[lendaddy]

It looks fairly likely that I will be changing jobs for only the third time in 20+ years. I love the new company and really really really need to get out of the public sector.

The new company surprised me a bit by making me an offer at the interview table which included some pretty good variations from their normal scales (bonus eligibility right away, in the top 80-90% of the loose wage scale, 2+ wks vacation right away, etc... ).

I will however be walking away from some decent sized and soon to be vested accounts at my current employer. I am willing to accept this for the quality of life improvement I expect but am thinking I'm in a decent position to ask for a sign on bonus.

Given the above info you can surmise I haven't had to negotiate from this side of the table very often... So if any of you can offer advice regarding the appropriateness, norms or tips on tact I would appreciate it.

I do already have a written offer but I don't want to offend the new employer either. I am thinking somewhere in the 10% of salary range? Or is it more wise to ask if they would be willing to include a bonus (after I explain my pending forfeitures) and let them float a number(or not)? Any other thoughts? Thanks..