When we think of self-care, it’s typically things like affirmations, aligning your chakras, self-confidence, and not letting people take advantage of you. Self-care encompasses being your advocate in all areas of your life, including your career.

In addition to running this business and making fabulous self-care products with loving hands, I also have a pretty seasoned career as an IT professional. I’ve been in this industry since 2000 when I was just a teen, and I’ve learned a few lessons the hard way when it comes to salary. When I started working, I was just happy to be offered a job that was in my field. When the hiring manager said the pay, I replied “okay” and wondered if I should have asked for more. I later found out I was underpaid.

When I got my second IT job offer, and I shared with one of my co-workers that I said “okay” to the “it pays…” he said, “oh no, you never say ‘okay,’ at a minimum you pause or ask if that’s the best they can do.” My next job offer came after I was unemployed for four months, so I was too afraid to ask for more money. The next one came after I moved to Atlanta. I spoke up, but it was too late in the process. It wasn’t until my next position that I became more aggressive and started getting more money. Here are the top three things I learned when it comes to salary negotiations. (These are true for all industries.)

You Are Also a Prize

I think corporations have done a great job in making us feel that we are lucky to be selected for a position. Especially after the recession in 08. (I had a manager walk through the job I had at that time and say “y’all should be happy even to have a job.”) That’s very true we are blessed. However, they are also blessed to have us. You are a seasoned and educated professional. Your work and insights will save the company that you work for at least three times what they are paying you. They know this but when dealing when anyone who knows your worth better than you, they aren’t going to tell you this. Know that you are a valuable asset for a team as well.

Research the Salary

My three favorite salary sources are Glassdoor.com, Salary.com, and LinkedIn.com . Before I start my job searches, I go to at least one of those sites to ensure that I know what I should be paid based upon my job title, location, and experience. That way, when I am asked for my salary requirements, I can confidently say a range without wondering if I asked for too much or not enough. All three are really simple to use, just go to the site and follow the prompts to enter job title, city, and experience to find out what the salary ranges are for your job title. You should do this before you start applying for jobs. Glassdoor and LinkedIn show salary for companies specifically. When you get your job be sure to anonymously share your salary to help others.

It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask

Typically when you fill out an application, you are asked for your salary requirements. However, sometimes you aren’t. So when you get to salary negotiations, and the hiring manager says, “the position pays x.xx.” You can say, “I was thinking y.yy.” You can use your salary history and the information that you found online to make a logical and educated case as to why you deserve more. You can also make points about how your specific experience will save the company money. Make sure your arguments are unemotional, sound, and based on pure facts and the value you bring to the company. Once I got courage, I’ve had great luck in getting the person to come up. One time I negotiated an extra 10K from my initial offer. I’ve also heard “Nope, I’m sorry we only have the budget for x.xx, will that work for you?” At that time, I decided to take the job or not. However, no one has ever immediately rescinded my offer or stopped negotiations because I asked for more money. So never let that fear stop you.

Here’s the thing - the utility companies don’t give discounts. So why should you? School cost you money that you are probably still paying. Your gas, your time, your wardrobe also cost money. Do NOT discount yourself in a world where people are adding tax and interest to your bill. When people ask me why I take my money so seriously, I respond, “they don’t play with me, so I can’t play with you. I NEED all of my money.” And so do you because nothing in life is free.

What are your favorite salary negotiation tips? Do you have one that isn’t listed above?