Disclaimer: if this is the wrong sub to post this on, please let me know. I just need some advice. Also, I did my best to explain without giving away too many details, if you have any questions let me know.
Fresh out of college I struggled to find a decent job. I had a few offers that were less than $30k despite being advertised as paying more, which is not very livable in my area. They were not really positions I was excited about either. I ended up sticking it out and finding a job in September with an established company that I had previously interviewed for a position with in another state, but ultimately wasn't able to relocate. We had discussed a salary of $40k for that job, but it was in NYC so I just assumed it was that much as a result of rent being so high there. They opened an office in my town in September and were building their team, so I reached out, interviewed with the area manager, and was hired on.
Here's where I fucked up: I didn't do enough research into how similar jobs paid. I saw online that they were advertising 40-50 for the base, but I assumed it was fake as I had been misled in the past with my previous offers (which were for a different type of job). I thought I was being firm on saying I'd take no less than 35 for this position when they asked for my salary requirements. Now that I've been in the business for a few months, I understand that this particular sector does realistically pay more, and 40 is typically the lowest a recent grad would be making in my area. In addition, I've recently been kicked off my parents' health insurance unexpectedly, leaving me to pay at least $3000/year if I went with my employer's insurance (otherwise I would need to navigate the market).
I'm due for a $5k raise in the next 30-60 days as I'm about to hit the targets I need in order to get this raise. Knowing what I now know about the market, and also now being strapped with a major expense I didn't expect, I want to negotiate a higher raise. What is the best way to do this? I know I fucked up saying I'd accept 35. I was desperate for a job and really excited about this opportunity. I also know that a 5k raise is pretty generous, and raises above 10% are not super common, at least according to my research. I know that I put myself in this situation, but is there a way to dig out?
TL;DR: They asked what salary I'd expect and I responded with a number that I now know I realistically below average. Due for a raise soon and I want to negotiate higher.
Submitted February 02, 2018 at 08:37AM by yeldahnilak http://ift.tt/2BQc1yP
