<prompt> Human: Hey PF!First time posting in this sub. Its one of my favorites. Just wanted to start off by saying that.Now, Ive been interviewing for a new position at a company for about a month now and plan on sitting down with the HR Manager and one of the executives in a few days. Im hoping this is the last interview that segues into a job offer. Now when I was speaking with a recruiter early on they were saying due to our current budget we can offer you around 40K. A little info: the position is for Technology Assistant at a well known broadcasting network. The position is newly created one; a hybrid position between an admin assistant and a Video Streaming EditorCoordinator.I live in one of the most expensive metropolitan counties in the country and was planning on negotiating 50K. I was wondering if you guys think this 40k number is really due to budgeting or is this something recruiters and companies often tell applicants to initially lowball them? Should I negotiate higher than 50K? What are your thoughts?  <response>: Ask yourself: Did they give you any reason to believe the current budgeting would some day allow for pay in line with your expectations?Ill answer for you: Nope.I dont know your situation, so getting experience and a nice entry on the resume might make up the 10K differential, but I wouldnt pin a lit of hope on them ever paying what you want. 