<prompt> Human: Using throw away, because reasons..Long story short, Ive been promoted from within from simple employee to account manager. I received two raises since March and now my employer wants to bump me up to salary. I currently make 14.50hr plus mandatory overtime that totals my hours to about 50 to 70 hours. My gross income ranges from 35k to 40k depending on my actual overtime. My employer wants me to sign a new agreement putting me on salary for 42k. According to payscale.com 31k-79k, this offer is close to the low average pay for someone in my job field, which is something this company is notorious for.. My budget is tight, but manageable. I have an excess of money going to fuel costs for my commute 150 miles round trip. My bills are pretty well covered with the pay I receive currently, but I have no room for savings or emergency planning. My reason for wanting hourly versus salary is strictly personal. I want to make a counter offer for hourly at 18 plus my mandatory overtime. This would put me at a minimum of 54k at 10 hours overtime a week. Is this a wise decision? Should I take the salary offer at a higher rate because of the commutehours worked, or try to stay hourly so I get paid for extra hours worked? Assistant: Youre asking for a 35-45 and your employer is offering between 5 and 12. If you honestly feel you can demand 54k a year you should go find it somewhere that doesnt require a 150 mile rt commute. Human: As I said, this company is notorious for low-average pay. I have to stick with it until my first agreement is expired next March or I pay for my own schooling.  <response>: Sounds like the benefits make up for the low pay. 