Negotiating Your Worth: The Case for Normalizing Salary Talk

Why Talking About Salary Isn’t Taboo (and Why It Shouldn’t Be)

Ever notice how asking about salary can make things weird? It’s like you’ve just broken some sacred, unwritten corporate rule. But here’s the thing: money matters—and pretending it doesn’t? That’s the real problem.

Let’s get real. I love what I do—really, I do. But I also love being able to buy groceries without having a mini heart attack at the checkout line. Can you relate?

For years, job interviews have danced around the money conversation. Remember when we were supposed to say, “I’m just passionate about organizing data in Excel”? Sure, passion is important, but passion doesn’t pay the bills.

Why Money Matters in Your Career

Here’s the truth: wanting a good paycheck isn’t greedy. It’s smart.

When I started out, I made next to nothing. My meals? Mostly ramen noodles and wishful thinking. It was a time of survival, not thriving. And while those humble beginnings taught me resilience, I wouldn’t recommend it as a long-term strategy.

Now, I’m not saying money is everything. Loving your work matters, too. Teaming up with great people? That’s gold. Having opportunities to grow? Absolutely essential. But let’s not sugarcoat it—money gives you options.

• It helps you support your family.
• It lets you save for your dreams.
• It gives you peace of mind.

And anyone who tries to shame you for caring about salary? Odds are, they’re sitting pretty with their own cushy paycheck.

The Shame Game: Why Companies Manipulate the Money Conversation

Have you ever felt like asking about money in an interview makes you look bad? That’s by design. Some companies love to shame candidates for bringing up salary too early. They’ll call it “unprofessional” or say it shows a lack of passion.

But let’s be honest—this tactic is just a way to keep employees undervalued and underpaid. Talking about salary openly isn’t about being pushy; it’s about ensuring fairness. And fairness is the foundation of any good working relationship.

How to Balance Passion and Pay

Here’s the magic formula for a fulfilling career:

1. Do work you enjoy. Find a job that aligns with your skills and interests.
2. Surround yourself with great people. A supportive team can make all the difference.
3. Get paid what you’re worth. Because your time and talent have value.

When these three elements come together, work doesn’t feel like a grind—it feels like an opportunity.

The Power of Negotiation: Know Your Worth

Negotiating your salary can be intimidating, but it’s a skill worth mastering. When you’re offered a job, don’t just accept the first number they throw at you. Do your research, understand market rates, and make a compelling case for your worth.

Remember:

• Asking about money isn’t selfish—it’s strategic.
• Negotiating isn’t demanding—it’s advocating for yourself.

Breaking the Stigma Around Salary Discussions

Let’s normalize talking about money in the workplace. Sharing salary information with colleagues or friends can empower everyone to make better decisions. It’s not about creating competition—it’s about transparency and equity.

Your Permission to Chase the Bag

So, here it is—your official permission slip to care about money (not that you needed it).

• Ask about salary in interviews.
• Advocate for fair pay.
• Build a career that aligns with your goals and your worth.

Because at the end of the day, financial stability isn’t just about buying nice things—it’s about freedom. Freedom to live the life you want.

Final Thoughts

Finding the balance between passion and paycheck is the key to a fulfilling career. Love what you do. Work with amazing people. But don’t settle for less than you’re worth.

And remember: anyone who tells you money doesn’t matter probably has more than enough of it.