I'm 34 years old and I have been working in a very unique field for the last eight years. I have two degrees and just started a masters. I'm currently on $115k + 10% super. I really don't like my job anymore and I'm sick of working in Canberra.
I have been applying for jobs since early January and I just got offered a position at one of the big 4 in Sydney. In the application, it asked for my salary range which I put down at 115k. When they offered me the job today they said it would be 104k + 10k signing bonus. I thought this was ex super which it is not. Excluding the bonus, it's nearly a 20k pay cut which is a really hard pill to swallow considering I have 8 years of experience. I said this and they said sorry that is the highest in that band but we are confident you would progress quickly.but it could take me two years to get back up there.
I'm really confused what to do. The job would be good growth and out of canberra. But I have to pay to move, rent is more expensive, cost of living etc.
I feel like I'm worth more but I have also not proven myself in another role.
Update: Thank you everyone for your input. I decided to turn the position down. While it is a bit of a career change, moving to another city and a 20k cut to my salary, was too much of a pill to swallow. They might counter me but I doubt it.
Seems like there's less people with the skills required for that role/industry in Canberra so employers pay a premium to attract people. In Sydney, there's probably a whole lot more people with those skills, therefore, employer's don't have to pay that much.
What's the role (if you don't mind sharing)?