Another way to approach this issue to figure out how much income you need in order to pay your bills, make ends meet, and at least maintain your present standard of living.  Take out your checkbook and figure out what it costs you to live per month over the last several months.  Come up with your monthly average expense figure.  Take that monthly average times 12 and you should have a decent idea of the level of income you need and below which you cannot go and still make it financially.  Call that annualized amount $X.  Add about $10K to $X to come up with the top end of your anticipated range.  Wait and see what sort of salary you're offered.  If it's within your $X to $Y range, or above it, take the job.  If it's below $X, politely ask if their offer is negotiable and see what they say.  If the offer isn't negotiable and it's below $X, you probably will have to pass on this job opportunity because it won't provide you with enough income to stay afloat financially.  If their offer is negotiable, counter with your $X to $Y range and see what they say.  Zat help?

Paul W. Barada

The Negotiation Expert