Michael Schaeffer

Be prepared for a curve ball. If they make a low ball offer, don't get upset, and try not to act surprised or even offended. I have seen this as part of the interview tactic (I don't like it, but it does happen) to see how you respond in a difficult situation. Range: 80K-120K Your minimum: 100K Their offer: 75K w/ steps to get you to 80K You: "ok, I understand your offer. My current salary range is 107K-115K. It is my understanding that this falls within the advertised salary range of 80-120K" Them: "We don't think that you have all of the needed qualifications to justify 107K, so we will start you at 75K and work you up from there." You: "I appreciate your candor and consideration but I am afraid I need to pass. Thank you."

Practice makes perfect. Try the conversation with a friend or coworker to get started. Then use a mentor or coach to refine the conversation. You need them to be ready to counter you, and you need to practice the takeaway where you are ready to leave the negotiation. Remember, this is as much your time as theirs, and this is one of the most important conversations you will have at your new job. Them: "So, what are you making today?" You: " I see the roles range is 80K-120K, I am targeting a salary range of 112K-120K" What you make today is irrelevant. Maybe you make 85K today, but need 100K. This is your opportunity to set their expectations. Don't move from the 112K number easily. Read "Never Split The Difference" by Chris Voss

As you may well know already, you should definitely know the basic range for the role in the market you are in. You should already know the salary range for the position to which you are applying. Now differentiate between your MINIMUM and your DESIRED salary. for example, a role says it pays between 80K and 120K DOE. If you NEED 100K, do not start the negotiations at 90-100K. Also don't expect MAX pay for the position unless you are a ROCK STAR. When they ask your salary range, start the conversation at 112K-120K. The 112K is a fairly specific number, and most employers will take this as the floor of what you will accept. They may make a lower offer, but will not likely go below 10% of that. Be flexible and good luck.

The first thing is to envision the "done" state. If you can wave a magic wand and the entire thing is "perfect" what does that look like? Brene Brown has a great phrase for this; "Paint done for me". The second thing is to consider your Mission, Vision, and Values statements. How does this solution align with them? If you don't have the MVV defined yet, you should take a few minutes to get a rough draft in order. Then, make adjustments to the finished product to ensure alignment. Next, gather a diverse team to examine each part of the product/solution. Having many different points of view will maximize the likelihood of success. Lastly, remember GROWTH mindset. Experiment, fail, refine, then succeed.

Acknowledging the path to burnout is a nuanced journey, with subtle, gradual changes. It's essential to stop and periodically assess your well-being. I recommend a regular quarterly cadence for self-reflection, during which you should ask yourself probing questions: What did I enjoy over the last three months? What lessons did I learn during this time? Which challenges did I face, and how can I use the learning to be more effective in the future? How are my energy levels? On a scale from 10 (full excitement and readiness) to zero (complete reluctance), where do I fall each day? Consider a pivotal question: If presented with the choice between my current job and another opportunity I desire, would I still choose this path? If not, why not?