Question: My former manager joined a start-up and asked me to leave my job and work for her. The job is more advanced than my current one. I'm excited about the opportunity and the invaluable experience I will gain, but there is one problem: I think the job pays less than what I make now. I know this is a great opportunity for me to expand my skills, as well as a chance to escape the stifling grasp of my present manager, but I'm not comfortable with the salary. How should I handle this?

Answer: We all want to be paid fairly, but when considering a career move, weigh financial compensation against other considerations. Here are three items to consider:

1. The Career Opportunity
First and foremost, do your homework. Since this is a start-up, find out if the company is growing and in a dynamic industry. Get a perspective on what the industry as a whole pays someone in your position. Then ask yourself if this job will provide a chance to increase your skills and make you more marketable in the future? Consider all the long-term benefits of this career opportunity.

2. Fair Compensation
Although pay issues should be kept in balance with other considerations, you still want to be compensated fairly. Get organized before you discuss salary with your perspective boss. Make a list of all your needs, including: salary, health benefits, stock options, title and vacation time. When you sit down to negotiate, consider the following:

Be honest
Tell her how much you enjoyed working for her in the past and that you're looking forward to new and exciting opportunities in the future.

Be open
Talk about your concern to be compensated fairly for the work you do. While you appreciate the growth and development that your experience in this new position will provide, salary is still important to you.

Be flexible
If she tells you that the starting salary is what you anticipated -- less than your current one -- ask about your promotion potential. Will you have an opportunity to renegotiate after your first review? Discuss in a positive manner the comparison data you have gathered. Ask questions about the discrepancy in pay for the same position in this company versus others in the industry. Have a discussion on other means of compensation that you have already considered. Many start-up companies are cash-poor and will offer other attractive options like stock instead of salary.

3. Workplace Issues
While you're balancing financial compensation with long-term career benefits, don't forget to consider workplace issues. You seem to have had a positive and productive working relationship with your previous manager, and you call your working relationship with your current manager "stifling." That is reason enough to consider a move. A positive workplace is another non-financial benefit you should think about when making your final decision.

Once you know you are being treated fairly, you do not have to push for the last dollar. Don't be preoccupied with pay issues to the exclusion of other important concerns. You can always accept a little less and know that over the long term, the experience you gain will pay off.