<prompt> Human: UPDATE: Husband countered with slightly over the lowest 10 median for position titledescription and region as well as requested 2 weeks paid vacation upon start date. They countered with slightly less salary which was unfortunate but agreed to 2 weeks vacation right away. Husband accepted and starts in 2 weeks! Thank you all for the advice!Cross posted in rcareerguidance We live in an economically challenged and depressed region upper Great Lakes. Husband graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering technology and through his long time employer, eventually gained an accredited Masters degree in Operations Management for which his company paid but then didnt put to use.Husband left company just before his 10 year mark for a career change Project Manager position from which he was downsized 6 months later. After 4 months of unemployment, his long time employer reached out to him with a contract offer to which he jumped at because the pay was 55hour with full time hours. I work full time and carry the insurance for our family so it was ideal.1 month ago, the company opted not to renew his contract but has kept him on a smaller project to project basis. All the while hes been looking for full time, permanent career path work. He was offered an engineering manager position with a very small local company despite not having any management experience. This job is about 40 minutes away. Salary offered was 65,000 per year which is significantly below average and median. He has been working professionally since 2006. They also offered only 1 week vacation when he was at 3 weeks vacation at his last permanent job.Should he just accept the offer as is because he would finally get management experience, try to negotiate because hes been professionally employed for 13 years, or keep looking?  <response>: If his experience in the position is below average it makes sense the comp would be too. But comp doesnt always make sense. The best information is labor market feedback. If this is the best opportunity your local market has then theres your answer. 