Simple How To: Negotiate Your Salary

There are two types of people in this world: those who are born to negotiate and thrive on the thrill of the deal, and those who just want to be offered a fair, market-rate salary right from the start. If you’re anything like me, you probably fall into the latter category. After all, you know you’re good at what you do, so why shouldn’t you be paid accordingly?

I once worked for a company that believed everyone deserved great compensation and regular raises. Their logic was simple: if you don’t deserve good pay, you shouldn’t be there in the first place. It was a refreshing change from the norm, especially in a country where "right to work" laws mean you can be let go at any time, for any reason. So why are so many companies stingy with compensation? If they can fire you on a whim, they should at least pay you what you’re worth while you’re there, right?

Nothing stings more than finding out that your under performing colleague, the one who’s constantly holding the team back, is making more money than you. And why? Because they showed up to the interview in a more expensive suit or had a relatable hobby like pickleball. (Seriously, I can’t learn pickleball because I’m too busy working late to fix their mistakes!)

Squeeze the Most Out of That Offer: Negotiation Tips for Millennials and Gen Z

If you’re tired of being short-changed, it’s time to turn those lemons into lemonade. Here’s how to make sure you’re getting paid what you’re worth:

1. Know Your Worth: Before you even step into the negotiation room, do your homework. Research what others in your industry and role are making. Websites like Glassdoor and Payscale are your best friends here. Remember, you’re the main squeeze, not just a garnish on the corporate cocktail.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for More: When life hands you an offer, don’t just accept it as-is. Most employers expect you to negotiate, so don’t be afraid to ask for more. Whether it’s a higher salary, better benefits, or both, ask. Just like you wouldn’t settle for a lime in your gin and tonic when you really wanted a lemon, don’t settle for less than you deserve.

3. Highlight Your Value: During negotiations, focus on what you bring to the table. Are you the zest that keeps the team going? The secret ingredient that boosts productivity? Make sure your employer knows it. After all, they’re not just paying for what you’ve done, they’re paying for what you will do.

4. Be Ready to Walk Away: Sometimes, the best way to get what you want is to show you’re willing to walk away if you don’t. Depending on your situation, you may end up just breaking even due to the cost of fuel, child care, or commute time. If an offer isn’t meeting your expectations, don’t be afraid to politely decline. Your worth doesn’t change just because someone else doesn’t recognize it.

5. Remember Negotiation Isn’t Just About Salary: Don’t forget about the other perks that can sweeten the deal. Extra vacation days, flexible working hours, or professional development opportunities can all add up. For the majority of my career I have worked leadership roles in the retail industry, and some companies offer extended mental health coverage, low cost pet insurance, wardrobe budgets, and recreational discounts. If the compensation is good, and the perks are in line with your personal interest and down time activities, it could be worth your time.

At the end of the day, negotiating your salary is about making sure you’re compensated fairly for the work you do. It’s not about being greedy; it’s about knowing your worth and ensuring your paycheck reflects it. Most people I know are practical and want to live practical, stress free, and happy. So, the next time life hands you a job offer, make sure it’s a lemon you’re happy to squeeze.

Now go out there and get the compensation you deserve because you’re not just any lime; you’re the whole dang citrus grove.