So, my contract with the company I work with is going to be picked up for perma employment. They had a perma guy quit and they need to fill the spot. Basically for budget reasons my oppurtunity has finally come.

I was making around 10-15 grand less them him a year being a contractor. He also was 30 years older then me and has much higher certs. I worry can I really bargain to be up at what his pay grade was?

I also feel jumpy and like I have no 'fight' in me to ask for more. Basically no matter what they offer will be the highest salary Ive ever been offered at this point.