[Aliantha]

It takes Dazza over an hour to get to work each day. He doesn't like it that much, but he gets to read the paper on the train, and he likes the lifestyle where we live. Everything is a tradeoff. Just like starting a new job, which leads me to the point.

My advice is to see what they offer. Maybe they've over-estimated what you're currently earning anyway and the offer might be higher than you expect. That being said, it would be unwise to accept the first offer they make you simply because it's good for you to give the impression that you're going to be worth more to them because they have to pay you more. Just keep in mind that the more you ask for, the more they will ask for. Once again, it's a tradeoff.

With regard to how much you should ask for, I'd recommend always asking for at least 10% more than you expect to be paid which should be about 20% more than you need to be paid. In the end you should end up with an offer somewhere around what you want. Also, don't be afraid to enter into some kind of enterprise bargaining. Perhaps they wont agree to pay you the whole value in cash each week, but maybe shares in the company or better benefits etc. There are lots of things with value that you could consider.

Good luck with it. I hope it goes well.