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I had a side job at a small company in Munich while I was still in university. I did good, and I liked the company a lot, so the co-founder of the company (who was my direct manager at the time) offered me a full time job after I graduated.
I was excited when I got the draft contract including the salary number. It was a good number. Not exorbitantly high, but it felt right to me as it was my first job. So I accepted the offer.
I can vividly remember the chat with my boss when I let him know. We shook hands and we were both very happy about my decision. On the way out of the meeting room, he said something to me: "You know, Thomas, if you want something just ask me for it."
That stuck with me ever since. Was he just trying to close the conversation? I don't think so.
I believe it was a subtle hint that I could have negotiated a better offer. Whereas I didn't even try.
And this is not just good advice for offer negotiation. It holds true for life.
After all, what's the worst thing that could happen when asking for something? It's a "no". Will that make it less likely you get what you want? Maybe, in the short term, but I argue it actually increases your chances to get what you want significantly in the mid- to long-term.
There's one important detail to note: Asking is not the same as demanding. If you want something and you demand to have it, it puts the receiver on the defensive. You're acting like there are two opponents in this conversation.
Instead, be kind and ask. Try not to force the other person to give you what you want, but make them your partner. Figure out a way how to get it, together.
No other person can read your mind. If you don't speak out loud what you want, it's more likely you'll end up feeling disappointed.
Instead, be open. Be transparent. If you have a need that only somebody else can fulfill, ask them for it.