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Unemployed for 6 Months, Singaporean Man Faces Dilemma Over S$7.3K Job Offer – Should He Aim Higher?
2025-01-19
Author: Nur
Introduction
In an interesting turn of events, a recently jobless man in Singapore has sparked a lively discussion on Reddit regarding whether he should accept a job offer of S$7,300, or negotiate for more. After spending nearly half a year without employment, he finds himself in a position where he must weigh the pros and cons of asking for a higher salary.
The Situation
In a post shared on the ‘Ask Singapore’ forum, the man revealed that during his interview, he initially quoted a desired salary of S$8,000, despite being open to a figure around S$7,000. When the offer came in at S$7.3K, he was faced with a pivotal decision: accept the salary that was higher than his minimum expectation, or risk pushing for S$8,000, a number he felt was more aligned with his value.
Advice from Friends
His friends, backing him to negotiate, warned that he could be "leaving money on the table" if he simply accepted the offer without discussion. They urged him to consider the worth of his skills in the marketplace, especially given that many companies are currently competing for talent, particularly in thriving sectors.
His Concerns
However, despite their encouragement, the man expressed his unease with the idea of negotiating. He pointed out that, financially, he is stable, does not have many expenses, and has a solid investment strategy focused on Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) like the STI and S&P 500. This pragmatic approach led him to question the need for potentially jeopardizing his only job offer after 6 long months of unemployment.
Community Reactions
He shared his concerns on the forum, asking his peers if it was wise to seek a higher salary despite having a state that met his immediate financial needs. Responses to his post varied; some advised him to accept the position promptly, emphasizing that it was a secure offer given his lengthy job search and current economic conditions. One user bluntly advised, “Out of a job for 6 months, don’t be penny wise, pound foolish.”
Negotiation Suggestions
On the flip, a few users suggested that there’s no harm in asking for a small increment, noting that a request for an additional S$200 monthly might not be too far-fetched. They argued that negotiating professionally could yield positive results, especially if presented respectfully and backed by market research.
Career Coach Insights
For anyone in a similar situation, career coach Lori Cole shares several tips for effectively negotiating a higher salary: 1. **Do Your Research**: Understand the market salary for your role and come prepared with a data-driven salary range. This demonstrates seriousness and helps in making a compelling case. 2. **Mind Your Tone**: It's crucial to come across as polite and appreciative, as a demanding approach could jeopardize the offer. 3. **Be Specific and Timely**: While it’s important to think things over, prolonged indecisiveness may lead employers to lose interest and shift focus to other candidates.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the man's decision may set the tone for negotiations among job seekers in today's dynamic job market—which continues to fluctuate with economic changes and industry demands. Will he courageously negotiate for more, or will the fear of losing this opportunity hold him back? Only time will tell, but it's a reminder that deciding on salary discussions is a balancing act between self-worth and market realities.