You likely have taken several job offers throughout your career, but how many times did you negotiated a higher salary before accepting the offer? If you’re thinking “never,” you’re not the only one.
Negotiating is tough, and how much more will I earn by getting an extra few thousand dollars? The answer is: a lot more. According to a 2010 study, assuming an average annual pay increase of 5 percent, an employee whose starting yearly salary was $55,000 rather than $50,000 would earn an additional $600,000 or more over the course of a 40-year career.
So clearly, it’s worth negotiating, every time — even when you’re switching careers.