19, 6:51pm
I would accept Baltimore (if you want the job) and then renege if Chicago comes through.
Yup. That is good advice. And I will probably do that.
I am really kicking myself for not just taking it on the spot. WTF was I thinking?
Teacher Terry
6-28-19, 7:02pm
We all do stupid stuff. I have done what Catherine suggests.
Ultralight
6-28-19, 7:06pm
We all do stupid stuff. I have done what Catherine suggests.
The thought of another year at my current job -- especially when I have come so close to getting a better gig -- is going to send me into a real depression, I think.
I don't see any harm in negotiating for a higher salary. I can't imagine pulling an offer based on the candidate asking for more.
iris lilies
6-28-19, 7:22pm
I don't see any harm in negotiating for a higher salary. I can't imagine pulling an offer based on the candidate asking for more.
Agreed. Hope we are right!
Ultralight
6-28-19, 8:06pm
Agreed. Hope we are right!
Thanks, I hope you all are right too.
rosarugosa
6-28-19, 8:34pm
Agree, if you are their top candidate, the worst that will happen is they will just let you know that salary cannot be increased. Hope it works out, we are rooting for you!
dado potato
6-30-19, 10:14am
Now that Monday has passed, I am curious whether an offer has been accepted, and if not, what offers are still open?
iris lilies
6-30-19, 10:35am
UL in no way my blathering below mean anything specific to you, it is just general observations about the state of Illinois.
When we were looking around for a place to move, at the time it was conceived of as a weekend house but possibly a permanent place, DH put his foot down NO about Illinois. He doesnt put his foot down about much. Illinois has been ravaged by liberal and money grafting politicians based in Chicago.
There are some wonderful old Illinois cities just across the river from us in St. Louis. Alton for instance has fabulous architecture, many old big houses that sit on large lots. It’s a great town but it is a decaying town. And the real estate taxes are so God awful I can’t believe it. I also looked at the village of Elsah, small city Belleville, and farming community Highland. Each had attractions for us.I have also been horrified about how downtrodden and decaying the wonderful town of Springfield Illinois is. Springfield is another fabulous old town but the politicians and economic decay have taken a toll on it. The topography of Illinois is pretty flat ( rich farmlands,) but that doesn’t bother us because we are from Iowa.
But in the end we ended up in Missouri and I’m glad we did.
If UL is an hour outside of Chicago he is still likely in suburban land. The rural vs big city divide in our midwestern states is pretty severe. I live in the economic engine of Missouri, St. Louis. You will will move to a place where Chicago is by far the economic engine of that state, but out staters have decided opinions about Chicago.
In my formative years and during many of my adult years, Illinois was similar to Iowa, but richer. It was considered that you moved up in the world when you moved to Illinois from Iowa. That is no longer the case.
dado potato
6-30-19, 10:41am
Relocating from your present home to a more urban community could involve increases in the cost of living (in conditions that are satisfactory to you). There are relocation calculators on-line that compare the average cost of living between pairs of cities -- but beyond that, I think I would want to investigate the cost of specific houses, condos, or apartments in particular neighborhoods that would appeal to you.
Going from $50,000 to $58,000 in Chicagoland is a bump of 16%, to $60K would be a bump of 20%
Going from $50,000 to $52,000 in Baltimore is a bump of 4%... unless the increase in the cost of living in Baltimore, compared to your current location would be less than 4% it is not an attractive offer, in my opinion.
Non-economic factors may outweigh the economic, ie, a spouse who is demanding that the family moves to another town.
Intrigued by that idea, I found a calculator and plugged in a Seattle to Portland scenario. Imagine my shock and surprise to find that the cost of living in the Portland Metro area is 16.35% higher. Who would have thought--because, as far as I can tell, Portland housing is cheaper. Or maybe I'm just reading the wrong ads, where $700k condos are routine.
Now that Monday has passed, I am curious whether an offer has been accepted, and if not, what offers are still open?
