I am a freelancer in my field, with over a decade of experience, certifications, glowing references, etc.
I make a good living, and have worked remotely / independently for at least 8 years. I panic-applied for a job when there was some instability with my partner's job – they are the one with insurance. (That has since been resolved for the time being.) The position I applied for was borderline entry-level, think someone with a degree, maybe a couple years experience. There were two job postings by this company that were kind of adjacent to eachother, but not the same.
Well, they interviewed me – remotely over zoom, I might add. When they realized the amount of skills and experience I have, they got really excited, did a second zoom interview, then brought me into the office to interview with a couple members of the C-suite.
They asked my salary requirements, and I gave an honest answer of the range I make now. I told them from the very beginning that flexibility is incredibly important, especially since to do the job correctly would mean regularly working outside of work hours. It's a position that could be done 100% remotely.
They sent me an offer. They combined both job postings into one, plus added a bunch of other things that could be an entire other position, possibly two. The offer was 10% less my minimum range, AND wanted me in the office from 8:30 to 5pm, with 10 total days of pto. This is a big tech SaaS company with double-digit millions in funding trying to create a “google-like” environment.
I countered back with 3 options: 15% more, OR allow a hybrid work environment, OR bring me on as a contractor with no benefits, and see how it goes after 6 months.
They said no thanks, I don't think we'll be able to come together.
The kicker? In every single interview, they've complained about not being able to find talent. AND half their C-suite and sales people work remotely.