After college I took an entry level job at an entry level salary. After a couple of years, I moved on amicably to a new company who offered much higher pay. Later, my manager also moved on to a new company.
Now it is a few years later, and my previous manager is interested in hiring me again. However, they are offering me an entry-level salary and role which is inconsistent with my current experience. They are otherwise a good manager, and I would be happy to work with them again if the price was right.
What is the best way to handle this situation? I have two concerns:
- I don't want to burn this (potentially valuable) relationship by being harsh.
- I don't want to continue entertaining offers that are a waste of my time.