conversation: User (That_Cupcake): "Hi Personal Finance, \n\nI have been working for a telecom giant in the US for the last 8 years. I have worked in various departments for this company including customer service, technical support, sales, and various back office / support roles. When I started in 2008 I was making $28k/year. I am now making $60k/year.\n\nI am 28 years old and also a part time student pursuing a degree that has nothing to do with telecom or business. I currently live in Denver, but my boyfriend of 2 years lives in San Francisco and I have been trying to move there for quite some time. I have been aggressively applying for jobs in and around the Bay Area for about 6 months within my company and to new companies. I have been offered several positions, but they only pay around $30-$45k/year. I was finally able to find a job within my company that pays $54k/year, and I am about to get the offer letter for this sometime this week. My current department only exists in the Denver office so I can't move laterally. However, this new job is considered a promotion despite it paying $6,000/year less that what I currently make. \n\nThe rent is insane in and around the Bay Area. I found a hole in the wall apartment for $1300/m about an hour outside the city, but this is more than twice what I am paying now, and If I accept this job, I'll be living paycheck to paycheck.\n\nMy question for PF:\nIs there a tactful way to request more before accepting this job with out losing it someone else who will inevitably do the same job for less?\nOR, what other advice can you offer? On a side note, I have considered taking a break from school to work a second job, but I hate the idea of delaying my progress."
  Self: "Why should they pay you more money? That's the question they're going to ask when you ask for more. So try and answer it yourself. You've already found that your new position will be higher paying than the same position at a company they compete with?"
  User (That_Cupcake): "Thanks for the quick reply. Indeed.com says average salary for sales support roles in the SF area pay around $69,000/year, but I can't find a lot of salary info for telecom sales support specifically. Do you think it would still be alright to mention this?"
  skynet_watches_me_p (skynet_watches_me_p): "Someone needs to say it. $70k in the SF bay area is dangerously close to poverty levels.  Apartments and housing out here are stupidly expensive.  \n\nI worked at a company where a new title and responsibilities was considered a promotion and capped me at a 6% increase.  I stayed just long enough to get that title on my resume and move.  When I moved, I increased my wage from ~$75k to ~$118k."
  User (That_Cupcake): "I know it's going to be expensive. I can't afford to live in SF, so I found a place in Concord. It's about an hour from my new office in Livermore, CA. Still, it's hella expensive. However, that is a good idea. Maybe I could take this position until I find something better. I think I am also being overlooked as a candidate for some positions because I am out of state."
  skynet_watches_me_p (skynet_watches_me_p): "This is basically what I did.  I took the title and then moved companies as soon as I could.  That ~50% pay raise was a huge motivator.  I was "doing okay" at the time I took the title, but after I had the title, I could do so much better.  I just needed the experience. "
  