6 Tips for Negotiating Your Salary

negotiating your salarynegotiating your salary

Jane-Become-An-Adult_Banner

Alexandra Carter, Columbia law professor, mediation expert, and negotiation trainer for the UN and several Fortune 500 companies, taught us how to negotiate anything on a recent Teach Me Something Newpodcast. "When you tactfully and collaboratively and skillfully negotiate for yourself, you are teaching your boss what kind of a negotiator you will be for her and the company," she said. But first, know what you want before you attempt to ask for more. "The first question you should be asking on any occasion is 'what's the problem I want to solve?' Do you know that most of your negotiation success is about figuring out which beach you're heading for in your kayak and being really defined in that because otherwise you're going to paddle all day and you're going to end up in the jungle."

That said, you should always negotiate when it comes to accepting a new job. Women, more often than men, tend to feel thankful for a job offer, overlooking the fact that they actually earned and deserved it. This outlook plays a part in why the pay gap remains so wide when it comes to men and women. According to a study from the Harvard Business Review, “Women are 11 percent less likely to enter negotiations than are men, and this gap arises despite the fact that those who enter negotiations almost always gain from doing so." Negotiating a salary is part of the job interview — it's not seen as a deal breaker when it comes to getting a job or a reason for employers to rescind the job offer. With Equal Pay Day just around the corner, read on for six tips to help you not leave any money on the table.

1. Do your research. Before you interview, make sure to research the company. Look on LinkedIn. Scope out the salary range and your personal market worth through a platform like Glassdoor. Learn about the company through employee reviews on FairyGodBoss. Ask questions. If you walk into a job that will pay you 30 percent less than what you are currently making, you could be wasting your time if increasing your salary is your primary goal.

2. Pick up the phone. You might be ignoring calls from recruiters, but you shouldn't. Recruiters can help you determine the approved salary requests their clients have allowed for specific jobs. They know what people with your skill set and experience take home since they manage the salary negotiation process. Use their experience to your advantage.

3. Hold your tongue. Employers typically don't name the first number; instead, they ask interviewees for a salary range or even their current salary. This strategy sets them up to have the upper hand — without a frame of reference of what's actually possible, you'll likely go too high, or worse, too low on your number. If possible, avoid naming an amount and redirect for more questions about the position. If they push, say, " I value this role and this company and am open to negotiating." Only negotiate when a job offer is extended to you (and use all that research you did earlier to help!).

4. Ask for it. In the Harvard Business Review study, researchers found that when women did negotiate their salary, they tended to end up with a better offer. So it's not that women aren't able to negotiate for more money; it's just that they are choosing to do so less frequently than men. Try to get over any personal perceptions that you will “sound greedy." Ask for more than you expect (knowing the company will negotiate on their end as well), and do it in a polite and respectful way. Don't just assume you don't deserve more money — make the case for why you do, using data and your past performance. You'll never get what you don't ask for.

5. Give a range. Another thing to consider is the range you state. You've already done your homework and can see what former employees have listed as a comparable salary range. Make sure when you tee up to negotiate, you offer a range with a $5K difference. If you give a $15K spread, chances are your interviewer will always go for the lower end of the range. Why wouldn't they go lower if you've given them the opportunity? A smaller range will shift you to a higher salary goal.

6. Spread your insight. Share your stories with your friends and network. Encourage them to negotiate when they are up for a new job, and provide them the tools they need to achieve. Don't be afraid to talk about salaries and market values with other people. The only way we can shrink the pay gap is through educating women on the power of negotiation.

Carter recalls a time she received an offer she thought she couldn't refuse. "I called a senior woman in my field and I said, here's the offer? Should I just take it? And she said, 'I'm going to tell you what to do, Alex. You're going to get back in there. And you're going to ask for more. And I said, I'm going to ask for more. And she said, yes, because when you teach someone how to value you, you teach him how to value all of us. So if you're not going to go in there and do it for yourself, I want you to do it for the woman coming after you do it for the sisterhood."

Brush up on your negotiating skills with negotiating pro Alexandra Carter on Brit + Co's Teach Me Something Newpodcast.

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com

This article has been updated from a previous post.

Advancements in technology and shifting consumer behavior are constantly shaping the job market and causing it to evolve. So, some careers that have stood the test of time are becoming obsolete and facing numbered days.

Whether we like it or not, here are 10 outdated careers that may soon be a thing of the past because emerging fields are paving a new way forward.

Scroll to see which outdated careers might disappear sooner rather than later...