Today is Monday where I am at. And morning no less. So I still know nothing.
I am really wondering what the heck is going on.
Intrigued by that idea, I found a calculator and plugged in a Seattle to Portland scenario. Imagine my shock and surprise to find that the cost of living in the Portland Metro area is 16.35% higher. Who would have thought--because, as far as I can tell, Portland housing is cheaper. Or maybe I'm just reading the wrong ads, where $700k condos are routine.
Portland has become ridiculously expensive in the last 5y and Seattle more so. You have to live quite rural in the NW for it be affordable these days. And then the wage is low.
If I don't hear anything today from the near-Chicago job then I am probably going to give up on this one and go on to Plan B.
Portland has become ridiculously expensive in the last 5y and Seattle more so. You have to live quite rural in the NW for it be affordable these days. And then the wage is low.
The "Seattle more so" was what I was expecting, so seeing that percentage took me by surprise. Fortunately, I'm not dependent on a wage, and my house is paid for, so I have something to work with. Still, I can't believe these prices are sustainable. I'm looking in Beaverton, where I used to live, and the Seattle Eastside, where I live now.
I’d hold off on plan B until end of the week at least. Business decisions move slowly especially in large government type bureaucracies. We are making job offers this week from interviews a month ago. We’re not usually that slow, but we hit a few budget surprises ...
I’d hold off on plan B until end of the week at least. Business decisions move slowly especially in large government type bureaucracies. We are making job offers this week from interviews a month ago. We’re not usually that slow, but we hit a few budget surprises ...
I will wait for them to tell me no.
But I will also say that if I do not hear back from them by next Monday (July 8th) afternoon I am going to email the hiring manager and let her know that the HR person simply stopped communicating with me. I don't want the hiring manager to think I am the one who dropped the ball.
Here’s hoping you hear in the next day or so.
Here’s hoping you hear in the next day or so.
Thanks. I really think the HR lady is on vacation.
The "Seattle more so" was what I was expecting, so seeing that percentage took me by surprise. Fortunately, I'm not dependent on a wage, and my house is paid for, so I have something to work with. Still, I can't believe these prices are sustainable. I'm looking in Beaverton, where I used to live, and the Seattle Eastside, where I live now.
I've lived in Clark County (across the river from Portland) nearly my entire life, worked here all my career, have roots here. But looking at the situation here, and retiring in 2020, I believe I will have to move elsewhere to have a good quality of life. It's ridiculously expensive. I would love to live on the Key Peninsula, but it's too expensive, too.
My hometown had a population of 600 when growing up. Now, it's the fastest-growing city in the state. The population is nearing 9,000. Everyone wants to live in "the countryside." Bleccch. Cookie cutter housing.
My hometown had a population of 600 when growing up. Now, it's the fastest-growing city in the state. The population is nearing 9,000. Everyone wants to live in "the countryside." Bleccch. Cookie cutter housing.
While there isn't a big population surge up here on the island, there is new housing going up. When my realtor was working with me I told her specifically I didn't want a house that I could have bought easily in any new development in NJ. That's why I love my house. It truly is quirky and I like it that way. I'm not fond of "little boxes on the hillside little boxes made of ticky-tacky" where they all look just the same.
My original hometown was a beach resort with a population of around 350. Small towns are marginally more appealing to me now that we can buy supplies on line, but only marginally.
I would like to avoid the "ticky tacky," but I might as well embrace it, since I'm looking at suburban stock. There are whole hillsides in Beaverton covered in that crap. I'm not ready to go that far; my target sites are older neighborhoods.
My house was custom-built, which renders it "different," if not efficient (no two houses are alike in this neighborhood). I love it here, but even the condos are priced out of my league. The idea is to downsize. after all.
KayLR: what areas are you considering?
Teacher Terry
7-2-19, 1:51pm
Kay, if you own your house doesn’t that set your basic expenses much lower?
Kay, if you own your house doesn’t that set your basic expenses much lower?
