Day: 8293

Negotiation: Because you're worth it

Before signing my contract for some part-time work while I do my M.S., I called for a wage increase. Comparable TA and RA positions pay tuition plus a stipend that comes out to $40 per hour, presumably non-taxed. Since I was getting slightly under that before taxes, I tried to make things work.
The person on the other end asked for a number. I recalculated to be 40 after tax, but it came out to be 50. Which was a bit of a jump for her. In retrospect, I should have gotten her "number". However, I let her get back to me. A few tactics would be better:

• Presenting your BATNA in clear comparable terms. Here it was $80/hour, but I presented it as "XX wage, plus a stipend"
• Getting information in return for information. Don't walk away without some idea what they want.
• Clarity. Work together, without timidness, but directness. Everyone will benefit as a result

Anyway, ended up with a pinch of an increase. I'm glad I asked, for the practice.

Simplicity

Too many things in our lives. Too meta. Look at the path, and look for the shortest path. Then the clearest path. So that soon you see nothing but your goal. My goal: To solve social problems with technology, and technical problems with society, and then receive recognition for it.