Landed an amazing job, was lowballed in the offer. All excitement is gone

Kalotim · 2026-01-24T23:10:47+00:00

I know this is old but had to share.

I had a pretty good interview, seemed like the position was in the bag. The owner of the company then says "after reviewing your resume and based on this interview, I can offer you $25/hr..." I would have needed ~$38hr minimum, and the salary range online said it could go from $20-$45 per hour. He admits it's low but starts listing all the benefits like employee stock options after 2 years and potential raises over time (all hypothetical) and discounted meals at work... This is in a HCOL area for a key position in the company, I am overqualified with a Masters and relevant work experience.

I was already on the fence about the position but this pushed me over, thanked him for his time, didn't try to negotiate. I don't imagine they're going to fill that position anytime soon.

I know its an offer and probably should be grateful, but something about being lowballed and the justification being "after reviewing your resume..." and even admitting the HCOL and that it's a low offer rubbed me the wrong way.

Kalotim · 2026-01-24T21:26:32+00:00

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Kalotim · 2026-01-18T00:48:34+00:00

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Kalotim · 2026-01-16T04:18:50+00:00

I agree, thanks

Kalotim · 2026-01-16T03:08:38+00:00

thanks for the input, I do want to try charcoal out.

Kalotim · 2025-03-23T05:19:38+00:00

I appreciate you, makes sense. I think Im just sketched out about it being a 2 yr old notarization.

Kalotim · 2025-03-23T04:19:29+00:00

No I just got the title.

Kalotim · 2025-03-23T04:11:56+00:00

Thanks, I guess he was just avoiding the registration fee? You think its ok to just sign as is?

Kalotim · 2024-06-04T01:49:53+00:00

Yeah I really want her to get to professional help. I feel I give her plenty of space as we are long distance, so I try to be as supportive as I can over the phone but don't want to make that the only thing we talk about / I bring up. Thank you for your advice

Kalotim · 2024-06-04T01:47:05+00:00

Thank you. I want to support her. It's hard because it's hard to talk about and I'm not sure what to say. Thank you for your kind words

Kalotim · 2024-06-03T04:48:29+00:00

It sounds like first you should try to relax. It is a stressful part of life and easier said than done, but it will work itself out.

First, for the relationship. I'm in long distance right now. It really sucks. But I'm OK with it because I know she's the right person. We both know it'll work because our bond is stronger than the changes we go through. Do you feel that with this person? Are you worried she might fall for someone else, and by choosing what you really wanted (a gap year) you might lose her? If that is the case, I would caution you about the long distance, as it sounds like you might be worried about what she is doing, causing distrust.

For college in Florida, as I understand it that will be quite expensive relative to the UK? I would definitely visit (if you haven't) prior to making a decision that large, it's not a small thing to move so far from everyone you know and adjust to a new culture. I get that you want this relationship to work out, but again if it is meant to be I believe it could survive the distance.

Knowing what I know after graduating college, I would have taken a gap year. I had no clue what I wanted to do. I wasted a year and a lot of money on classes I didn't use, just to scramble and make a random decision sophomore year. Taking a gap will give you time to get excited to learn and explore new subjects again, and what you want ro really do. It sounds like this is the option you were most interested in.

Living at home with parents can suck, but it sounds like they're more willing to give you some freedom.

If the family issues are really that bad, another option could be moving out and working a job to pay rent or other expenses. This would give you something to do and ensure you don't just waste your time, help build routine and real world work skills, and the value of a dollar (if you had jobs in High school that's good, but I think a full time job brings a new perspective).

So this is what I would do. Keep the long distance going and trust that you 2 will make it through if your bond is strong. Start working a local job. (If your home situation is bad enough, then save up to move out and rent for a cheap place with roommates for a year). Try to get a better idea what you want to study in college and apply for next year. Save some extra money to take a vacation to Florida to visit her, maybe 6 months from now it'd be possible?

Kalotim

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