I just got an email last night from my boss asking me to give him an hourly rate that would make me stay for the next six months. What reasonable figure or range should I give?
Background (you can skip this part):
I just graduated last year and am now working as a home-based software developer earning a "more-or-less average" salary at an hourly rate. I've been with the team for about 6 months. Needless to say, I somehow find the job enjoyable. I haven't seen my boss, nor my team's members, and I honestly don't have any idea about how and what they earn from the products we make. All I've heard is that we're receiving good funding.
However, I recently moved to another country with my parents. It was their decision and although I had objections, my arguments weren't strong enough to convince them to stay.
The standard of living is very high. My current salary is only 15% of the minimum salary that people earn here. I have applied for more than 20 job positions. Two weeks have passed and I still haven't gotten a single call. It's frustrating and depressing at the same time. I always find myself waking up in the morning feeling utterly useless.
I have told my employer about me applying for jobs in this country, and I've told him about my situation. He's been very understanding and supportive, but I honestly do not know if it's a good advice to stay for the next six months while I'm still looking for a job.
Back to the question
Assuming I decide to stay, what makes a reasonable figure? Is it something like 105-120% of my current salary? How do I know if I deserve the range I'm giving? Should it be an amount instead of a range? If you're gonna ask me what I honestly want, it's twice my current salary, but I doubt any employer would want to hear that. I'm also sure I'm overestimating myself.