Has anyone here successfully negotiated less pay for less hours at a salaried position? Hear me out as I explain.
I’m looking into changing jobs, but an ex-coworker referred me to a position I think I’m overqualified for. Fortunately, ex-co was kind enough to disclose her salary. She makes close to what I make now, even though I’m way more experienced. Ouch, but also I’m happy for her.
It’s gotten me wondering if anyone has tried working less hours at a job in exchange for an overall lower salary.
I’m trying to figure out how to explain:
- Ex-coworker makes 50k.
- I believe I could make over 90k, but I also don’t want a leadership position and I’m ok with doing moderate work for my skill set.
- I wonder if I could get paid 75k and work 32 hours a week.
I have not done the math on this. I’m just dreaming about this possibility. I don’t even know what the legalities are in the US, or if anyone would accept those terms.
It would be worth it to get paid similarly or just a bit more and get several hours a week off. I have valuable skills, but most places want you to manage people at a certain level. I don’t want that.
I’m also open to hearing any other non-traditional benefits people have negotiated. I know vacation days are typical, but a lot of places I’m looking have unlimited vacation.