1. Warehouse Workers

EqualStock IN

Warehouse jobs, particularly those in large distribution centers for companies like Amazon, are at high risk of being replaced by automation. With the development of AI and advanced robots, companies are looking to automate tasks like order fulfillment, inventory management, and packaging.

Automation offers the advantage of 24/7 operation without the need for breaks or sleep, making it more efficient than human labor. Leaders like Elon Musk have acknowledged that making a full switch will be challenging. Nonetheless, the shift toward technology-driven warehouses is undeniable, and many traditional jobs will likely be transformed or phased out.

2. Librarians

Tima Miroshnichenko

Being a librarian was once viewed as a vital and secure profession. Now, digital tech has changed the way we access information, and with the rise of e-books, audiobooks, and online databases, fewer people are relying on physical libraries for their reading and research needs.

Plus, as books become more affordable and accessible, the traditional library model, which is centered around physical book rentals, is becoming less relevant. So, even though it's unlikely that libraries are going to disappear entirely, the role of librarians may shift toward digital management and online services.

3. Ride-Share Drivers

cottonbro studio

Drivers for taxi companies, as well as ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft, are facing an uncertain future as autonomous vehicles become more advanced. Self-driving cars, which are powered by artificial intelligence, are set to revolutionize the transportation industry and possibly eliminate the need for human drivers.

These vehicles will use apps to identify riders, calculate fares, and complete payments, all without any human intervention. This means the role of the traditional ride-share driver may no longer be necessary.

4. Customer Service Reps

Mart Production

AI and chatbots are increasingly replacing customer service representatives, too, as they're capable of handling a wide range of inquiries and issues. These AI-driven systems may offer faster and more efficient solutions and, in turn, eliminate long wait times for customers trying to speak to a human representative.

This, coupled with the fact that chatbots can operate 24/7, will help companies streamline their operations and cut costs. That's why many customer service roles are already being phased out.

5. Legal Secretaries

August de Richelieu

Even legal secretaries are facing threats due to AI-powered tools, which can handle tasks like legal research, document drafting, and contract management. These technologies are automating a lot of the routine work that once required humans and reducing the demand for legal secretaries in law firms.

Now, this role probably won't be completely replaced by AI. Even so, the automation of basic functions could still lead to lower overall staffing needs, particularly for paralegals and junior legal assistants.

6. Cashiers

Andrea Piacquadio

Walk into your local supermarket, and you'll see that technology has already begun to take over traditional checkout processes. With the rise of self-checkout kiosks, mobile payment options like Apple Pay, and even cryptocurrency transactions, the need for human cashiers is steadily decreasing.

Retailers like Amazon have already introduced cashier-free convenience stores, and other companies may follow in their footsteps.

7. Referees

Pixabay

Not even sports fields seem to be safe from the rise of AI. In fact, referees are increasingly being sidelined as technology takes a more prominent role in officiating sports.

Systems like goal-line technology and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) have already proven that AI can make more accurate and unbiased calls than humans. Another appeal of automated officiating lies in its ability to reduce controversial decisions that spark arguments among players, coaches, and fans.

8. Translators

Ketut Subiyanto

As AI-powered translation tools become more sophisticated, translators are facing stiff competition, too. These systems, which were once limited to basic word-for-word translation, are getting better at understanding context, tone, and nuance.

The improvement of machine learning will also allow for vast amounts of text across various languages to be processed simultaneously, increasing its accuracy. So, the demand for traditional translation services is expected to decline in the wake of faster and cheaper AI solutions.

9. Computer Programmers

Julio Lopez

AI-driven coding tools are advancing as well. Automated programming assistants and open-source AI libraries are streamlining many routine coding tasks, like debugging, code generation, and even basic software development.

Skilled developers will likely still be needed for complex problem-solving and other, more creative software design projects. But, developers whose roles focus on repetitive tasks may see reduced demand.

10. Dispatchers

Mart Production

Finally, human dispatchers may gradually be replaced by AI systems that can manage logistics, emergency responses, and customer inquiries. Things like advanced GPS tracking, automated scheduling, and real-time data processing allow AI to handle dispatch tasks with little human help.

Some cities have already implemented AI for non-emergency calls, slashing the need for human operators on the other end of the phone.

Looking for more work & career news? Sign up for our newsletter!

Jenny Slate is back on our screens after last summer's It Ends With Us, and she's starring alongside Michelle Williams in FX's series Dying For Sex. What a duo! The new TV show revolves around Molly (Michelle Williams) who gets a life-changing diagnosis and decides to embrace a variety of new experiences — and the "hilarious, sexy and unfiltered" series (according to the trailer description) might just change how you look at life and love.

