I worked remotely as the head editor of a tv show for the last 3 years, and last year the producer of the show encouraged me to move out to California to work in person. When I asked them about a pay increase to cover the new cost of living, they asked how much I would need to cover the new cost of living. I wasn’t entirely sure at the time, but I gave them a ballpark number and they agreed to give me that amount. They also said if it wasn’t enough or there was a price shift for rent, we could renegotiate.
After being out here for 3 months, the amount we agreed upon is not quite enough for me and my partner (who is currently between jobs) to comfortably be out here, especially after the 30% tax removal. In addition, my job position has expanded and I’m working with another department in the company on even more projects on top of the shows I already edit. I want to take my boss up on their offer to renegotiate, but I also don’t wanna jump the gun and ask too soon. How long should I wait, or should I even ask at all? Either way, we’re downsizing to cut as many corners as possible in the meantime. Despite the situation, I love my job and the team I’m working with is wonderful.
This is what always goes through my mind when I try to think about negotiation. Currently: I am losing my job due to layoff - our whole department including my supervisor and skip level are being let go. Company offers 2 weeks notice (so i am paid for 2 weeks while just job searching), 3 weeks severance and benefits ending the day the job ends. I want 6 months severance and 6 months health coverage. I've been there 3.75 years in a senior/staff level IC capacity.
I feel that what i want is asking for a lot, but it is what I want. However, I am not experienced in negotiation - i typically panic at the moment where i should ask and then don't ask for anything. I am a woman in her late 40s, if it makes a difference.
I am prepared to accept less than my request, but I want to know - does asking for so much increase the chances of them offering nothing? I have never done this before. Please advise.
I have 7 years experience as a BSA. working as a senior level jack of all trades/plug every hole, extremely technical position from concept to finished workflow etc. Lots of ai exposure, Ive owned product builds professionally and self hosted software that I’ve built at an enterprise level (database set up, row level security, onboarding wizards), the whole 9. I’m good at what I do, and opposite of how this is coming across, I truly am humble about it, I’m just lost for words right now and kind of pissed off.
day one: recruiter tells me the band is 110-120k, incentives, etc. on call number 1.
i interview with the hiring manager, then a panel, then:
company flew me to another state for a final round. put me up, wined and dined me whatever. did the interview with the directors and a vp of the initiative.
i get home and they offer me:
110k base, 8% annual incentive target, 10k relocation sign on.
i counter:
125k base, 10% incentive target, 15k relo, and a title change to “senior” level. and I say why and I also say my priorities are base pay and title tho… so I am closable with some work in my target areas.
they respond:
110k base, 8% incentive, no title change, but add 5k to relo… so 15k now.
i call her this time and speak to the recruiter and i say thank you, i appreciate the increase in relo, yada yada, when we first spoke you said the range was 110-120 and with my direct experience in this specific thing you guys need, and my response about my priority being focused on the base, i was surprised to not see the movement there. i understand the title change and incentive are company level based and that’s fine, but if we could align somewhere in the middle on 115.
she said “if we move it to 115 would you move forward today” I said “yes I’d be happy to sign on today”.
she called me back 30 minutes later and said they were going with another candidate and ended the call. my jaw was on the floor.
Hello, received a verbal offer for senior growth strategy manager (internally it’s a senior customer success manager) for the team (UK). Does anyone know what the salary bands, bonuses share options / total comp looks like for such roles at places like Uber / Deliveroo etc?
I have another offer from an insurance tech firm. Just trying to figure out how to best negotiate and what sort of comp I can realistically expect and negotiate with.
They have not mentioned a sign on bonus so not sure if this is something I can ask for if the base / bonus % / stock options are non negotiable? Just trying to figure out what part of the offer I can actually negotiate without them rescinding the offer and whilst remaining respectful and courteous as I’m excited by the opportunity in this tough market!
Thanks!
I'm doing a round of interviews with a bunch of different companies, but I was really unaware of what the market range for the position would be (I'm a DE in LATAM looking for nearshoring jobs). I realized that I was setting a low bar in many of them (I realized that I could ask for 5,500 ~ 6,000 and wouldn't get pushback on it)
Now there's a very promising position that I hope to get where, in the HR interview, I asked for 5,200 and the recruiter basically nodded so I assume that that was okay.
If I do make it through and receive an offer from them, is it okay for me to try to get to soemthing higher, like 6,000? If so, how do I frame that?
