is it too late?

rina_bean

Need a bit of advice here...

I have been freelancing for last 2 years which has been working well for me until the last few months where the work has begun to dry up a bit & my bills have increased. So I have been looking for some longer contract work/full time work.

I have been job hunting since january, applying for a large amount of jobs. I have only been to 3 interviews, & subsequently been offered 1 position. This is a 6 month contract. They need me to start monday which I can do as I am currently freelance so I tentatively accepted the job last week.

However I have now been having sleepless nights about whether i have made the right decision as:
- i know the current climate is tough but they are only offerring me the salary I was on 6 years ago (pro rata)
- I had to turn down a months very well paid freelance work for the 6 months & potentially lost a good long term client :-(
- The new job also requires alot more responsibilty, and although I need the consistent income I am aprehensive about what I am being offered for potentially being worked like a dog! Tried negotiating but they wouldn't budge

I haven't signed a contract yet but was wondering, as they are expecting me to start monday, if I have completely passed the stage of talking with them/ trying to renegotiate again, whether i'd be stupid to decline the job or whether I should just suck it up for 6 months & be grateful I have a bit of consistent (albeit low paid) work?

marlot

Lots of employers are taking advantage of the current situations to force their pay rates down. In my new job I'm earning less than I was 13 years ago!

Only you can decide whether you're prepared to take the risk of other work coming along. At the end of the day, six months isn't terribly long, if you've made a mistake.

keyser666

Think you should take it. I really think employers do like to employ people that are currently working and as this role has more responsibilities, then that surely adds to your bow when looking for a new role. You also have 6 months now to look for an alternative role whilst you have a far better income coming in than you probably have now

getmore4less

As above,

6 month stability, do a good job, get yourself embeded in the company.

Then in 6 month renegotiate depending on how good the market looks and how much they need you.

Jules2012

marlot wrote: »

Lots of employers are taking advantage of the current situations to force their pay rates down. In my new job I'm earning less than I was 13 years ago!

This statement is very true, can't believe the amount of jobs that are now advertised a few grand less than they use to be.

Would be interesting to see how many companies admit to it.

OP - Agreed take it and keep looking for something better paid.