I graduated from Architecture school in May and had my son in July (it was a busy summer). I am now currently working part time for an hourly wage of $30/hr, which I admit is pretty high for an entry level design job. The thing is however, I took on a lot of responsibility that normally wouldn’t be expected from someone right out of school, she doesn’t offer me any benefits or paid time off, and I work in her house and often have to tune out her 4 noisy young children. So in my eyes, it might be hard for her to find someone to work under those circumstances for much less, but all that plus the 45 minute commute is still worth it to me because I know I won’t find that many other places.
Yesterday I got a job offer from an architecture firm I had interned our last winter and summer. They know how much I am making now, and offered me an annual salary of $35k a year, with 75% of health insurance paid for (I’d pay $400 a month for myself and child), plus paid holidays and vacation. The firm is literally in my town and would take 2 minutes to get to, which I value a lot as a mother to a 3 month old. This firm is also more established and I would gain IDP hours to become licensed one day.
I’m 23 and can be on my mother’s insurance for 3 more years. Her insurance is significantly cheaper for her family care, and has to pay it regardless if I’m on it or not since I have a sibling. My son is also covered under his father. So with all that, can I negotiate a higher salary in lieu of health care? I ask because he made it a point to say that my family health care would cost them $14,400 a year, and how all that added up would be close to what I am making now. Should I counter for a salary $10k more so they end up saying almost $5k and I end up with a higher starting salary? Is this doable so long I prove I am insured?
Of course health insurance is important, and if down the road I need it from my employer I’d have to take a lower salary, but since it is not needed from them right now for at least 2 or 3 years, my goals are really to save money and pay off my student loans. Not to mention i would need daycare to start full time in a few months, so that plus the extra $400 a month for insurance and a lower salary would really be a huge cut for me. But on the other hand, the firm would be extremely convenient, great experience, and probably a better “career” move. But on the other, other hand, where I am at now gives me a lot of responsibility and a great pay. Any advice is appreciated as this is the first time I have to negotiate a salary! Thanks in advance!
Submitted October 25, 2017 at 08:09AM by rowanberries http://ift.tt/2ixR33M
