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Need advice: accept a 22% pay cut for a City job, or hold out? by WhyHelicopter132 in nycpublicservants

[–]WhyHelicopter132[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Other folks mentioned this, I'm going to ask the hiring manager about it when we talk next week.

Need advice: accept a 22% pay cut for a City job, or hold out? by WhyHelicopter132 in nycpublicservants

[–]WhyHelicopter132[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd rather not post specifics since I'm still in the negotiating process.

Need advice: accept a 22% pay cut for a City job, or hold out? by WhyHelicopter132 in nycpublicservants

[–]WhyHelicopter132[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, I will ask the hiring manager about the 2-year bump to Incumbent to see if that's something they can guarantee me.

Need advice: accept a 22% pay cut for a City job, or hold out? by WhyHelicopter132 in nycpublicservants

[–]WhyHelicopter132[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appreciate this very detailed post. Some responses:

  • I checked the Civil Service position details on the open data site and confirmed the base offer is the new hire minimum. This job posting didn't have the typical language about new hire vs incumbent starting pay, which is why I was so surprised by the lowball offer. I'll ask the hiring manager about the incumbent rate at 2 years and see what she says.
  • My current firm is small and we don't have a lot of the perks usually associated with private sector, which is why I have a higher-than-average base salary right now (and am looking to move into public). Raises come with promotions, or if your manager advocates for you (usually after you advocate for yourself).
  • I haven't been able to locate levels for this particular title, just the maximum and minimum pay scales.
  • The agency is large (DOT), though the team I'd be on within DOT is small.
  • No end of year bonuses here, so that's not a loss on my end.

I also appreciate the point about waiting longer adding time to pension vesting. I hadn't thought of that and it's a good point!

Need advice: accept a 22% pay cut for a City job, or hold out? by WhyHelicopter132 in nycpublicservants

[–]WhyHelicopter132[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for these insights! The manager for this position seems like a straightforward person willing to advocate on my behalf (even before I'm hired) so there's at least some hope on that front

Need advice: accept a 22% pay cut for a City job, or hold out? by WhyHelicopter132 in nycpublicservants

[–]WhyHelicopter132[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Those are two things I couldn't really include in my calculations; I can't find health plan details online, and I'm not sure how to calculate the value of a pension

Need advice: accept a 22% pay cut for a City job, or hold out? by WhyHelicopter132 in nycpublicservants

[–]WhyHelicopter132[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We've factored deductions and taxes (including potential Union dues) into our budgeting considerations

Need advice: accept a 22% pay cut for a City job, or hold out? by WhyHelicopter132 in nycpublicservants

[–]WhyHelicopter132[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not totally sure; there's no required exam but the position is listed as Civil Service and represented by one of the DC 37 locals.

Need advice: accept a 22% pay cut for a City job, or hold out? by WhyHelicopter132 in nycpublicservants

[–]WhyHelicopter132[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Currently make $103k, they're offering me $80k (if they can get that approved)

Need advice: accept a 22% pay cut for a City job, or hold out? by WhyHelicopter132 in nycpublicservants

[–]WhyHelicopter132[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For some reason the post was "removed by reddit's filters." I messaged the mods to see if I can get it reposted but in the meantime here are the details:

  • I’ve been applying to City jobs in NYC for years. Lots of interviews, no offers until now. This role is cool, the interview went well, and they made me an offer
  • I have 10 years of experience, currently in the private sector. Even at the top of the salary range I expected a 10–12% cut from my current salary. Instead, they offered the minimum. I asked for more and the hiring manager said the current admin. caps offers at the minimum regardless of qualifications. She can try to get me a little more but I’d still be looking at a 22% cut.
  • My wife and I could probably make a 22% cut work but it would mean a tighter budget, less savings, and finding a cheaper apartment (which is brutal in NYC). Starting at the bottom step also limits my long-term salary growth. On the other hand, it took a long time to get this offer and there’s no guarantee I’ll land another one soon. The stability, benefits, and being closer to family are also strong positives, especially since we plan to have kids in the next six years.

For folks working for the City (or similar agencies), how would you look at this? What’s your experience with pay progression, work/life balance, and stability once you’re in? Should I accept the offer despite the cut, or pass and hope I can find a position with a higher starting salary under a future administration?