Today, we’re diving deep into a subject that’s been a game-changer in my own journey, and for so many others I’ve worked with or interviewed: Negotiation.
No, not hostage situations or boardroom battles but everyday negotiation—the kind that shapes our careers, relationships, boundaries, and ultimately... your future.
If you’ve just been laid off from a Fortune 1000 company, if you’ve left a government job after years of service, or if you’re simply feeling stuck, unfulfilled, and itching for something more meaningful—then here is an undiscovered secret: Financial Freedom as well as all forms of freedom begins with negotiation.
Here’s why.
We tend to think of negotiation as this formal thing: contracts, lawyers, intense sit-downs across mahogany tables. But that’s only one form of it. At its core, negotiation is the process of reaching agreements that meet the interests of all parties involved.
That includes:
- Your next employer,
- A client or business partner,
- A spouse or friend,
- Or even the internal voice in your head that wants to keep things safe and familiar.
Every day, you’re negotiating!
How much energy we give to our passions. How much of ourselves we bring to work. What we say yes to—and what we walk away from. Sometimes it’s even what time to get up.
When life changes unexpectedly—like a layoff or a career shakeup—everything becomes negotiable. And that’s actually a gift. You get to redefine what success looks like for you, what your time is worth, and what kind of lifestyle you want to live.
But first, you’ve got to know how to ask for it.
Let’s discuss the emotional reality of reinvention.
Losing your job—or realizing you need to leave a secure one—is scary. It brings up self-doubt, fear of rejection, and questions like, “Who am I without this title or whatever?” That’s where negotiation steps in—not just as a career skill, but as a healing process.
Here’s how it helps:
1. Renegotiating with Yourself
Before you negotiate with others, you’ve got to realign with your values and identity.
You may need to ask:
What do I want now?
What matters more—flexibility or salary?
Am I chasing status… or fulfillment?
This self-negotiation is powerful because it becomes the foundation for everything else.
2. Negotiating Your Way into Better Opportunities
A new job offer comes your way. It looks good, but something’s off—it requires long hours, doesn’t support remote work, or doesn't align with your mission. Do you accept it just to get out of limbo? Or do you say, “Here’s what I need to thrive”? You’d be surprised how many companies, clients, and collaborators are willing to flex, if you ask clearly and confidently.
3. Healing Through Empowerment
Negotiation after a layoff isn’t just tactical—it’s emotional. It restores your sense of agency. You’re not at the mercy of what happens to you. You’re at the center, shaping your path, on your terms. And that, my friend, is where the personal growth begins.
Most people hesitate to negotiate because of fear. Fear of seeming greedy, demanding, or being rejected. But what if I told you that not negotiating is actually saying no to your own potential? Every time you settle without asking, you're sending a message to yourself and others: “My needs are secondary. My vision doesn’t matter.”
Let’s flip the script.
Here’s how empowered negotiators think:
“Everything is flexible.” Even if something looks fixed, it often isn’t.
“There’s always a third option.” Not just yes or no—but a creative compromise.
“It’s not me vs. them—it’s us creating a win-win.”
Think of negotiation not as conflict, but as collaboration. You’re not taking from anyone. You’re co-creating a future that works for both sides.
Let’s get tactical now. Here are five strategies that work whether you’re negotiating a job offer, a freelance rate, or a major life decision.
1. Know Your “Why”
What are your non-negotiables? What are your goals? If you don’t know what matters to you, it’s easy to accept less than you deserve.
2. Do Your Research
Know the industry standards, the company's values, and what others in similar roles are earning. Knowledge = leverage.
3. Lead with Value
Don’t just ask for more money or time—explain why it’s a win for them.
Example: “With remote flexibility, I’ll be more productive and available across time zones.”
4. Silence is Your Friend
After making your ask—pause. Let them process. Don’t rush to fill the silence or backtrack.
5. Be Willing to Walk Away
This is your power move. Not out of spite—but out of self-respect. If something doesn’t serve your growth, it’s okay to pass.
Let me tell you about Serena. She was laid off from a government job after 15 years. Safe, stable... but slowly draining her spirit. At first, she panicked. Then she got clear: she wanted more purpose, location independence, and time for family. She applied for a program manager role at a nonprofit—and when they offered her the job, she countered.
She asked for:
- A 4-day work week,
- A higher starting salary,
- And a professional development stipend.
Guess what?
They said yes to everything—because she presented it clearly, tied her requests to her performance, and came from a place of quiet confidence. Now she’s thriving. And it all started with a bold negotiation.
You don’t have to wait for a big job offer to start practicing negotiation. Try it in your daily life:
- Ask your partner to take on more of a task you’ve silently carried.
- Renegotiate your time—say no to things that drain you.
- Speak up about your needs without apology.
Every time you do, you’re rewiring your brain. You’re training yourself to believe: “My voice matters. My needs are valid.” That’s not just communication. That’s transformation.
So here’s the big idea I want to leave you with:
Negotiation is not just a career strategy—it’s a life strategy.
When you negotiate well, you:
- Advocate for your future,
- Build healthier relationships,
- Create space for what truly lights you up.
If you’ve been laid off, left a job, or are craving more meaning—you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by stepping into your power and asking for what you want. And remember, negotiation isn’t confrontation. It’s creation. It’s how you shape the life you were meant to live.
I hope this article gave you the clarity and courage to negotiate—boldly and wisely—for the life you truly want. If this resonated with you, please share it with a friend who’s wanting better direction for their life.
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Imagine blowing past your concerns and fears having access to everything you need to get the job, building an income you can never be fired from and creating the wealth for retirement so you can enjoy the stress-free great times with your family and friends that life is really all about.
Until next time—keep creating, keep negotiating, and keep designing your life... on purpose.
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