I thought about saying that I received a counter proposal from my current job or a new offer, but I don't know if they would ask for proof of that
I’m changing jobs. During the compensation discussion, HR mentioned an expected base salary of X. When the final offer came, the base was about $3.5k lower(<3%), but it also included a sign-on bonus and a higher annual bonus target than originally discussed, making the overall package stronger.
I accepted the offer verbally and have since signed it.
In hindsight, I’m wondering if I should call the hiring manager and ask if there’s any flexibility to move the base back to the amount initially discussed. I’d make it clear that I’m 100% committed to joining regardless of the outcome.
Would this be considered poor form, or is it a reasonable conversation to have?
My ex and I are at an impasse with some of custody rights for our 2 teen children. Neither of us will give and it has made things so hard. We are trying to avoid a trial because of the expense and pain. I want joint custody in all things involving the kids and my ex wants full medical custody even though we will share them physically 50/50. We have had separate roles throughout our 13 years and that has been a major role for them. We no longer have that same dynamic and I would like us to have an equal say. I am fully capable of handing those decisions and having those discussions and have been since we separated. Has anyone been through this or have any advice (We do have lawyers, it's just been really hard to get anywhere).
Thank you in advance
I'm a SWE with 5-7 years of experience at a public company in a niche industry. The company experienced substantial growth (AI tailwinds) and I made out very well, but I'm feeling a bit stuck and I don't think the company has much upside. I have other issues with the company but they're not relevant; regardless it's a good time to switch I think. I am bored of the work and I am not learning.
A mature (valuation low billions) is offering a compensation package below my current comp. My current (appreciated) comp is in the high $300ks and the startup is offering $200k + options. The options package is worth around $90k/y assuming a recent strike and share price I found on a salary comparison website. The company probably will do well and grow some, it could 10x, but a single digit multiple is perhaps more feasible.
The new job is fully remote which is nice (though I barely go into the office as is).
All that said, I do want to switch, but I can't help but feel this offer is not so great. How do I approach this situation? Given the nature of the offer I wouldn't expect a substantial counteroffer from my employer, and I'm not sure a counteroffer would move the startup offer that much given it's already lower than my current comp. Do I just say "I am established and well compensated at my current job and I don't feel this is enough, would you offer $xx" (phrasing TBD) and cross my fingers, or is there a sensible way to play hardball here?
Hi everyone! I’ll try and keep it cute and concise:
I’m 29F, working as a senior sales person at a mid level luxury retailer. I have been with my employer for going on two years this fall. I became a senior within my first year, and did receive a raise when I hit that milestone.
Recently I was chatting with two of my colleagues. Colleague A is 20-something F and has been on the team for almost a year. Colleague B is a younger 20-something M, who has been with the team for roughly 4 months. We were chatting and complaining about how annoying things have been at work lately one evening (off the clock). The work load has seemingly increased, as we’ve had quite a few people leave and simultaneously we’ve had a huge influx of new hires recently, and the vibe within the boutique is ever changing as a result. Out of curiosity I asked them how much they made.
Colleague A tells me two dollars more than what I make. I’m aware that management has been hinting at positioning colleague A toward becoming a manager eventually, so I guess this doesn’t surprise me…but still.
Colleague B says 1 dollar less than what I make, which is actually $1 MORE than what my starting pay was. I’ve basically trained Colleague B, mind you.
I have a whole bachelors degree from a well known university and am currently working on my masters from that same university btw. I’m bilingual, and have showcased my ability to problem solve and alleviate any problems in my second language too (not a native speaker, learned from taking it seriously in school and practicing while traveling). I am an established creative and content creator outside of work too. It was clear I was overqualified for this position when I interviewed for it.
I have received MOUNDS of positive customer feedback within the 1.5 years I’ve spent with the company. My people skills have gotten me a slew of positive Google reviews, TikTok’s from customers raving about how great I am at my job, customers pulling managers aside and praising my customer service skills, and a seemingly bottomless pit of new connections from all over the world.
So much so, that I have received interest from not one, not two, but FIVE OTHER BOUTIQUES AND STORES located within the mall I work in. ALL FIVE are luxury brands, one being a brand that is a part of the LVMH fashion house. As a fashion lover, that is huge for me.
As a salesperson, I have to maintain certain KPIs. I’ve maintained and exceeded my own KPI goals, and have made this company so much money…this company is known to pay their employees well too, especially for retail. My current rate isn’t BAD, but to be honest I need more. Especially because of everything I just said.
