Hi Antiwork peeps. I'm in the process of moving from East to West coast and I've been offered an AMAZING job. Paid time off, sick time, vacation time, health and dental benefits; essentially the package I've been waiting for to finally help me move over. But there's one problem… The pay caps out at 18/hr. In my last job, I was paid 23/hr and as nice as that may sound, I still struggled a lot with making ends meet (I lived in one of the most expensive states in the east coast). With a car payment, phone bill, student loan payments, etc. I just couldn't manage it all. I want to ask for at least 23/hr again since I know how to get by with that. Also, the position I'll be hired for is actually for two positions combined into one. I feel like I have the right to ask for more but I'm not sure how to advocate for myself without coming off as rude or greedy or anything. I struggle with self esteem and I don't want my low self esteem to shaft me at getting a living wage.
I'm so used to just taking whatever I can get and I'm so eager for this work. I fit all the requirements and then some. The nonprofit is super interested in me and I've worked for other nonprofits before too. So it's something I'm just… I'm so happy and excited for. But the pay is really what's killing me.
How do I ask for more pay in a professional way and advocate for myself? How do I not sell myself short?
Thank you in advance for any advice!
Edit:
Forgot to add, fucking rent bro. It's so goddamn expensive.