Q: I’m working on a contract with my company for a promotion, but they are unwilling to meet my salary demands. I want to continue to work for them, but I feel the compensation package they are offering is not consistent with what others in the area are getting paid. What do you suggest?
A: It’s been said in many places that “now’s not the time to be greedy.” It doesn’t sound to me like you are being greedy, but it does sound like there may be other ways for you to be compensated to make up for the perceived difference in pay.
Negotiate for more time off – since it is a salaried position, see if they will work in an extra day or few hours a month off while getting the same salary
Extra service or extra earning opportunities – see if there are ways you can earn extra money with your company by working extra hours or on extra projects from time to time.
Perks – see if there are ways you can take advantage of tuition reimbursement, discounted gym memberships, and the like. You may find the perks are far more valuable and aplenty then you realized.
Lastly, express your needs, and perhaps they will be more receptive to that rather than just comparing what you are making to what others are making.