Iāve been working at the same company for 2 years now, and Iām really tired of it, plus my salary is low. Iāve received an offer from a new place, but the salary they offered is a bit lower than I expected. Should I negotiate or is it bad to think like this from the start? My partner said, āJust be grateful,ā but Iām unsure what to do.
9 Answers
9My daughter, if you were my daughter, I would definitely tell you to negotiate. Because if you settle for a low salary, they will always accept you like that. But speak properly and without hurting anyone, meaning know what you want. Your partner probably said it with good intentions, but this is your job, not theirs.
I think you should negotiate. But be clear, set the number you want from the start and explain why you deserve it. For example, research the average in the industry. Honestly, saying āthank youā or something like that doesnāt really help in career planning 
This gratitude talk drives me crazy. Why should it be bad to expect something in return for the effort you put in? People shouldnāt feel obligated to be grateful to their employers. Salary negotiation means defending the work you deserve. It shouldnāt be made a matter of pride.
I was wondering, how much more or less is the new proposed salary compared to what youāre currently earning? For example, if the difference is very small, is it even worth negotiating? Maybe if you give me a bit more information, we can talk more clearly.
I think your girlfriend is right. One should accept whatever God gives. If there is peace, the rest doesnāt matter. When people get overly ambitious, they always end up unhappy. A new job is a nice start; wanting more might bring bad luck.
I experienced a similar situation two years ago, just like you said. The salary was lower than I expected, but I negotiated and they accepted. They always look at the starting salary when promoting, so itās important to push for a higher figure from the start.
I have an acquaintance in HR, and itās generally expected to negotiate the salary after every offer. But you should do it based on the proposed amount, meaning instead of saying āThis salary doesnāt work,ā you should say something like āI was thinking it should be between X amount.ā Be polite but clear so that the employer can evaluate you.
Actually, my current salary is just a bit higher, but there isnāt much of a difference. What bothers me is the thought that starting at this level will restrict me in the long run. Iām also a little afraid of looking āungratefulā when I ask for something better.
It struck me as a bit strange for your partner to say ābe grateful.ā Could it be that they donāt want your salary or job to be too much in the foreground? If the new job makes you feel freer, they might be worried that the balance could shift in other areas as well.