Almost a decade ago, I was between jobs. I cleared my interview with a USA-based agency setting up shop in India. In the final round, while discussing the remuneration, they said that at that point they could only match my current pay. I did ask for more, of course. But they spoke about how they are just getting started here and I was already a bit out of budget, you know that drill. I easily caved in and accepted the offer. On day 1, I met my manager who I knew personally from before. He was also part of the interview panel. We discussed how and where to get started. At the end of the meeting, because he knew me from before, he simply said ‘You know, you could have asked for more. And stood your ground for it.’

I felt let down. Cheated, even. I considered leaving but then realised that it wasn’t personal. I should have known my worth and demanded it. And that’s when I learned a bitter lesson that #SalesSkillsAreLifeSkills. And that I must learn to negotiate, especially when I’m so sure of the value I bring to the table.