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[profslacker]

I'm currently a TT asst. prof. at a "comprehensive" state school (lots of teachinig, some doctoral programs, etc.). Spouse  has been looking for a job for the past year.

We're on the verge of wrapping up a two-body deal that would get us both into an R1 with good research programs, TT, etc. Working at the same institution - pretty close to as good as it gets.

At the risk of seeming to be unappreciative of how well it's  working out, I'm hoping for some feedback on our last sticking point: salary.

The new job is effectively a 12-month contract, but the salary offer is almost exactly what I'm making now on a 10-month contract. When I add in some salary off of research funds (which I've been fortunate enough to have), I'm making a non-trivial amount above base.

The current offer from the new position - which wouldn't have that possibility of summer support - would therefore be an effective pay cut. At the very least, working 12 months (instead of 10) for the same salary.

I think some of this may have to do with the nature of the position. The institution really wants my spouse, so I can't help but wonder if they're thinking that they can get me cheap.

For what it's worth, it's pretty close to the Dream Job for spouse.

So, the question is, what can be done about this? It seems to me that there are a few options:

1) hold out and threaten to scuttle the whole deal - for both of this -  if they don't increase salary offer.
2) suck up and deal.
3) try to find a creative solution - perhaps involving lower salary at first, followed by raises if things go well?

#1 seems like a bad idea. #2 would be unfortunate. Any suggestions regarding #3, or for options #4, #5, etc. would be really helpful.

thanks!

 

[madhatter]

You don't "hold out and threaten." You're negotiating, not taking hostages. You ask for more salary. You back it up by explaining what you just told us -- pay cut from current position, change in length of contract, etc. You don't need to go into exhaustive detail. Be, brief, factual, and cordial, and ask if they can do anything to increase the salary to make it more equitable. Then you leave it in their court to see what they decide to do.

[profslacker]

You don't "hold out and threaten." You're negotiating, not taking hostages. You ask for more salary. You back it up by explaining what you just told us -- pay cut from current position, change in length of contract, etc. You don't need to go into exhaustive detail. Be, brief, factual, and cordial, and ask if they can do anything to increase the salary to make it more equitable. Then you leave it in their court to see what they decide to do.

fair enough. I should have been more clear - Nothing that I've done thus far has strayed from being "brief, factual, and cordial". I've explained the details and the reasoning, and they're basically come back and said "the dean will only go thus far..."

[madhatter]

So, then, you've already asked for a salary increase and they've said no?

In that case, it sounds to me like the choice is binary -- take it or leave it.

[ruralguy]

What madhatter said..

If negotiations didn't go anywhere, then I guess its take it or leave it and try to both cut costs and
get more money once you get there (assuming you go).

[advil]

The new job is effectively a 12-month contract, but the salary offer is almost exactly what I'm making now on a 10-month contract.  When I add in some salary off of research funds (which I've been fortunate enough to have), I'm making a non-trivial amount above base.

I'm not sure I understand this (i.e. what does "effectively" mean here), but can you ask for the same salary as a 9-month salary, rather than a 12-month salary?  They will probably distribute it over 12 months anyways, so there might not be much difference for them.  Is it possible that summer salary is just less common at the new place, and so they aren't as well set up to handle it?  This does vary a bit I think, in my field at large summer salary is basically unknown (and most people are still on 9-month contracts), but in my present department it is fairly common.

[afm_man]

The new job is effectively a 12-month contract, but the salary offer is almost exactly what I'm making now on a 10-month contract.  When I add in some salary off of research funds (which I've been fortunate enough to have), I'm making a non-trivial amount above base.

I'm not sure I understand this (i.e. what does "effectively" mean here), but can you ask for the same salary as a 9-month salary, rather than a 12-month salary?  They will probably distribute it over 12 months anyways, so there might not be much difference for them.  Is it possible that summer salary is just less common at the new place, and so they aren't as well set up to handle it?  This does vary a bit I think, in my field at large summer salary is basically unknown (and most people are still on 9-month contracts), but in my present department it is fairly common.

Same question I had.  If it is 12 month, then can you supplement over the summer?  I believe Wyoming is similar.  Your salary is paid over 12 months (there is not an option for 9 months) but you can pay yourself an extra three months. I assume you have taken into account the cost of living in both places.

On a side note, doesn't you spouse having a position help in the overall household income?  Thus financially won't you, as a pair, be better off?