Confused. Offered a subject matter expert/consulting role for $15/hour!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you sure they said fifteen and not fifty?

Positive. I have the offer in writing too and confirmed it wasn't a typo.

I wouldn’t even respond. It is unlikely you can get them up to an acceptable rate. That is insulting and they have already wasted your time.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I'm really torn in the response. I've thought of silence but I also like a couple of the pp suggestions. This side gig...I don't need extra money, I have enough. I was interested in the opportunity bc I thought it might be a professionally enriching experience. But I refuse to work for minimum wage doing this type of work that involves expertise. I'd rather give away my expertise for free to colleagues and at conferences.

[Anonymous]

I think it’s good for them to know what expertise costs. I’d respond with your rate not because they’ll match it but so they plan better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it’s good for them to know what expertise costs. I’d respond with your rate not because they’ll match it but so they plan better.

Yes! Agree!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you very much for the offer. Unfortunately I cannot accept an offer for under $75 an hour. Take care, Marlo

This. They won't negotiate, but it'll signal to them they are living in fantasy land.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I'm really torn in the response. I've thought of silence but I also like a couple of the pp suggestions. This side gig...I don't need extra money, I have enough. I was interested in the opportunity bc I thought it might be a professionally enriching experience. But I refuse to work for minimum wage doing this type of work that involves expertise. I'd rather give away my expertise for free to colleagues and at conferences.

Tell them this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you very much for the offer. Unfortunately I cannot accept an offer for under $75 an hour. Take care, Marlo

This. They won't negotiate, but it'll signal to them they are living in fantasy land.

This. Decide how much you are willing to do it for, add five or ten bucks, and say you can’t do it for less than that amount.

[Anonymous]

What’s your rate, OP? Tell them that. You have nothing to lose and if you’re polite about it, you’re just being professional. They aren’t, if they are offering you minimum wage for SME work. That’s absurd.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it’s good for them to know what expertise costs. I’d respond with your rate not because they’ll match it but so they plan better.

Yes! Agree!

Yes, this!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I'm really torn in the response. I've thought of silence but I also like a couple of the pp suggestions. This side gig...I don't need extra money, I have enough. I was interested in the opportunity bc I thought it might be a professionally enriching experience. But I refuse to work for minimum wage doing this type of work that involves expertise. I'd rather give away my expertise for free to colleagues and at conferences.

What is your current job?

[Anonymous]

Its so insulting to you and they already wasted a ton of your time! Reply politely, stating your expected rate (go with $100/hour, nice round number).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yikes!! I agree it’s a little awkward when they are this low. I’d simply say,” I truly enjoyed meeting everyone and learning about this opportunity but unfortunately I must decline. “ period, and leave it there. It’s polite and doesn’t embarrass them. Then, if their management really cares, they can come back and ask you why, and then you can provide them further feedback if you want.

I think negotiating is pointless at this big a difference which is why I don’t recommend you bother with it.

And I think they should know what the going rate is so that they don't waste other people's time moving forward.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yikes!! I agree it’s a little awkward when they are this low. I’d simply say,” I truly enjoyed meeting everyone and learning about this opportunity but unfortunately I must decline. “ period, and leave it there. It’s polite and doesn’t embarrass them. Then, if their management really cares, they can come back and ask you why, and then you can provide them further feedback if you want.

I think negotiating is pointless at this big a difference which is why I don’t recommend you bother with it.

And I think they should know what the going rate is so that they don't waste other people's time moving forward.

This.

Though, I wonder if the people she spoke to understand how much they low-balled her. I'd be furious and embarrassed if I worked there.

[Anonymous]

OP: I wouldn't respond. Your expectations (rightly or wrongly) are way off from what is being offered. It's not worth your time to even discuss it.

For a 13 year old that's too high.

For an adult its barely minimum wage.

Why would the age of the babysitter determine the compensation? The service being provided is the same, regardless. Why would the value of the service be different?

[Anonymous]

They want you to counter with 45 thinking they can get you down to 35. It’s just business figure out exactly what it’s worth to you and tell them that number and that it’s non negotiable. Don’t bother to get emotional about it / ‘insulted,’ ‘embarrassed’- it’s just business.