Here's everything we know about Hulu's new show Dying For Sex, starring Michelle Williams.

What is the plot of Dying For Sex?

Hulu/FX

Molly's (Michelle Williams) life changes forever when she's diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. With her best friend Nikki (Jenny Slate) at her side, Molly decides to leave her husband Steve (Jay Duplass) to explore "the full breadth and complexity of her sexual desires for the first time in her life," according to the show's synopsis. Watch the full trailer here.

Where can I watch Dying For Sex?

All 8 episodes of Dying For Sex premiere on Hulu April 4, 2025. Here's the full episode list:

  • Season 1, Episode 1: "Good Value Diet Soda"
  • Season 1, Episode 2: "Masturbation is Important"
  • Season 1, Episode 3: "Feelings Can Become Amplified"
  • Season 1, Episode 4: "Topping is a Sacred Skill"
  • Season 1, Episode 5: "My Pet"
  • Season 1, Episode 6: "Happy Holidays"
  • Season 1, Episode 7: "You're Killing Me, Ernie"
  • Season 1, Episode 8: "It's Not That Serious"

Who's in Dying For Sex?

Hulu/FX

The Dying For Sex cast is led by one of our favorite stars from the 90s (hello Dawon's Creek!), but the full cast is amazing. The cast includes:

  • Michelle Williams as Molly: a woman who changes her life after a breast cancer diagnosis.
  • Jenny Slate as Nikki: Molly's best friend who gives her courage throughout her diagnosis.
  • Jay Duplass as Steve: Molly's ex-husband
  • David Rasche as Dr. Pankowitz
  • Sissy Spacek as Gail
  • Rob Delaney as Neighbor Guy
  • Esco Jouléy as Sonya
  • Jay Duplass as Steve
  • Kelvin Yu as Noah

Where is Dying for Sex being filmed?

Dying For Sex began filming in New York City in March of 2024.

Is Dying for sex Based on a true story?

Yes, the Dying For Sex show is based on Nikki Boyer's podcast of the same name that tells the story of Molly's journey. Nikki is serving as executive producer on the new TV show. According to the Daily Mail, Molly passed away in 2019.

Are you excited to see Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate in Hulu's Dying For Sex? Check out The 9 Best TV Shows To Watch On Max This Month for even more streaming ideas.

Millions of people are painfully aware of the struggles that come with being an adult in today's economy (hello, cost of eggs?!).

The average salary in the United States is just over $66,600, according to data from the Social Security Administration. Meanwhile, mortgage rates are still above 6%, and food prices have risen a whopping 31% since 2019.

Being able to afford outings like date nights or brand-name clothing, let alone going on family vacations or buying a home, has become a privilege. But, for people who grew up in affluent households that didn't have to worry about finances, privilege can be an invisible force that shapes their lives in ways they don't even realize.

When you grow up surrounded by other individuals just like you, it's easy to assume that everyone has the same opportunities. However, once you venture outside your "bubble," you might experience a wake-up call or a defining moment that opens your eyes to the disparities that exist beyond your own upbringing.

So, people who grew up wealthy recently took to Reddit to share their own personal wake-up calls, which made them realize just how privileged they were compared to others. Here are 10 of the most intriguing revelations.

Scroll to see the wake-up calls that made these wealthy people finally see the real world...

1. Not everyone's parents can put them through college. 

"My parents are wealthy, but I grew up in a place where many of my peers' parents were super, duper, crazy wealthy, so I had a skewed understanding of wealth," shared one user.

"It was really eye-opening for me when I went to college. I didn't have to take out student loans; my parents were able to just pay for it. But I had friends who, even with financial aid, had to work their [behinds] off year-round to cover the cost of school. I realized pretty quickly just how privileged I was and that I did, in fact, grow up with wealth."

2. Country clubs aren't the only kind of "clubs" out there. 

"When I was confused about people on Maury complaining their spouse was at 'the club,' and I couldn't figure out what type of country club would let people like that through the front security gate," admitted another user.

3. Not everyone views their parents as good role models. 

"Becoming an adult and realizing that I have extremely good role models as parents because when they have disagreements, they talk them out, and I have never, ever, heard them argue or badmouth each other," one user revealed.

"I also realized that as a kid, my parents got me mental health help that I needed even though it was expensive and continued that care for as long as I have needed it," they added.

