Real-life MMD: Should I try to boost my salary at a charity?

ohit

Should I try to boost my salary at a charity?

Yes.
The employer might be a charity, but you are not.
Being a 'free market' the assessment should be based on value - paying you X, should return for them more than X.
Good luck.

happyinflorida

Why don't you know if you can take the financial hit?


Surely you know what your outgoings are - so either you can afford to take the lower income along with the higher costs of commute or you can't.


It's simple really!

philfuller

I have worked for a charity for 12 years. The problems for the "Third Sector" inc charities is that they are always chasing funding. This means that salary levels tend to be lower.

A £5000 gap is quite large. They presumably knew your current salary from your job application.

My suggestion is to be honest with them. Charities are big on "Values" and honesty and collegiate working rank highly. Explain your cash position and ask if there is any possible uplift in short to medium term. Remember you may be doing a job that others are doing and to pay you + £5000 may cause unequal pay problems.

Ask if the role is on a salary scale (ie there are increments (usually annual) until you get to the top of the scale).
You may be able to negotiate a quicker move to the top of the scale perhaps in 6 month increments.

At the end of the day if you can't afford it don't take it. you will only become resentful and goodwill and values dont pay the bills

ATB

a16svm

No. Haggle for the extra £5k ignore any other advice

pennypinchUK

Yes, negotiate the salary. If they can't afford to offer you a salary you'd be content with they'll let you know. If you don't get the salary you want and start the job it'll be a constant niggle, which will undermine your commitment to the job and will probably mean you'll leave.

And if you have any remaining concerns, find out how much the Chairman/Managing Director/overall boss is receiving. If they're on more than you're being offered it's clear they have no guilt about taking a decent salary, even if they may be equally committed to the charity as you!

liz545

I've worked in the third sector in a range of different roles during my career, and while I would consider a job if it meant an affordable pay cut, or slightly more challenging commute, I wouldn't do it if it meant both. Any charity worth its salt would be looking to hire professionals to do their job well, rather than expecting their staff to make major sacrifices to their income or work-life balance because 'we're a charity'. Furthermore, when you're looking to move on from this job you'll find it even harder to negotiate back up to a decent salary because of the pay cut.

Be honest with them - tell them what you're currently earning, and that you have reservations accepting the role as it stands. They may be able to improve the offer, but if not, politely decline. There comes a point in most jobs where you realise it's time to move on, and if that's coupled with the knowledge that you took a pay cut to get there, it can be very difficult to live with.

Augustus_the_Strong

I think you should try to negotiate. Your salary is a drop in the ocean as far as a charity's funding is concerned, and if you are motivated to work harder for them by being given reasonable terms, then they will gain more. It would be useful to find out what the going rate is for your type of work in the charitable sector, to see what's likely to be possible.

alwayswrite

I know this sounds unfeeling but I am 77 years of age and have 'seen' a lot of life and its ups and downs. Now after saying all that no matter how you want to help the charity you MUST look after yourself as believe me your employers loyalty will NEVER match your loyalty. You sound to me to be a lovely person so stay like that and turning the job for the charity down will not make you any less of a lovely person. Good luck and a good healthy future to you.

ac25s

If it is a small charity, negotiate the pay to something that you can live on. You can offer other services in addition to your role. I have worked in small charities before where all staff covered all roles and often worked above and beyond their contracts. This is what happens when you believe in a cause and have passion for it.
If it is a large charity, negotiate a higher salary. You can always check their accounts (Charity Commission website) before doing so if it makes you feel better. I'm a bit surprised at the terms and conditions though as charities usually offer many more benefits to make up for not being able to pay as well as the private sector.
Good luck!

JayD

If you really want to take the job, then I suggest you let them know how keen you are but then explain that you cannot afford the financial hit you would need to take in order to accept it. I am sure there is room for negotiation but I think, although they may offer a slightly improved salary, I doubt they will cover all of the losses you say you would have to face. Are you prepared to take a pay cut with additional expenses and less convenient hours? If not, then perhaps you should abandon the idea of working for them right now.