You got the job offer. You should feel excited… but something feels off. 

If you’ve ever gone from “Yes, finally!” to “Wait, should I just say yes?” within five seconds of opening that email, you’re not alone. Most professionals rush this moment. And in doing so, they miss one of the most important opportunities in the entire job search. 

Let’s talk about why this happens and what to do instead. 

Why Most People Say Yes Too Fast (And Regret It Later) 

The moment that offer comes in, your brain goes into overdrive. You feel a mix of relief, excitement, and a little panic. And because you don’t want to lose the offer or come across as difficult, you accept immediately. 

Here’s the problem: you didn’t ask any questions. You didn’t look at the full package. You didn’t negotiate. 

You didn’t pause. 

That one moment, the instant “yes" is the most common mistake I see job seekers make. And it can cost you thousands of dollars, better benefits, and peace of mind. 

Negotiation Isn’t About Being Pushy, It’s About Being Clear 

We’ve been taught a lot of unhelpful things about negotiation. 

You might have heard: 

• “Be grateful for the opportunity.” 

• “Don’t mess it up.” 

• “Don’t be greedy.” 

Negotiation isn’t confrontation - it’s clarity. 

It’s not about asking for more just to ask. It’s about asking for what’s aligned with how you work best and what you need to thrive and that’s exactly what great companies want, someone who understands their value and communicates it with calm confidence. 

If You’ve Ever Thought, “What If They Take the Offer Back?” Read This 

There’s real psychology behind the hesitation you feel. 

In behavioral economics, there’s a concept called loss aversion. We’re wired to fear loss more than we’re driven to pursue gain. So when you get a job offer, your brain treats it like a prize. And any negotiation feels like a threat to that prize. 

Layer that with our human need for social belonging, the fear of rejection and suddenly, speaking up feels risky. But not asking is the real risk because when you say yes to something that doesn’t support you, you don’t feel secure - you feel stuck. That shows up as burnout, disengagement, and regret. 

Let’s Flip the Script 

Instead of telling yourself: 

• “If I ask for more, they’ll think I’m ungrateful” 
  → Try: “Asking for what I need helps me show up fully and that helps them, too.” 

• “I’m lucky to have this offer” 
  → Try: “I earned this offer. Now I get to explore what makes it right for me.” 

• “I don’t want to seem difficult” 
  → Try: “Being clear isn’t difficult, it’s professional.” 

Language matters. The way you talk to yourself changes how you show up and negotiation starts with the words you use, internally and externally. 

What to Say When You Get the Offer?

Let’s make this tactical. 

Here’s the sentence I teach my clients to start with: 

“Thank you so much for the offer, I’m really excited. I’d love to take a day or two to review everything and come back to you with a few questions.” 

That one sentence creates space. It shifts the energy. And it positions you as thoughtful, not hesitant. 

When you're ready to make your ask, use a bundle ask: 

“I’m really excited about the role. If the offer could be adjusted to [$X], include three weeks PTO, and allow one remote day per week, I’d be thrilled to accept and can start on [date].” 

This format works because it’s built on four pillars: 

• Gratitude 

• Specificity 

• Intent 

• Commitment 

It’s not about pushing, it’s about communicating what would make this offer a full yes. 

What If They Say No? Don’t panic. A “no” is not a door closing. It’s part of the dialogue. 

Here’s a way to keep the conversation open: 

“Thanks for considering. Would you be open to revisiting compensation or benefits after a 6-month performance review?” 

That alone shows maturity, strategic thinking, and long-term mindset. It builds trust and positions you as a collaborator, not a complainer. 

Negotiation Isn’t Just a Skill, It’s a Reflection of Self-Worth 

This isn’t only about salary. It’s about how you see yourself and how you show up when it counts. 

You can feel nervous and still speak up. 
You can be grateful and still ask for more. 
You can be kind and clear about your value at the same time. 

That job offer? They chose you for a reason. 
Now it’s your turn to choose what you need to say yes with confidence. 

Want Help Crafting Your Ask? 

Inside my FOCUS program, we walk you through: 

• What hiring managers actually expect when they make an offer 

• How to prepare without overthinking 

• Scripts and structure for salary, PTO, flexibility, and more 

• A repeatable negotiation process that feels calm, confident, and you 

You deserve more than just a job. 
You deserve one that fits the life you’re building. 

Ready to make your next offer a full-hell yes? 

Explore FOCUS here →