How to overcome your wild, visceral fear of salary negotiation
"What if I never get a job? What if I become homeless? I need to accept the very first job offer I get, no matter what!"
When it comes to salary negotiating in a new job, fear can often play a crippling, visceral role. Factor in a pandemic and global layoffs, and the scarcity is real.
But the reality is, you owe it to yourself to negotiate. So here is how to get what you are worth even when the panic is mindblowing:
Remember that employers expect it. Any company worth their salt is not bringing their best number to the table first because they are expecting you to negotiate. Yes! This is true. Negotiation is standard, so if you accept the first number, you are almost certainly leaving money on the table. And if they are genuinely thrown off, this also says something about the company...not you.
It's no harm, no foul. As long as you are polite and respectful, the worst thing that will happen is that the company holds firm to the original offer. But if you don't ask, you are definitely stuck with that offer. So go for it! You have nothing to lose.
Focus on your desires, not your fears. The best way to overcome scarcity is to focus on what you do want to happen, not what you don't. Instead of thinking "What if I become homeless?" think, "What if they say yes and I can afford to buy a new home?" Dream big. Our thoughts are powerful. No one knows the future, so each scenario is equally plausible. Why not focus on the one that makes you happy and hopeful?
Focus on the next thing. Scarcity sneaks in when you let your thoughts run wild. Don't go there. Just think "What is my next move?" and do that. Maybe it's getting a glass of water. Maybe it's sending a thank you note to a recruiter. Keep it small. Only think about what you need to do next.
I hope this helps! Obviously, overcoming scarcity can apply to a lot of things, but I know money scarcity is particularly powerful. You can defeat it but it takes practice and devotion, so work these behaviors into your day and you will notice a big difference.
And if you are now inspired to negotiate but you don't really know how, check out my new course below~
New Course: How to Negotiate Salary Like a Woman