I know all of this is my leverage, but I’m unsure what the best method is to even ask. I already know not to lead with “I want (NEED) a raise” but at the end of the day…I do. I’m a grown ass woman. I practically LIVE at the mall the store is located in because I’m always at work. I’ve only ever called off at the last minute ONE TIME and it was because a close family member got into a bad accident and I spent all night into the morning at the hospital. I’m a team player in ways no one even notices. I complete tasks and basically train the newbies without having to be asked; they know they can come to me with questions and I’m not evil, of course I’ll help.
I’m struggling with how to say all of this professionally, AND whether a nicely written email or an in person chat is the best method to say it. I worked corporate jobs prior to this, and have never had to ask for a raise because I always either got them as cost of living adjustments or with promotions. Any advice on how to approach this is greatly appreciated!
The retail price for your 🏠roof is $81000 💰💰💰
(Made up number to create value)
“But we don’t need to charge retail because of our high volume”
(Lie and trying to reinforce large company)
“So our price for your project is $69,430
and here are the 12 month no interest and 6 month no payment options we discussed , which would you like to go with” followed by silence
The real killers at this will hold out 100% of the time and force you to speak first
Your reaction determines what happens next
The poor souls who say ok let’s do it just paid a massive premium. Sadly these are often the elderly and those who are less confident and reluctant to conflict
The majority will say “wow ok we will have to think about it”
Your facial expressions, reactions, body language eye contact etc when seeing the number have now all been observed carefully
The most common sales rep response will be “Great, before I go I just want to make sure I covered everything. What is it you’re going to think about exactly”?
To be continued …
I recently started a new job at a grocery chain. This is my second job since exiting the military in 2024. I was at my previous job about 3 months and left to get as assistant store manager. On day 4 the manager who was training came in and gave me his keys, so there’s an opening for the store leader role. I spoke with my regional manager, who told me that she had intended to move me to the store manager position when she hired me. I have had interactions with many store manager and area managers since, with only positive interaction and being taught a lot right away. The other person up for the job, withdrew and my boss called me today saying we can move things along and to expect a call from my distinct operations manager.
My experience in the military includes 11 years of service. Completed leadership courses managed people and teams. As well as managing a multi-million dollar section consisting of many different assets. In that position I managed the section budget, personnel, purchasing, and weekly meeting with command, and further interaction on occasion with DVs.
Now the job salary range in indeed is listed at 63k to 80k, also includes great benefits and bonus incentives. My first instinct is to negotiate, but I also consider I have essentially 0 retail experience and wonder if I should accept the minimum as it is quite a big jump as it is. Obviously I want this job. I know all the employer can really do at the end of the day is say no and pay me what they want.
I used ChatGPT to kind of gauge a respectable negotiation point and it suggested asking for 74k. I am nervous that I’m way out of my league in asking for that amount. Please share your opinions and let’s know what I may realistically negotiate for.
Thanks in advance!
Edit: TLDR: started at a new company within 3 weeks they want to promote me. I have next to 0 experience. What would you ask for with the salary range if 63-80k?
Something I’ve noticed, both for myself and watching others: people prep negotiations endlessly on paper. The number, the justification, the BATNA, the comeback to “we don’t have budget.” Then they get in the room and their voice does something they didn’t rehearse — they soften the ask, they over-explain, they fill the silence after stating their number, they apologize.
The gap isn’t knowledge. Most people who lose a negotiation knew the right move. The gap is that saying a high number out loud, to a real person, and then shutting up, is a physical skill you can’t build by reading. Silence after your ask feels unbearable until you’ve actually sat through it a few times.
What’s worked for me to close that gap:
Saying the exact words out loud, not in my head the number, then nothing.
Practicing the pause specifically. State the ask, count to five, say nothing. That five seconds is where most people cave.
Rehearsing the pushback responses out loud too, because “let me think about that” sounds calm in your head and shaky when you actually say it cold.
For those of you who negotiate well: did you build that out-loud composure through reps, or some other way? And how do you practice the silence without a real counterpart in front of you? That last part is the bit I still find hardest to train.
Okay when you are negotiating, you don't actually have another offer, but you also know this is part that many of us lie about and the chances are high you get a higher offer, but should you even do it?
My friend had done this and he ended up getting a revised offer higher by almost 15%.
Now, while prepping for the interview online on careerflow, I’m in 2 minds if i should blatantly lie, really don’t know what to do.
Help pls.
When switching companies, it's easy to focus so much on nailing the interview that you panic when the actual offer arrives.
