So I finally got an offer that isn't in sales or customer service. A college guidance counselor gig. The problem is I have to negotiate my own pay. I've never really had to do this before. Every other job offer has given me an hourly estimate. I'm very nervous. The pay negotiation is virtual, with HR. I'm going to be doing job fairs/other events to attract students. I'm pretty scared right now, because they want to base part of my pay on commission. The salary listed was 46000/$24 per hour. Not to mention the hours aren't stable and sometimes I'll be working the late shift during the busy season. It would be ridiculous and downright funny for a school to base a counselors salary entirely on the amount of students they recruit, but I've been on this sub for a while. I know how dumb management can get. Originally, I was excited to hear I'd get a little extra for driving to events, but I'm nervous. I've done two virtual interviews for this thing. They can't possibly want to offer me 16 + commission maybe equals 46,000. That would just…be cruel. I've used up two personal days to do this interview is well. If they lowball me I'm going to be absolutely crushed.
Even if I have to spend some time promoting the school I'd love to have a job that is 80% just freaking helping students.
I don't think that's too much to ask…
I already make $22…I'm literally going to tell them straight up that the only other guidance/program counselor I know makes 55000 per year. They work for a bigger school, sure, but this is a big job with ALOT of responsibilities.
They can't possibly think I'm going to settle for less, right?