Some background: I live and work in a state that is VERRY small and located less than a 2 hour drive from about 5 other states. My family and best friend all live in another state close by with a much higher standard of living.
I’ve been wanting to move back closer to my family and friends and I decided this year was the year it would happen. I’ve applied to about 30/40 jobs in my field since January.
I have worked in Low income/voucher housing since 2016 I currently work for a non-profit and we are all underpaid. But my boss is absolutely amazing and I will cry when I leave.
So here is the Story:
I received an email on March 29th that a job I had applied to back on January 2nd wanted to meet with me. I had 1 virtual and 1 in person interview, this was for a Local Housing Authority near the town I grew up in. I had explained during the interview that I would need to make “X” in order to be able to afford to pay rent anywhere within a 20/30 min commute. Everything seemed great and they asked for reference letters. (I mean who still asks for LETTERS from people… but ok)
A few days later, I was offered the job. They offered me less than I mentioned in the interview, so I assumed they were expecting a counter offer. I sent the counter offer the same day I received their offer.
FIVE DAYS LATER (3 week days and a weekend) I received this in response:
“We regret that we are unable to accommodate your request to increase your annual salary. We believe the offer we made is fair and in line with your experience.
We understand your concerns regarding the high cost of living in this area. That’s why we are in the business that we are in.”
I already declined the job cause I would never work with someone IN HOUSING who responded that way. But my parents are pissed and said I should have just taken the job and lived with them until rent prices settle. (They don’t believe me when I told them they probably won’t)
Was I too sensitive here? I had a pretty terrible experience with disrespectful and dishonest supervisors in the past so maybe it just hit me wrong.