Don’t Let Desperation Set Your Salary: 7 Ways to Flip the Script
Let’s be real, Latinas are not asked to settle.
We settle because we think we have to.
We settle because no one ever taught us we had permission to ask for more.
We settle because fear whispers that if we push back, if we ask for our worth, we’ll lose everything.
We choose to settle because, for too long, we’ve been conditioned to believe that survival is enough, that having something is better than having nothing, even when that something is crumbs.
And when we sit at that negotiation table, whether it’s for a raise, a promotion, or a new role, that fear shows up loud and clear:
What if I ask for more and they say no?
What if they think I’m ungrateful?
What if I lose this opportunity altogether?
So let’s talk about why settling is not your only option, and how to step into negotiation with strategy, strength, and dignity instead.
Desperation Shouldn’t Be Driving Your Negotiation
Every time you negotiate from fear, you trade your power for security that doesn’t actually exist.
Because what’s often waiting on the other side of “just accepting it” is burnout, resentment, and staying stuck in roles that don’t value you.
You deserve to negotiate from power, from knowing your worth, not doubting it.
1. Don’t Accept Right Away: Salary Negotiation Starts With a Pause
When we’re afraid, our first instinct is often to accept whatever’s offered on the spot, because we don’t want to risk losing it.
But power comes from giving yourself space to think.
If you’re offered a number, a title, or a role, say:
“Thank you for the offer. I’d like to take a day or two to think this over and get back to you.”
That pause creates space for you to gather information, reflect on what you want, and respond with clarity, not fear.
2. Lead with Your Value, Not Your Fear or Needs
Negotiation is about what you bring to the table, not about why you "need" the job or raise.
Instead of saying:
“I really need this job to support my family.”
Say:
“Based on the results I’ve delivered, like [specific project or achievement], and the value I bring, I’m looking for [$X] to reflect that.”
Focus on what makes you an asset, because you are.
3. Salary Negotiation Power Tip: Always Build Backup Options
Negotiation is always harder when you feel like you have no other choice. Even if you’re not planning to leave, having options gives you leverage.
Start building those options now:
Stay connected to recruiters.
Network with people in your field.
Explore freelance or contract work on the side.
Even one other possibility changes how you walk into a negotiation, because you know you’re not trapped.
4. Know Your Bottom Line, Set Your Boundaries Before You Walk In
Before you even start a negotiation, decide what’s the minimum you’re willing to accept, and be ready to walk away if they can’t meet it.
Ask yourself:
What number would make this role feel worth it?
What’s the lowest offer that would still honor my value and time?
Once you have that number, stick to it.
Because if you accept less, you’ll pay for it later, in exhaustion, frustration, and lost time.
5. Stop Apologizing, You Are Not a Burden for Asking for More
Too many Latinas start negotiation conversations with apologies, “I hate to ask, but…” or “I hope it’s okay to bring this up…”
No. You have every right to advocate for yourself.
You bring skills, experience, leadership, and dedication.
Say:
“I’d like to discuss compensation and growth opportunities, given my contributions to [X] and the impact I’ve made.”
Direct. Clear. Powerful. No apology.
6. Shift Your Mindset, You Are the Prize, Not the Problem
Instead of walking in thinking:
“I hope they don’t get upset that I’m asking for more.”
Shift your thinking to:
“They are lucky to have someone with my skills and leadership. This is a conversation about how to make this role work for both of us.”
Because that’s the truth, you are the prize, not the problem.
7. How to Accept a Lower Offer Without Settling Forever
Sometimes, we have to take what we can for now, and that’s okay.
But if you accept less than you deserve to survive in the short term, make a plan:
Set a timeline for how long you’ll stay.
Keep applying to better opportunities in the background.
Commit to revisiting your salary and role within a set period (90 days, 6 months).
Settling doesn’t have to be permanent, but don’t let it become your new normal.
FAQs About Salary Negotiation From Power, Not Fear
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A reasonable salary negotiation is typically 10–20% above the initial offer. Use market data, your experience, and measurable results to back up your ask.
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It’s rare. Most companies expect you to negotiate. If an employer rescinds an offer because you asked for more respectfully, that’s a red flag, they weren’t going to value you anyway.
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Say: “Thank you for the offer. Based on my experience and the market value for this role, I was hoping for something closer to [$X]. Is there flexibility here?”
You Deserve More, Always
You are not here to survive on scraps.
You are not here to play small so other people are comfortable.
You are here to lead, grow, and thrive, and that starts with how you let people treat you when money and value are on the table.
So, the next time you feel that fear rising in a negotiation, pause, breathe, and remind yourself:
I will not negotiate from desperation. I will negotiate from power. Because I deserve to be valued, respected, and paid.
If you want help crafting the right words for your negotiation, or practicing how to say them out loud, reach out. You do not have to do this alone.