I don't own my own house right now.
Jane...I'd love to live in Poulsbo, but...$$
we've also thought about going out to Ohio. I know. But DH's family lives there. I've gone back to do genealogy there and it's so beautiful in Monroe County.
The Midwest certainly has a lower cost of living, but Poulsbo is delightful. Go with your heart, as much as you can.
Yeah. All my eggs are in this basket.
But if nothing materializes from this, then lesson learned: Don't get too greedy.
I have most everything except the bare essentials and my work clothes packed.
A frolleague of mine, who has her own condo with a spare room, is going to let me store my boxes of stuff (should be about 6 medium boxes) there. She says for free, but I will pay her a nominal fee.
It has been a few days now that I have had this stuff packed up. It is really not a bad way to live. It is more minimalist than I have probably ever been.
So when I move into a sublet or a rented room or whatever, until I get this job situation somewhat situated, I will be living out of my rucksack.
Ultralight
7-27-19, 7:14pm
The offer is back on. I started the on-boarding paperwork yesterday (Friday).
If this paperwork is acceptable I could be starting a new job on Aug. 19th.
But as crazy at this has been I am not counting my chickens until they hatch. I feel like any little thing could stall this or even pull the plug on it because the of the experience I have had so far.
I should know more by Tuesday (but again, with the way things have thus far gone... who knows!?).
iris lilies
7-27-19, 7:57pm
The offer is back on. I started the on-boarding paperwork yesterday (Friday).
If this paperwork is acceptable I could be starting a new job on Aug. 19th.
But as crazy at this has been I am not counting my chickens until they hatch. I feel like any little thing could stall this or even pull the plug on it because the of the experience I have had so far.
I should know more by Tuesday (but again, with the way things have thus far gone... who knows!?).
Good news!
It's a step in the right direction! Good luck with it, UL!
That's great UL! Hope it all works out and you enjoy your new location and job.
So interesting to watch folks on here go through big life changes. My turn next but not just yet...
Teacher Terry
7-28-19, 12:12pm
UL, don’t give notice until you have the new job offer in writing.
Ultralight
7-29-19, 6:38am
UL, don’t give notice until you have the new job offer in writing.
I don't know how this offer could get more official. They offered formally over the phone, I accepted over the phone, they sent an email acknowledging my acceptance and sending me credentials to log in to their system and start the onboarding paperwork. I have done so.
My concern is that there could be a glitch in the paperwork or that some big wig or an accountant could pull the plug on the offer between now and the start date they designated for me.
Why am I concerned? Because this has been a wild rollercoaster of ups and downs and "oh, you got it!" and "no, you don't got it" and back to "oh, you got it."
At some point I am going to have to roll the dice and trust that I have the new job. If all goes well, my last day at my current job would be Aug. 9.
So I would then have a week to drive to IL, look at apartments, rent one, and then drive back to OH and get my dog and my stuff, then drive back to IL and move in so I can start on Aug. 19th.
iris lilies
7-29-19, 8:15am
I don't know how this offer could get more official. They offered formally over the phone, I accepted over the phone, they sent an email acknowledging my acceptance and sending me credentials to log in to their system and start the onboarding paperwork. I have done so.
My concern is that there could be a glitch in the paperwork or that some big wig or an accountant could pull the plug on the offer between now and the start date they designated for me.
Why am I concerned? Because this has been a wild rollercoaster of ups and downs and "oh, you got it!" and "no, you don't got it" and back to "oh, you got it."
At some point I am going to have to roll the dice and trust that I have the new job. If all goes well, my last day at my current job would be Aug. 9.
So I would then have a week to drive to IL, look at apartments, rent one, and then drive back to OH and get my dog and my stuff, then drive back to IL and move in so I can start on Aug. 19th.
The email is your “in writing” offer.
When did they ever indicate you didnt have the job? I think that was you, projecting. You will probably find, when you get into the organization, that the wheels turn slowly for all things.
