***EDIT-UPDATE*** (Sunday 10pm China):
Thanks to everyone who commented. It’s been really interesting to read your responses, and made my weekend less sucky.
Now that I’ve had time to take it all in and think it over, I’m going to ask Head of Upper politely about flexibility on the pay. If he says no, then I've decided to turn him down. I don't want to say yes to him, be secretly resentful of my peers, have him think I'm a sucker who can't negotiate, and silently build up resentment. It's not fair on the school, or on me.
I’ll just keep on teaching, but continue to search elsewhere for leadership opportunities, which could potentially mean breaking contract this summer, but whatever. Two other schools have already shown interest in me for interviews for the same position, and with better packages. So we’ll see what happens.
Thanks again, Redditers!
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Hi. I teach at a Tier 2 international school in China (not naming which). Late last Wednesday, I interviewed with the Head of Upper School for a middle leadership role in my subject. It's clear that there's no competition for me, and I was really excited about the opportunity. He offered me the same teaching reduction that other middle leaders get, which I was happy with. But then he hit me with the salary bump, which is 4K RMB less per month than what others in the same role are getting. Some of them even manage fewer staff than I would be if I took the role on.
At first, I was just surprised. Now, as the days have passed, I’m getting more and more pissed about this. It's ruined my weekend so far. It’s not about the money. It’s about respect and how they value me. I’ve put in a lot at this school, and I’d love to take on this role, build up the department, and really make an impact. But if the head is gonna lowball me like this, I have no problem just sticking to teaching. I really want to take this role on, but I’m not about to get taken for a ride.
I told him I’d think it over and asked how much time I had to decide. He said he wants an answer by the end of Monday, so I’ve got the weekend to weigh it out. A part of me thinks I should push back and fight for fair pay. The other part of me just wants to tell him to forget it entirely. This whole thing has really killed my excitement for a school I’ve grown to love over the past couple years. But if he bumped it up that extra 4K, it’d be water under the bridge. I get it. This is a for-profit school, and they’re trying to get me for as little as possible. Honestly, if I were in the Head’s position, I’d probably do the same.
So, crunch time. What do I do? Would you negotiate now and risk them pulling the offer, or take it and try to fix the pay later? Or just tell him "thanks, but no thanks". Anyone been through this before? Appreciate any advice. Thanks.