Courage, Clarity, and Confidence

6Study Your Strengths

I knew I shouldn't have accepted that job offer.

I was in Chicago exploring the city and stopped in a local boutique. I felt my phone ring and as I looked down I was thrilled to see the number pop up. I quickly stepped outside to take the call. I knew it would be the job offer I was waiting to receive.

The offer came with enthusiasm. But then we got to the salary and the thrill was gone. It was lower than what I promised myself I would accept. My heart sank and my anxiety was on the rise.

I was listening, but also thinking about how I was going to negotiate right then and there. I didn't want to waste time. To be honest, I didn't want that ache of anxiety and fear in the pit of my stomach for the rest of the night. I was on vacation and had already been through an intense job search process, my current job felt like the building was on fire, and this offer was the one that would determine whether I stayed in Atlanta or moved to Chicago. There were too many decisions that needed to be made and I felt that I couldn't afford to wait.

I mustered up all of the courage I had at the time and asked, “Is there any room to increase the salary?” Honestly, this is one of the worst ways to start a salary negotiation, asking a close‐ended question, but you live and learn.

She said, “No.” She explained that their offer was at the top of their range. I reiterated my excitement about the job, doubled down on the skills and experience I was bringing to the position, and ...