Last week I talked about discovering you’re underpaid.
But here’s what happens next:
You finally get an offer.
After months of searching, interviews, and waiting.
The number comes in.
And it’s… okay.
Not great. Not terrible.
Just okay.
But you’ve been underpaid for so long that even “okay” feels like a win.
So you think:
“Maybe I should just say yes.”
“What if they take the offer off the table?”
“What if I sound greedy?”
I’ve been there.
And I see this with my clients all the time.
After years of being underpaid, they’re so relieved to get an offer that they’re afraid to ask for more.
Here’s the truth:
If you don’t negotiate, you’re locking in another underpaid role.
You’ll start behind again.
And in 3, 5, 10 years, you’ll be right back where you started.
Companies expect negotiation at the mid-career level.
If you don’t ask, they assume you’re happy with what they offered.
And here’s what most people don’t realize:
The initial offer is rarely the best they can do.
There’s almost always room, especially for experienced professionals.
Negotiating isn’t greedy.
It’s professional. It’s business.
And it's how you stop the cycle of being underpaid.
Negotiation starts long before the offer.
If you want clarity on your positioning, a clear next move, and a proven plan to get there,
To talk through your situation and how to position yourself for the role and compensation you’re aiming for.