But here’s the reality: negotiation isn’t a personal favor, it’s a business transaction. Yet, the moment a candidate asks for a counter-offer or pushes back on benefits, the vibe from HR often shifts from "we love you" to "you're being difficult."
If you are changing jobs this summer, remember that the budget for a new hire is almost always higher than the budget for internal raises.
Are you sitting on an offer right now and hesitant to push back, what's holding you back?
I am freaking out over what to do. I’ve been at my job (wfh in research for academic medical center) for 5 years. I’ve become increasingly disillusioned with the institution and my department- horrible leadership decisions and misstep after misstep. Constant lawsuits and news articles about what a mess it is.
A year and a half ago they laid off our entire dept, we had to reapply for our jobs, which were classified at a lower pay scale and cut 5 FTE (so way more work). There was no plan or structure set up for the new dept and it took over a month to rehire everyone so our work just sat there. We are still catching up from that. The new manager is a putz. He falls asleep in meetings, says semi-offensive things, doesn’t answer emails, doesn’t follow up on things he says he’ll do. It goes on and on.. After this experience we unionized and got a pay bump and just have much more job security. I’m burned the fuck out and so tired of this manager and his incompetence and the workload.
I applied for the exact same wfh job with a different research institution and was offered the job today. I am torn and feel sick over this - have to make a decision by Monday.
Current job:
-128k/year salary
-Union represented so will get 3.25% increase 7/1/26 and 3% increase 7/1/27 (beyond that I don’t know, we are one year in to the three year union contract)
-have accrued 400 hrs sick leave, 150 hours PTO, accrue 24 hrs every year of wellness and bereavement leave each
-super flexible and no one micro manages me - if I have a dr appt I go to my dr appt, no need for PTO
- have an extremely high volume workload and there are 9 people total in the dept
New job offer:
-145/year salary
- every January receive a merit increase (I read it was 1% online but that seems insane, will ask recruiter)
- the first two years accrue 2 weeks PTO, third year it’s 3 weeks, 5th year it’s 4 weeks
- every year accrue 3 personal days and 10 sick days
- the workload seems high volume that is why they are hiring a new employee. There are currently only two dudes in the dept and there is no manager, no admin - they report to VP
I really was hoping for a higher offer to make it worth it to take this risk. I asked if there was flexibility for 150 and the recruiter said 145 is what they can offer. It really does not seem worth it to leave a job I know well for an unknown that may be terrible, just as high volume, and with less flexibility. I cannot get perspective on this - any insight or thoughts you have about doing it or staying put would be appreciated. Any illuminating questions I should ask the recruiter? How should I be thinking about this?
Hi a little context listed at 280 we offered 280 with 12k concessions seller declined. We then offered 292 with 12k concessions. Seller countered at 300k as they did not want to pay our realtor fees and we accepted. Now they say they are out of town for two days and have not responded to us accepting their offer at 300k. What do you guys think of this? Is the seller being difficult or waiting for more offers? Are they able to back out still if they receive more offers? Advise please.
I started with this company with a seasonal position in October. They have made my role permanent in March or April. I love what I do and the company. I have a meeting with my supervisor every two weeks to talk about my performance and it’s always high praises on my work and productivity. Given that and my plan to stay with the company long term, would it be appropriate to ask for a $1-2 raise?
I work in supply chain and used to work as an engineer at a site in Bay Area and got promoted to a sr engineer to move to SoCal to work at a different site for the same employer. I was making 140k (+8%) bonus in the Bay Area and was offered 147k (+15%) bonus for the promotion and relocation to SoCal. This was in November 2025, and I decided to accept the offer at the time even though it was just a 5% base pay increase, the increased bonus target and the lower cost of living in SoCal made it worth it.
Fast forward to now (June 2026), I am being contacted by my former site’s leadership for a Sr. operations manager role asking me to move back. I’m pretty confident that the offer would be mine if I went after it seriously and I want to ask for advice on the minimum offer I should ask for.
Sr Operation Manager and Sr Industrial Engineer sit in the same pay band at my company. For the move back to the Bay Area, I want to ask for a pay increase to 170k (+15% bonus). I have done math to calculate that my take home pay would have to increase by at least $800 a month for me to maintain my current lifestyle and savings rate. This number comes out to 165k. I am not thinking too much about what they would offer, but regardless I can’t accept the offer without at least 165k at a minimum. Is asking for 170k the right approach - this is a ~12% increase from current?