"A third [wake-up call] that doesn't seem like much but has had a huge impact was being taught financial literacy from a young age; to budget my money and only buy the things I really, really want."

4. Many people have never left the country.  

"My parents loved to travel. By the time I was 16, I had been to every continent aside from Antarctica. I didn't realize that this was privileged behavior until I went to university, and most of the guys I met had never left the country," a user shared.

"In fact, I grew up thinking I was less privileged because everyone at my school was just obscenely rich. Like, all their stuff was high-end designer stuff while I was in Converse."

5. Some families cannot afford to have pets. 

"My dad was an engineer, so professional wealth, but... probably hearing about a kid whose family had to give his dog away due to the cost in elementary school," another user remembered.

"Giving away our dog wasn't on the radar or even on the table. But it was only out of the question because my parents had the money for it to be out of the question."

6. Owning multiple properties is not the norm. 

"When I learned that not everyone has a summer cottage or trust fund, and not all grandparents have weekend and summer homes," a user noted.

7. Exposure to cultural education isn't a given. 

"I didn't think I grew up in a wealthy family, but when I started high school, I was part of a group of girls who became close friends with me. Apparently, they thought it was very weird that I knew things that I considered cultural knowledge, like the history of some important building in the city or the fact that I actually knew about art and went to museums quite often," detailed a user.

"All this because my parents made me go to museums and theaters my whole life growing up. Apparently, that's not a normal thing for normal parents to do with their kids, and asking your parents if they can take you to the ballet is not something a teenager would normally ask."

8. Some people have never been able to fill up their tanks at the gas station. 

"In college, I went on a road trip with friends, and one asked how much money he should put in the gas tank. I told him to fill it up," recalled a user.

"He kept asking, 'Okay, how much should I pay?' and I kept saying, 'Fill it up!' It turned out he had only ever put $10 to $15 at a time, and it had never occurred to me that some people never fill their gas tanks to the top."

9. Seeing how families abroad make do.

"I realized how privileged I was when I spent a summer with my great-grandmother in a small village in rural Hungary. No indoor running water, the only phone was at the church, and everyone came out to touch the rental car we drove there in. This was in the late 1980s," recalled a user.

10. Learning that not everyone takes their first flight as a child.

"I have been flying around the world since I was 4 months old. When I was 16, my friend told me she'd fly for the first time in an airplane, and I was shocked," said another user.

"I told my dad that I couldn't believe it took her 16 years to fly! I got a stern talk after; my dad is very humble despite it all."

Looking for more lifestyle stories? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

When it comes to naming their children, celebrities don't really follow trends — they create them. Hollywood's A-listers have a knack for choosing baby names that spark conversation, from whimsical and unconventional to more timeless and elegant picks.

These star-powered selections also have the ability to set the stage for the next big baby-naming trend. So, here are some of the most memorable and unique celebrity baby names that have captured the world's attention.

Scroll to see all the unique celebrity baby names we love...and loathe.

1. Paloma

Campbell "Pookie" Puckett and her husband, Jett Puckett, have taken the social media world by storm with their seemingly picture-perfect romance and lavish lifestyle.

In November 2024, the influencer couple welcomed their daughter, Paloma, into the world after creating a lot of anticipatory hype surrounding their name choice.

Paloma has Spanish and Italian roots and is derived from Latin. It means "dove," in addition to "pigeon" and "butterfly." Those familiar with Greek mythology may recognize doves as symbols of Aphrodite, the goddess of love.

2. Wyatt, Elliotte, and Bennett

Jason Kelce, who spent 13 years playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, and his wife, Kylie Kelce, faced some backlash for the gender-neutral names they chose for their three daughters.

However, gender-neutral monikers are more popular than ever before. And now that the couple has a fourth daughter on the way, they reportedly plan to continue the name trend in their family.

3. Riot

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky made waves in 2023 when they named their second child Riot. The bold, unconventional pick fits right in with the couple's trend of sticking to "R" names, as Rihanna's full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, and A$AP Rocky's is Rakim Athelaston Mayers.

Beyond its personal significance, the name Riot carries a strong, rebellious energy. It definitely reflects both artists' fearless approach when it comes to both music and fashion.

4. Winnie

When Jimmy Fallon and his wife, Nancy Juvonen, had their first daughter in 2013, they chose a somewhat unique name with a lot of personal meaning: Winnie. Welsh in origin, it means "gentle friend" or "friend of peace."

