Your starting salary is not that important.

A great salary offers not only freedom, safety, and possibilities but is also tied to status and self-esteem. It's rewarding to be appreciated financially.

Everyone desires a decent salary, especially if it is higher than their peers. Having been active in my union, I advocate for fair terms. However, not everyone can be paid above average.

If you're considering a job change, don't reject a position based solely on salary.

• Students: Prove your reliability and proficiency. Your negotiation leverage improves significantly after a year or two of employment.
• Career Change: Expecting the same salary when switching fields is unrealistic. Your unique skills will help you catch up.
• Facing other challenges, such as labor market mismatches, CV gaps, or other issues? The employer might be taking a chance with you. After that you have proven your worth, you have better chances in improving your salary.

Consider long-term career development. Improved job opportunities and negotiation power come with time.?

Success is likelier when you're engaged in work you enjoy and excel at. If a job seems like a good fit for growth and satisfaction, seize it.

?I’m not saying that you should work for free, or for a very low salary. You should be able to live off your wages. Luckily, in Sweden, within life science, there are no very unfair salaries (or at least it would be extremely rare, I’ve never seen it).

I do think that many scientists and engineers are underpaid, but that is a different discussion

PS: I practice what I preach. Though I've taken pay cuts for career changes, I've ultimately earned more. DS

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