THE RAISE YOU DON'T ASK FOR.. COSTS YOU FOR YEARS
May 27, 2026
Let me tell you about one of the smartest leaders I have worked with and her journey to getting a role recently!
She had just received the offer.
A fantastic European organisation.
A role she genuinely wanted.
After a two-year maternity break.
And her first instinct?
“I’m just so grateful. I don’t want to seem difficult.” If you have ever felt this… you are not alone.
Here’s what most people don’t realise:
The first offer is almost never the best one.
There is usually room for negotiation built in. And when you stay silent, you simply leave money on the table.
So we did the work. Built a clear, structured, evidence-based case.
She walked into that conversation knowing:
What she was asking for
Why she deserved it
How to communicate it
And she got the increase.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “But it’s just 7%… does it really matter?”
Let’s look at what’s actually at stake.
What you think you are leaving behind:
→ A small bump in year one
What you are really leaving behind:
- A higher base for every future raise
- A higher bonus (often % of base)
- A stronger anchor for your next job
- Years of compounded earnings over your career
That “small” 7%? It compounds. For years. The raise you don’t ask for today is the compounding you lose for decades.
One more thing. Gratitude and negotiation are not opposites. You can be thankful for the opportunity and still ask to be paid what you are worth. In fact, that’s exactly what strong professionals do.
If you take one thing from this: Always negotiate your first offer.
Be the CEO of your Career.
Always Be Careering,
Shub (Your Career Growth Partner)
