Thank you for the good ideas and tips. Here is what I have done so far.

My reply this morning was:

Good morning,

I am pleased that we will continue this discussion. :-)

In order for me to make a fair comparison to my current situation, please let me know the types of coverage that are provided in the benefit package, the cost to the employee for that coverage, your pension or RRSP plan, the vacation benefit that you are proposing, and any other items that you intend to include in the compensation package. I'll be interested to see the similarities and differences, and will be able to adjust my salary requirements accordingly.

Thank you in advance,

Yes, I included the smiley face because I am that kind of person. They should know that.

I have also sent a query to our benefits department here so that I know how our defined benefit pension plan works - it was introduced a few years ago, and I don't remember the $/year formula; and I have sent a query to my investment guy to see if he can tell me how much more I'd need to invest each year to make up for the loss of said pension.

I'll also do a full printout of my medical benefits so that I'll be able to compare directly.

I am not in a position to take a pay cut at all. DH did just 2 years ago and he's still at only about 70% of what he was making before; and it costs way more to live here - I think our housing costs have doubled. So, even a few K less per year would be painful. Besides, I've been doing administrative work for 20 years, have lots of variety in my experience, and would be playing quite a strategic role with this company - I think it makes sense for this to be a step forward not backwards.

So, now I wait. And soon I will crunch numbers.

If you have any more ideas, thoughts, or plans that I should consider, please let me know!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~