I may have a job.

[drm604]

I'm going to be getting an offer from an internet firm in Philly. I don't have the details yet but once I receive the offer, if I accept it, the job is mine.

It's been a long 4 months. This came just in time.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

1. YAY!

[drm604]

2. When I receive the offer letter

I'm going to contact that other company (the one the unprofessional / incompetent recruiter hooked me up with) and let them know in case they're still trying to decide. I might be able to get a better offer from them.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

3. Best of luck in ending those 4 months.

I'm happy for you.

[drm604]

4. I just got the offer. It wasn't what I expected.

I have expenses, plus I'll be paying for parking and a train pass, and I'd like to save something towards retirement.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

5. Is this a center city location?

If so a pooled ride my be the way to go. Center city monthly rates vary a lot.

http://philadelphia.bestparking.com/

[drm604]

7. It's a center city location, but I'd be paying for parking in Norristown and taking the train in.

I can get a transit pass taken out of my check before taxes, which helps.

I responded and asked if they couldn't offer more. Sometimes they make a low offer then will increase it if you ask. I'm crossing my fingers.

The problem is that they know I've been out for months so they probably figure that I'm desperate.

Ultimately I will take what they offer if I have to, it's a lot more than unemployment, but I may keep looking.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

8. It may be cheaper to drive to Philly and park there.

However the NTC Garage offers:
"Customers who purchase a monthly TransPass or TrailPass through the Pass-By-Mail program, may purchase a monthly Proximity Parking Card for only $35."
http://www.septa.org/parking/pdf/ntc-app.pdf

[drm604]

9. If I'm reading that right, I can only get the parking pass if I also buy a TransPass

so I couldn't use it if I was driving in. Also, driving into and out of CC during rush hour is a nightmare.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

11. A rush hour drive on the sure-kill distressway, can't you just feel the love?

Yes, the parking pass is only for septa trans/trailpass buyers.

Driving in is a bit less of an issue in the Summer due to vacations from work and school. You may want to ask about shifted hours.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

6. BTW

Don't loose the info on that other company even if you take the spot you've been offered. Something could develop in the future, maybe sooner than you think.

[drm604]

10. I should add that there's a city wage tax also.

They're really not offering me enough, but I may be forced to take it.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

12. The wage tax is ~ 4%

Another ripoff.

[drm604]

13. Actually,

according to this page:
http://www.philadelphiaforward.org/node/25

it's 3.2284%, which is less than that, but it's still a good chunk.

Oddly enough, according to that chart, starting this year the wage tax for non-residents is higher than it is for residents. That doesn't seem right.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

14. An update:

As part of the law to allow expansion of gambling in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia receives an infusion of revenue to reduce the Wage Tax, which will drop to 3.6% for residents and 3.25% for non-residents by 2013. This recommendation is now the law of the land. IN THE WAKE OF THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCAIL CRISIS OF 2008, THE SCHEDULE WAS ALTERED AND THE WAGE TAX IS TO BE REDUCED TO 3.7974% FOR RESIDENTS AND 3.3546% FOR NON-RESIDENTS BY 2014. IF ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IMPROVE, THIS TIMETABLE MAY BE ALTERED.


http://www.philadelphiaforward.org/node/41

[drm604]

15. Whatever,

it's still a big chunk and a city employer needs to pay enough to make up for it if they want to attract good people. This outfit's offices occupy an entire corner building of 6 or 8 stories. They appear to be doing well, so they don't need to pay me below standard rates.