Ultralight
7-29-19, 8:25am
The email is your “in writing” offer.
When did they ever indicate you didnt have the job? I think that was you, projecting. You will probably find, when you get into the organization, that the wheels turn slowly for all things.
Well, I just meant that saying "I will call you right back" and then not calling back for four weeks made me think they abandoned my candidacy.
I am cool with a slow moving beast as long as I am riding on its back instead of standing in front of it trying to coax it to move just a little bit forward.
rosarugosa
7-29-19, 8:33am
UL: If the offer is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background check, has the check been completed? That is how offers were always made at my former employer. Many a candidate ended up in a tough spot because they didn't pass the credit check or they provided employment dates with significant discrepancies, or they didn't quite have the degree they claimed (they "walked," or were one class short, etc). These folks thought it was safe to give notice because they knew they didn't have criminal records, and they didn't realize that other parts of the background check could disqualify them.
On the credit check, candidates were disqualified for significant overdue debt that wasn't being addressed in any way, items in collections, unpaid liens or judgments.
Ultralight
7-29-19, 8:55am
I passed the background check, which was credit check, criminal check, and educational, I think. I do need to turn in my transcripts from my degrees too. Which is fine. I may not have much but have all my degrees. haha
On the credit check, candidates were disqualified for significant overdue debt that wasn't being addressed in any way, items in collections, unpaid liens or judgments.
Really?? I don't understand why that would disqualify a person who is otherwise eligible for a job.
I've also heard that companies check out Facebook pages, which I think is terrible.
Really?? I don't understand why that would disqualify a person who is otherwise eligible for a job.
I've also heard that companies check out Facebook pages, which I think is terrible.
I believe that came in with your credit score, designed to follow you through your life like a stalker--no missteps allowed. More and more, citizens are supposed to be beyond reproach in all ways to qualify for poorly-paid employment or exorbitantly -priced housing. I don't know how they fill jobs or apartments these days...
iris lilies
7-29-19, 9:34am
Really?? I don't understand why that would disqualify a person who is otherwise eligible for a job.
I've also heard that companies check out Facebook pages, which I think is terrible.
depends on the job.
I wouldn't want any financial officer or anyone who handles decent amounts of money to be financially irresponsible in their personal lives.
One legislator I know who lived on my street (she was a renter) was term-limited out of the State House. So her brilliant idea was to run for city comptroller. Only she had more than one bankruptcy in her personal life. Hunh. Even the dim citizens of St. Louis found that hard to swallow and her campaign didnt get off the ground.
rosarugosa
7-29-19, 9:49am
Really?? I don't understand why that would disqualify a person who is otherwise eligible for a job.
I've also heard that companies check out Facebook pages, which I think is terrible.
It was always controversial within the company, and our standards loosened significantly over time. The thinking was related to responsibility in managing one's personal affairs, and we were in the financial services industry.
Ultralight
7-29-19, 5:15pm
Tomorrow I turn in my letter of resignation.
Tomorrow I turn in my letter of resignation.
Congratulations and good luck.
Having recently ended one career and begun a new one in a new place, I know it can be both exciting and disturbing. And I have the advantage of a financial safety net that makes failure an option.
ToomuchStuff
7-30-19, 11:31am
Really?? I don't understand why that would disqualify a person who is otherwise eligible for a job.
I've also heard that companies check out Facebook pages, which I think is terrible.
Besides wanting to know if your responsible with money, enough to handle the companies, they want to know that they (the employer) won't start having all kinds of expenses, dealing with your lack of gumption. (garnishments cost accounting fee's and if you don't have the get up to tackle things, what makes you think you would tackle things at work)
As to Facebook, well I would want to know if they are talking about work stuff they shouldn't be, seem to be sue happy, etc. (and if you put it out there, you put it public)
Ultralight
7-30-19, 12:20pm
Congratulations and good luck.
