gut wrote:
In this economic environment, a 20% pay raise is unrealistic (not that you can't ask and might get it, but unlikely). I'd say even in good times, 10% is pretty standard, although many times there's a rather tight range for the position, especially for larger companies with established pay scales. Sometimes if they really like you, they have some flexibility.
But it's very hard to justify why you are worth 20% more than your current job, especially if 20% more is 10-20% more than the position pays. Most companies aren't going to be thrilled if compensation is your primary criteria for joining their company.
Now, if you are giving up some benefits and/or stand to lose some 401K employer matches (not vested), then maybe you can make a legit argument for some additional money. Also, if relocation is involved that is usually negotiable.
But, in general, the bottom line is you are looking to join their company for reasons other than purely compensation. Unless you have another competing offer, your current job firmly establishes your market wage. If this job represents a promotion, or you were in line for a promotion at your current job, then maybe you can argue for 20%. But be prepared for that request to be rejected and if you take a hard line stance, the company is liable to take it off the table because someone who appears to be moving solely for compensation is not a very attractive employee.
Not necessarily, in November of 2008 I changed jobs, right at the lowest part of the recession and got a 30% increase in base salary and since the new place has a bonus structure (old place doesn't) the pay increase could be as much as 60% from the previous job depending on the year.
To answer the question, I'd go back to the old company for $0 more. I don't want to take a pay cut to go back, but I'd go back in a heartbeat for similar pay.
