[Help!] Salary offered LowerI recently relocated to a different state, where the cost of living is much higher. I am stil with the same company and I am just transferring to a different branch in another state. Before the transfer process began, I asked about cost of living adjustment in my salary. I was not promised either way (either there would be one or not), but was told that there would normally be an adjustment. After I relocated, I received a letter (from the new branch) confirming my transferring and my new salary. The salary they offered is the same as what I received from the previous branch. I was surprised to see that the salary was not adjusted for the cost of living since it's the industry's norm. I have not signed the transfer agreement yet. I've done some research and found out that if I accept the salary they offered (which is the salary from the previous state), I would be getting paid much lower compared to others with the same qualificaitons. I contacted the new branch asking for salary adjustment, but have not hear form them yet. If they reject my request for adjustment, should I just accept the terms as is or am I better off looking for a new job? The job market for my industry is very good and I don't think I would have hard time finding a new job. However, I would much prefer staying with the same company and not go through the hassel of finding a new job. Please share your thoughts and comments. I need your advice. Thanks! I think you have to actually talk, have an actual conversation, with the person who offered you the new position and politely ask about the COL adjustment that was previously discussed. I think you can also make the point that the COL at the new location is X% higher than were you were and that accepting the transfer would actually be a step backward without the adjustment - and see what happens. Paul W. Barada The Negotiation Expert I would, as Paul says, approach this from a COL standpoint--your salary at the old location vs. the salary at the new one, adjusted strictly on a COL basis. It's pretty easy to get those statistics. However, I would NOT base any request for adjustment on what you think somebody else with your qualifications in your industry in that area is making. If your research is getting on line and checking the various salary calculators, do not put stock in them--they tend to be high across the board. Keep this to a COL issue. If they won't make the adjustment, and your standard of living will go down rather than at least stay the same, then I'd refuse the transfer if I were you.... Unless you're making so much money now that you can still live as well as you want/need to on the same salary in the new location. THey just made a new offer, which barely changed the salary amout they offered previsouly. They said it is in line with others in the firm, but I am sure if it is. What would be a polite why to decline??
Why are you moving to another state? Are you moving for the job? If so, can you decline the move and stay put? If you're moving anyway and just happened to get a transfer, I don't think you have much of a complaint.
If I were you, I'd gather copies of the COL data which clearly and objectively shows the actual difference and, upon that basis, respectfully decline saying that you just can't afford to make the switch for what amounts to a lower income that you presently have. Then see what happens. Paul W. Barada The Negotiation Expert | |
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