Thanks, and I might need it! haha
Having recently ended one career and begun a new one in a new place, I know it can be both exciting and disturbing. And I have the advantage of a financial safety net that makes failure an option.
Very cool! I did not know. So congrats to you as well.
Besides wanting to know if your responsible with money, enough to handle the companies, they want to know that they (the employer) won't start having all kinds of expenses, dealing with your lack of gumption. (garnishments cost accounting fee's and if you don't have the get up to tackle things, what makes you think you would tackle things at work)
As to Facebook, well I would want to know if they are talking about work stuff they shouldn't be, seem to be sue happy, etc. (and if you put it out there, you put it public)
I understand that if you are in the financial sector, that might be relevant (MIGHT--one could argue that our "billionaire" Commander in Chief is not that fiscally responsible--with his bankruptcies, would he be denied a job?)
But if anyone looked at my credit report in 1998 when I was taken out of the typing pool and given a great entree position as a market research analyst, I surely would not have gotten that job. But I argue that my financial status made me a very good employee. It is argued that one of the reasons Henry Ford wanted to extend credit to his employees to buy cars was because they were handcuffed to the job to pay the debts. That's where I was at that time--I was a PhD (Poor, Hungry, and Driven). I was desperate to get out of debt and so I worked my a$$ off. I think it's presumptuous to believe that an employee with bad credit is a bad employee. It simply is not relevant IMHO.
Chicken lady
7-31-19, 5:27am
When my dad worked at IBM many years ago, you could be fired for adultery. “If you’ll cheat on your wife, you’ll cheat your company.”
good luck ultralight!
Teacher Terry
7-31-19, 12:10pm
CL, that’s crazy.
Have we really changed that much from the days when people were fired for adultery, or have we just redefined moral turpitude? Google fired an engineer over his heterodox views concerning diversity. A corporate CEO got canned for making a contribution to the wrong side of a ballot initiative. A law professor lost one of his university posts for serving on the defense team in a sexual harassment case.
Ultralight
7-31-19, 4:44pm
Have we really changed that much from the days when people were fired for adultery, or have we just redefined moral turpitude? Google fired an engineer over his heterodox views concerning diversity. A corporate CEO got canned for making a contribution to the wrong side of a ballot initiative. A law professor lost one of his university posts for serving on the defense team in a sexual harassment case.
Good points here.
Ultralight
7-31-19, 4:54pm
At work I will just have to be very careful about my language and never express any views that might be controversial.
At work I will just have to be very careful about my language and never express any views that might be controversial.
Probably wise. Especially in a campus setting, where the thought police seem to be the most active.
If everything goes well tomorrow (Friday) is my last day at my current job. haha
Today I am packing up my apartment, like FREALZ!
iris lilies
8-8-19, 4:31pm
If everything goes well tomorrow (Friday) is my last day at my current job. haha
Today I am packing up my apartment, like FREALZ!
super good news!
Teacher Terry
8-8-19, 5:08pm
That’s great!
Off to your new adventure!
If everything goes well tomorrow (Friday) is my last day at my current job. haha
Today I am packing up my apartment, like FREALZ!
Wow, so exciting!! Do you need more than a dozen boxes?
UL, where did I miss that you are actually moving to the new location and all the details of employment were settled? I wish you well and a successful transition!
Ultralight
8-19-19, 8:53pm
My first day of work at the new job was today. Orientation. Wow. Back-to-back intros, meetings, briefings, presentations, etc.
iris lilies
8-19-19, 8:57pm
My first day of work at the new job was today. Orientation. Wow. Back-to-back intros, meetings, briefings, presentations, etc.
Thanks for checking in. How is
Harlan doing with this move?
Ultralight
8-19-19, 8:59pm
Thanks for checking in. How is
Harlan doing with this move?
Because I could not get a place until after already starting work Harlan stayed in Ohio. I am going to drive home on a weekend (maybe this next one or the one after) and get him.
It sucks being without my dog. He is all I've really got in this world.
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