Should I try to negotiate a later starting date for a job so I can collect my 100% vestment at my current job?

13 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 1,2024 at 4:52PM UTC

   You could absolutely ask to stems out the start date or you could just ask for a signing bonus to cover the amount you’re guaranteed to receive (make sure you ask for an amount above your vested amount because whatever they give in cash will be immediately taxed as a bonus so make sure it makes you whole).

   Sign on bonuses are pretty easy to justify and money you’ve invested into lots of things is a financial burden if you’re going to miss out on them by accepting the offer. An extra $5-10k really isn’t much money and if they need you to start right away they’ll likely give that to you.

2. AnonymousSeptember 1,2024 at 4:56PM UTC

   I’m a few months away from 60. My take is if the new job pays well above take the offer, give a 2-week notice, and transfer your current retirement into the new one. There will not be a penalty if you do this. The 5k difference over the course of your next job/new company will well make up the difference. Especially if the new company matches you better. 5k over the course of 5 years is small. Take the chance especially if you get 100% vested of 5 years in the next company. That’s my 2 cents. And also if you have a financial advisor consult them as well. But new job, better pay will make up any of the 5K you feel like you lose. Keep us posted and good luck!

3. AnonymousSeptember 1,2024 at 6:19PM UTC

   First off I would wait for a written offer and the proposed start date.

   IF the offer is everything you are expecting then I would ask if the start date could slide. If not, take the offer, understanding that the market it is in the toilet so you are way ahead in the financial gain with this new job. I hope all goes according to expectations. That would be awesome.

4. misskelleypSeptember 1,2024 at 6:28PM UTC

   I wouldn't worry much about it until you actually have an offer in hand. However, you say this new job will double your annual income... in light of that is it worth it to wait for $5k? For me, no. You have to make that decision for yourself.

5. AnonymousSeptember 1,2024 at 6:44PM UTC

   Same. I feel lucky that $5K won’t make a difference in my lifestyle.

6. Katie LowrySeptember 2,2024 at 12:30PM UTC

   Keep going with the interview process. When you get an offer, see how long it would take you to make up that $5k. If you’re making $1250 more a month, it would take you 4 months. Two of those you would have had to work at your old job anyway to earn the $5k vestment, then two months after that, you’ll break even…and then make money at a better rate than your current job. If the offer is the same pay rate (which it doesn’t sound like it would be, given how low you said current-job pays vs everyone else), explain your situation & see if they can do a sign on bonus.

7. AnonymousSeptember 2,2024 at 2:08PM UTC

   Absolutely ask for the later start date, though do calculate how much money you would make in comparing old to new job and see how it compares.

   I did so in my current job even though they wanted me to start a month earlier than I was ready to. I was 65 when they hired me. I am still there 4 years later with a promotion my boss provided after my 3 year annual eval. I'm almost 69 and plan to work probably at least a few more years.

8. AnonymousSeptember 2,2024 at 3:04PM UTC

   Do the math. Since you are doubling your salary, are eight weeks at your current wage close enough to the $5,000 to be worth the risk of putting a new employer off? Don't focus on the high number. Look at the longer-term benefits. How long will it take you to make up the difference? I think this should be easy once you work through the numbers. Unless you are currently paid less than minimum wage, you should make up the difference before the end of the year.

9. AnonymousSeptember 3,2024 at 1:14PM UTC

   It never hurts to ask but I do wonder if u shouldn't give them a different reason. . . .idk if I'd share that reason but I have negotiated later start dates.

   Save this for the VERY end as the interview and on-boarding process (background check, drug tests etc.) Can b lengthy. There may be no need to bring it up at all! You've only just been invited for a face to face afterall.

10. Jessica FerlandSeptember 3,2024 at 3:52PM UTC

    May be worth sticking it out for the extra time.

    It could be optimistic to expect an offer this week. Then considering salary negotiations, that may buy you some time. I would say that your start date is November 4th, you probably don't have to give a reason.

    Alternatively. if the salary at the new gig is double your current salary, what is the difference between the $5k from being fully vested and your salary for 5 weeks at the new place?

11. Maggie StoneSeptember 4,2024 at 3:51PM UTC

    If you are in your mid 60’s, you can’t add money to a retirement account or make it up. I would personally try to hold on to every penny I could. That is, unless you know you’re set.

12. AnonymousSeptember 5,2024 at 5:25PM UTC

    Be honest about your situation. In lieu of waiting 8 weeks, ask if the new company would be willing to provide you with a sign-on bonus for that amount. You would be paying taxes on it, so make sure you give them the grossed up number so your net bonus payment is $5k. $5k is a lot of money to an individual but is nothing for a company - I can't imagine them making a significant deal about that.

    I totally get not wanting to walk away from money - you did mention your new salary is double. How long would it take to save the $5k if you continue to live off the amount your used to bringing in?

    Sounds like you have a great opportunity - congrats on your new role!

13. Tricia BurroughsSeptember 6,2024 at 3:11PM UTC

    I would ask, but would not give up the new job to meet the vesting date if they say they need you before then.