HELP!!!

dipsl19

A bit of background: After graduating from college in 2009, I worked as an intern for a magazine for about a year. They loved me there and kept extending my internship, but I left after almost a year because the commute was really getting to me (it's in NYC and I live in NJ) and I felt it wasn't enough money to make the sacrifice. That coupled with the fact that I wasn't sure it was what I wanted to do. I've been working as a receptionist for my dad's company since then but I'm not really happy doing that either.

A week or two ago I was contacted by her asking if I was interested in coming back. I sent her my resume and she emailed me back yesterday saying that they'd love to have me as an intern and could I start next Monday.

This is where I need help!! At first my heart kind of sank because I was already an intern and I feel like I'm worth a bit more than that. However, I realize that I might need to prove myself before I can move up, and this is where I think I want to be. I just want to know how much I would be getting paid, and hopefully it will be a bit more than the $10/hr I was getting in 2009.

So what should I say to her email?

(I also have booked a cruise on March 11-18 that would require me to miss 5 days of work... which I also know I should mention just not sure when/how?)

Carl01

Without being pushy try to find out the wage and then measure that against the cost of transportation and the time for the trip to get a fair comparison with where you are now.

In light of that would also suggest a polite discussion regarding what future you have there and while it would be difficult to do the job at the current wage (assuming it is the same) if the prospects were good you would be happier about it.

As far as the cruise,at some point should ask and explain about it.
If that is a put off to them it may be something to consider as far as overall happiness in the work place.
What I mean is they have approached you and an understanding that you have made plans should happen.
I wouldn`t ask or expect to be paid for those days but if it is a problem to them it may indicate a somewhat unfriendly environment.

My two cents fwiw.

world2c

If they are asking you if you can start on Monday, I think it's fair to ask them what the pay is for the job. if they come back with $10 an hour, you have to ask yourself two things- one can you financially afford to do it, and two, is it something you'd really like to do. I think a few posts back you mentioned how excited you would be to work for them again, so although it's a bummer it's only an intern position, it might be worth taking that role again if it will challenge and excite you.

I would see what they say about pay and if you're willing to do that, then I would bring up the cruise. If they really want you, this should not be an issue - I had a month long trip scheduled before I switched jobs and they hired me knowing that I'd work for about a month and then be off for a month. I went without pay and benefits, but it sure was worth it.

Hope that helps, and good luck to you!!

You're an awesome person, and any company would be lucky to have you!

kennethmgreen

Is it for the same position? Or just generally "intern." Some companies use "intern" pretty loosely so they can avoid having to pay for health benefits.

If you are going back for the same position, same responsibilities (essentially the same job you had before), I wouldn't expect much more money over cost-of-living adjustments which are usually around 3-4% per year.

You quit before because of the commute. Has that changed? Would you be making the same commute? What has changed since you quit before? Are you now more sure you want to work at a magazine?

"This is where I think I want to be" is a pretty broad statement. Do you want to work in magazines in general, or do you want to work at *that* magazine? If this particular magazine is what you want, then money, the commute, etc. are less important.

People are weird about money. It varies by person, but almost everyone is a little awkward discussing money (what they earn, what they are worth, what they want to earn, what they are willing to pay you, etc.) But it's a part of life. You have to speak up for yourself. You have to ask for what you want. What is your time worth? Can you demonstrate that worth in an interview? There is nothing wrong with asking for $15/hour if that's what you want to make. Unless it is a highly-coveted position with tons of applications, they should be willing to work with you. That they know you already and want you back is a big plus. Believe me, training is a huge cost to a company. If you can show up and begin your job immediately, that is worth a lot to them.

Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. Decide on your minimum - the absolute lowest salary you'd take to work there. Be VERY clear about what that number is before talking to them. It must be a number that you are willing to work for, and would feel happy making. Let's assume that your minimum is $11/hour, $1 more than the last time you worked there. You can ask for an exact number, or ask for a range. But that range should NEVER be lower than your minimum.

Let's assume you *want* to make $15/hour, would be happy at 13, and still satisfied at 11. I suggest you respond and ask about the salary range for the position, that you are looking for something that paid between $12-17/hour. See what the response is.

If they come back with an offer you are happy with (anyone $11 or over, remember), then tell them you accept the job. In your acceptance communication - AFTER they have made an offer - let them know that you have booked a cruise March 11-18. Tell them you are willing to start immediately, or can wait until March 19 if they prefer, but the trip has been booked for a long time. I am assuming your start date is discussed after getting a formal offer. This may not be the case. They may want you right away. You'll have to use your judgment. If they really want you to work there, you missing a week in March is something they will deal with. Make sure you offer to start March 19, though. It sounds like they want you soon, so this is some leverage on your part.

Good luck. Be assertive. Be honest. Value yourself and your time. You will be treated accordingly. (this applies for this job opportunity and the rest of your life)

If all the above sounds like BS, then forget my advice and instead of responding via email, use paper and cut out letters from a magazine, ransom note style.

Sandwiches5000

Wow! They obviously want you there. I agree with the people above. Ask them where they can see this going. If it's not anywhere then I don't think it's worth it. And definitely try to get the pay increase. While it's true that you left last time and didn't complete the internship, you still did it for quite a while... Long enough for them to offer something if it was there. Maybe tell them you were looking for something a little more permanent and see what they say. Again though, could be worth the gamble. Internships are generally short so I'd ride it out. When I did my internship in NY I was offered a full time position after a few months.

Good luck!!!

christine24t

Here is what I would say (the general gist)

"Thank you so much for offering me the internship. As you remember, I was an intern there in 2009. I loved working there, and gaining experience, but the reason I left was because my salary wasn't high enough to justify coming in from New Jersey every day. I would definitely love to take the position again since I loved it so much before. I would be willing to come in to the office and discuss it with you. When are you free to have a meeting with me?"

That way if a pay raise is out of the question, she can just say "okay well this isn't gonna work." be honest. they could have thought you left because you didn't like it. tell the truth and you might get some help with it!!