‘Young people/high schoolers who wouldn’t put the work in’: I have years of experience but was offered a low salary. How can I negotiate for what I’m worth?

Hi Money Minder,

I recently got offered a position at a family-owned small smoothie/food place. At first, they said it would be $10 to $11 an hour. But after the interview, the owner seemed eager to hire me and offered $13 an hour (which is $2 to $3 more than the initial offer). She explained that the low pay mentioned earlier was due to past bad experiences with young employees who didn’t put in the effort.

Now, this job doesn’t come with health insurance or any other benefits. I’m 32 years old with 7-8 years of experience in this field. Do you think it would be okay for me to ask for $14 an hour, considering my age, experience, and flawless work record?

Thanks for your advice!

Farewell, Smoothie Enthusiast

Response from THE MONEY MINDER:

Hello There,

Congratulations on being offered a position at the family-owned smoothie/food place! It sounds like they really value your experience and skills, which is a great sign. When considering negotiating your pay with your potential employer, it’s important to approach the situation in a realistic and practical manner.

Given your age, experience, and track record of reliability and dedication in your previous jobs, it is completely reasonable to ask for a higher rate of $14 an hour. Highlighting your history of never being fired and consistently showing up to work can demonstrate your strong work ethic and commitment, which warrants a higher pay rate.

However, it may also be beneficial to acknowledge the concerns the employer shared about being burned by younger employees in the past. You could assure them of your professionalism, reliability, and willingness to put in the hard work required for the position. You could also express your understanding of their position while presenting your case for the higher pay rate.

Overall, approaching the negotiation with a balance of empathy, understanding, and confidence in your worth can help create a positive outcome for both you and the employer. It’s essential to have an open and honest conversation about your expectations and the value you can bring to the role.

Best of luck in negotiating your pay rate, and congratulations again on the job offer!

Farewell from THE MONEY MINDER.