Specifically for the couple, though, it's a tribute to Lake Winnipesaukee, the picturesque New Hampshire lake where they got engaged. Plus, Jimmy added the name made even more sense since they viewed Winnie as a "win" in their life.

5. Grace Warrior

Everyone remembers Steve Irwin as the fearless "Crocodile Hunter" who tragically died in late 2006. More recently, his daughter, Bindi Irwin, welcomed a little girl of her own into the world in 2021 and named her Grace Warrior.

While Grace may be a more common name, meaning "favor" or "blessing," Warrior was a more unusual choice with a sentimental intent.

"Her middle names, Warrior Irwin, are a tribute to my dad and his legacy as the most incredible Wildlife Warrior," Bindi shared on Instagram.

6. River Rose and Remington

Kelly Clarkson and her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, chose two distinctive names for their girl and boy: River Rose, born in 2014, and Remington Alexander, born in 2016.

With British roots and a whimsical feel, River is a gender-neutral pick that means "a flowing body of water." It was traditionally used more frequently for boys, but Kelly changed that trend.

Meanwhile, Remington is also British in origin and started as a surname, translating to "settlement by the boundary stream." Perhaps Kelly chose this sibling combination because both River and Remington begin with "R" and have connections to water.

7. Elsie Otter

When Zooey Deschanel and her then-husband Jacob Pechenik had their daughter in 2015, they chose a name that was both classic and quirky: Elsie Otter.

While Elsie is a timeless choice of Hebrew origin, which means "pledged to God," the addition of Otter gives it a more playful twist. During an appearance on TODAY, Zooey explained their reasoning behind it.

"We just really liked the name Elsie, and then we both love otters because they're so sweet and also smart," she detailed.

"They use tools, they keep their favorite tools, they hold hands while they sleep; there are so many amazing things about otters. They're wonderful animals."

8. Luai

Finally, in 2023, Lindsay Lohan and her husband, Bader Shammas, named their Dubai-born son Luai. It's Arabic in origin and means "protector" or "shield," but it remains a rare pick in the U.S.

Luay, a more common variation of this name, was only given to eight boys born in the U.S. in 2022.

Looking for more baby name advice or celebrity news? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Drew Barrymore is undoubtedly an acting force to be reckoned with. Viewers everywhere first fell in love with her when she played Gertie in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in 1982. Then, she went on to star in many other major productions, such as The Wedding Singer, Scream, He's Just Not That Into You, and 50 First Dates.

Nowadays, the 50-year-old is still showcasing her on-screen talents, just in a different way. Back in September 2020, she launched a daytime talk show known as The Drew Barrymore Show.

Over the last four years, she's featured a wide range of guests, from Matthew McConaughey and Vanna White to Paris Hilton, Millie Bobby Brown, and Reese Witherspoon. Drew has also become known for having a more touchy-feeling rapport with her guests, which some people have called "clingy."

This seemingly led Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, to make a dig at Drew's behavior during her appearance on the March 6 episode of The Drew Barrymore Show.

Scroll to find out what Meghan Markle said about Drew Barrymore...

Meghan's new show, With Love, Meghan, came out on Netflix the day before. So, she planned to sit down with Drew to discuss her latest project, as well as other topics, including her courtship with Prince Harry and parenthood.

However, some viewers were shocked by an offhand quip that Meghan made during the interview, telling Drew, "I hear you like to connect." She proceeded to soften the blow by taking Drew's hand and claiming her touchy behavior was "so sweet, though."

Again, Drew has a reputation for hugging, touching, and sitting quite close to her guests. Yet Meghan, who has also been called warm and is known to go in for hugs, seemed more reserved and regal.

Despite Meghan's remark and the differences in body language, the pair still delved into some interesting conversation topics. For instance, the Duchess of Sussex detailed how, when she first began dating Prince Harry back in 2016, he made her a vow based on some old advice she'd received.

While Meghan was a college student, she'd worked as a nanny for two different families, and one of the fathers told her, "When you meet your person one day, I want him to say to you the same thing that I said to my wife when we got married, which is, I vowed to always date my wife."

Well, amidst her blossoming romance with Harry, she asked the Prince to make her that same promise. He responded, "I vow to always date you."

According to Meghan, she credits their strong connection to their commitment to treating each other the same way they did prior to tying the knot. In her eyes, holding onto the "good and joy" from the "butterfly period" of courting is what keeps relationships alive.

You can catch The Drew Barrymore Show live on weekdays. To find your local time and station, visit the link here.

Looking for more celebrity & entertainment news? Be sure to follow us on Facebook!