Low ball offer??

[Run the ball]

I need a little "2 cents" from you guys .... A year ago, I quit my career so that I could be home everyday with my wife and my now 3 year old daughter. I worked in the oilfield for 12 years with 8 of them as a supervisor. Needless to say, my pay was pretty decent compared to the chump change I'm currently making working my "town job". But I'm home everyday, stress free and pretty happy overall. I'm not gonna lie though, I miss the fat checks and freedom to spend without too much concerns of the "budget".

Anyways, opportunity arose from a local "oilfield" company and had an interview with them. It went well and I bring to the table all sorts of experience and knowledge these guys need in a supervisor. The catch is, it's away from home again .....

Here's the question .... They made me an offer this morning that is so goddamn low that I don't even know how reply. Without putting #ers down, we're not even in the same ballpark ..... How would you reply? Thanks but no thanks? Or do you give them a complete who/what/when and why explanation? I don't feel negotiating is even possible, that's how big the gap is.

Thanks in advance and to wise asses, no need to reply.

 

[Monk]

I don't think sending a respectful but detailed explanation of why you can't accept the offer would be a bad thing. I don't think you would want to burn any bridges but they will most likely want to know why I'm guessing. I wish I could be of more help.

 

[gpphat]

I agree with Monk, it doesn't have to be long winded but a quick run down of why and that if you were going to take a job away from home than the pay would have to be in the range of whatever you were getting before. They will understand and if something arises with them that could compensate you in that range I'm sure they won't forget you.

 

[Run the ball]

I don't think sending a respectful but detailed explanation of why you can't accept the offer would be a bad thing. I don't think you would want to burn any bridges but they will most likely want to know why I'm guessing. I wish I could be of more help.

I hear you, I'm kinda PO'd because I went into specifics of my former salary and the reasons of leaving. So they knew all of that and they offered me 42% of my old salary?? WHAT? Were you guys present in the 1 and a half hour interview we had and I explained why I left my other job? I told them I obviously wasn't expecting 100% of old my old wage, but 42%?? Holy shit!!

I think I need a few hours to just chill and compose myself, them I'll give them a reply. I agree that I don't want to burn a bridge too, thanks.

 

[Run the ball]

Option 3 would go well, lol

 

[Les Grossman]

Yeah, that's strange that you made it clear that the reason you left your old job was for work-life balance/family and you were making a good amount of money.

I'd just explain/reiterate that the offered salary isn't enough compensation for you to leave your current situation. Make it clear that you don't need the money, but that you are looking for a challenge/change of pace and that you think you are worth more than currently offered given your experience and such.

They won't be too offended, they are either stuck on hiring you at that low salary or are just baiting the water, either way you should make clear that you think you are worth more, especially if you aren't going to take the job for that pay under any circumstances.

 

[BNB]

I think a nice "**** off" would do.

But is there a way to get a good paying job, like the one you had last time, and move your family closer to where you work?

 

[Jester]

I hear you, I'm kinda PO'd because I went into specifics of my former salary and the reasons of leaving. So they knew all of that and they offered me 42% of my old salary?? WHAT? Were you guys present in the 1 and a half hour interview we had and I explained why I left my other job? I told them I obviously wasn't expecting 100% of old my old wage, but 42%?? Holy shit!!

I think I need a few hours to just chill and compose myself, them I'll give them a reply. I agree that I don't want to burn a bridge too, thanks.

Without going into too much dtail what reasons did you give them for leaving the other company. To be perfectly honest, Companies do not like hearing that you left to be at home with kids or spend more time with the family. They may think you are not committed if that's the case.

Also, what was the market like for your field when you were previously employed ? Job markets are most likely different now.

 

[Monk]

I hear you, I'm kinda PO'd because I went into specifics of my former salary and the reasons of leaving. So they knew all of that and they offered me 42% of my old salary?? WHAT? Were you guys present in the 1 and a half hour interview we had and I explained why I left my other job? I told them I obviously wasn't expecting 100% of old my old wage, but 42%?? Holy shit!!

I think I need a few hours to just chill and compose myself, them I'll give them a reply. I agree that I don't want to burn a bridge too, thanks.

I know I would have to compose my thoughts a little in that situation. It would be hard to not come off pissed.

 

[Monk]

Without going into too much dtail what reasons did you give them for leaving the other company. To be perfectly honest, Companies do not like hearing that you left to be at home with kids or spend more time with the family. They may think you are not committed if that's the case.

Companies are stupid.

 

[brett05]

What's the real reason you are looking to leave what you have now? Is the more money over the zero commute, home with the family time? What do the kids think of you not being around all the time?

 

[Sunbiz1]

I told them I obviously wasn't expecting 100% of old my old wage>>>

>>>This statement is a 2-edged sword, and could have been misinterpreted on the other end.

 

[Run the ball]

What's the real reason you are looking to leave what you have now? Is the more money over the zero commute, home with the family time? What do the kids think of you not being around all the time?

Jobs are a little scarce around here and I kinda miss working outside as I have my whole life. I do work here, but the first time in a very long time, I'm not getting ahead(money wise) and I find that frustrating. I however love being with my daughter everyday, my wife .... Meh, lol

 

[Run the ball]

I told them I obviously wasn't expecting 100% of old my old wage>>>

>>>This statement is a 2-edged sword, and could have been misinterpreted on the other end.

I get that, but why would I take such a low amount? I can go back to my old job anytime I want ... and they know that! I was interested in a little less pay with a little less stress type of deal. Not a rip off, lol

 

[Run the ball]

Without going into too much dtail what reasons did you give them for leaving the other company. To be perfectly honest, Companies do not like hearing that you left to be at home with kids or spend more time with the family. They may think you are not committed if that's the case.

Also, what was the market like for your field when you were previously employed ? Job markets are most likely different now.

Is gas getting cheaper around your area? The oilfields are doing quite fine ...

 

[Jester]

Did they ask you questions that would reveal your true proficiency level? When I interview people here I find out they know FAR LESS than what they put on their resume.

 

[Run the ball]

Did they ask you questions that would reveal your true proficiency level? When I interview people here I find out they know FAR LESS than what they put on their resume.

No, we sat there for an hour and a half and talked about the moon and shit ...

 

[Sunbiz1]

I get that, but why would I take such a low amount? I can go back to my old job anytime I want ... and they know that! I was interested in a little less pay with a little less stress type of deal. Not a rip off, lol

I referred your question to a retired HR director, who said companies do this all the time...they want to see how cheap you will work and/or they have someone from within already in mind for the position.

Tell them in no uncertain terms they need to sharpen their pencils. Companies that take this type of approach says a lot about the potential employer.

 

[Run the ball]

For those suggesting to move closer, it's not possible. I worked on the rigs and they work 99% of the time in remote areas. I also lived in Calgary for 10 years and still had to drive 8-10 hours to the rig. There are small towns closer, but my wife wants no part of that and I can't blame her to be honest.

 

[Run the ball]

Companies that take this type of approach says a lot about the potential employer.

To be honest, this is now my biggest concern and the main reason that this will be a no go.