My Rich Nerd,
I once made $7,000 from sending one email. Here’s how you can do the same.
Say it with me: there's a ceiling on what you can cut. There's no ceiling on what you can earn. You can cut out the Matcha Lattes from your budget and probably save $1,000 per year. I say, f*ck that. Do this instead to make more money AND enjoy your Matcha guilt-free (for the record, I drank matcha before it came trendy).
😥 “What Are Your Salary Expectations”
You’ve likely been asked this dreaded question at least once in your career. Here’s how to avoid answering it like a noob:
1. Avoid saying your number first. When they ask your expectations, flip it: "I’m happy to chat salary as we get further along in the interview process, but I’m curious, what is the salary range for this position?" Same goes for your previous salary — the second you volunteer it, you may cap yourself.
2. Do your homework. Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, Blind. Know the range for your role, your level, your city.
3. Get the offer in writing, then counter with a script similar to this:
"Thank you for the offer — I'm really excited. Based on my research and experience with [skill], I was hoping we could land closer to $X. How can we make this happen?"
Pro tip: Do not ask yes or no questions:
❌ “Can we do $80,000?”
✅ “How can we make $80,000 happen?”
4. Negotiate the whole package. If base is locked, ask for a signing bonus, more PTO, equity, or remote flexibility. There's ALWAYS a lever. Worst case, they say no.
🤑 Negotiating a Raise on the Job
Let me know which one employee below is getting the raise/promotion:
Imran: (kicks open his manager’s office door)
“I want a raise because I’m working hard and Jonathan is making more money than me!”
VS
Jonathan: (After scheduling a meeting)
“Hey boss, as we’ve discussed throughout the year, here is evidence that I am exceeding expectations for my role or meeting expectations for the next level (hands them a special document they’ve been building for the last 6-12 months). How do we go about a merit increase or promotion?“
If I were the manager, I’d fire Imran on the spot, and advocate for Jonathan. Also, did you see how he asked “HOW” and not “IF”? 😉
Here’s how to replicate Jonathan’s strategy:
1. Schedule a meeting with your manager: Ask them what you need to do to be a badass employee. Then let them know you’d love to discuss a merit increase or promotion in 6-12 months.
2. Build a "Flex" doc: This contains all your successes, metrics, and shoutouts. Keep this doc updated regularly.
3. Meet with your manager regularly: Your manager’s job is to support you. Meet with them weekly to ensure you’re on the right path. Not working on projects to help you get that nut? Bring it up during these meetings.
4. Schedule “the meeting”: After your flex doc has enough ammo to get you that bag, schedule a meeting, show them your doc, and ask for the merit increase or promotion.
If they say no or keep leading you on, it’s time to break up.
🙅 Loyalty Gets You Nowhere
Job hoppers consistently out-earn stayers to the tune of 20%. Don't pay the loyalty tax. Note: This will depend on the job market and your occupation.
The ultimate leverage is working somewhere else. Nothing unfreezes a budget faster than a competing offer. Accepting the first offer is choosing to be underpaid, with compounding consequences.
You need to start advocating for yourself (in many aspects of life).
— Imran
