I was given a job offer after three years unemployed, yes it's been a long road from being laid off in 2023, had a parent get sick and pass in 2025. Throughout it all I was still interviewing and unfortunately because of the new administration many government jobs were cut.
I've finally landed a job that I'll have to commute to for about 50min to and from for $45k, $5k below the listed salary. The benefits are good and they may offer hybrid in the future but when I tried to essentially negotiate with the recruiter for higher pay she made it clear that unless I had any verified work after my layoff I wouldn't be able to get that $5k extra. So they're preying on the desperation of people in this market.
What I'm gonna do is take it and keep looking because with inflation, that pay and commute are gonna lower my take home pay. However something is better than nothing. (\~_\~メ)
Any tips on better negotiation in the future or if I should list this job on my resume? Also I have had a few more interviews and should they ask for in person one's, how would you schedule those if you don't have sick time to use? Hang in there everyone, we're in rough times.
TL;DR Recruiters low ballin based on unemployment gaps, got new job with low pay but will still be looking for livable wage.