Abhijit Bhaduri

Day: May 22, 2025

  • How to Negotiate a Job Offer in a Tight Job Market

    How to Negotiate a Job Offer in a Tight Job Market

    This is part 2 of a post where we showed what matters during an uncertain economy. Read part 1 before you read this. Promise it is worth it. OK, let me read Part 1

    I will make you an offer you can't refuse

    This line from the film The Godfather has gone down in film history. Many people mentally rehearse this line before they say it to someone. This is intended to give the other person no room for negotiation. That is however open to dispute.

    When companies say “This is our final offer,” many candidates accept without question.

    But final rarely means unchangeable.

    Even if salary is fixed, there’s often room to improve the overall offer—especially if you approach the conversation with preparation and clarity. This is a test of your EQ. Don’t sour the relationship but frame it as an easy option they could offer.

    What matters is HOW you ask

    Here are some ideas you can think about. Needless to say, don’t ask for everything. Ask for something that will benefit the employer or have a payback. They are always a good place to start.

    • A signing bonus to bridge the starting gap
    • Flexible work hours or remote options
    • Sponsorship for professional development
    • A six-month review tied to performance goals
    • A more strategic title or clearer advancement plan
    • Support for mental wellness or home office setup

    It is a career path design opportunity

    Show how you will contribute.

    Connect your request to better outcomes for the team.

    Ask questions that open the door to dialogue, not demands.

    In India, where job competition is intense and offers are sometimes positioned as “take it or leave it,” this mindset shift is essential. Negotiation is not confrontation. It is a way to shape a more sustainable and rewarding working relationship from day one.

    Companies want team members who are thoughtful, confident, and committed to growth. Asking the right questions signals all three.

    If you’re in the middle of a job offer right now, remember this: you are not just accepting a role, you’re designing your career path.

    What’s one thing you wish you had asked for in a past offer?

    Let’s make this conversation more transparent for those negotiating their next opportunity.

    #CareerNegotiation #JobOffers #IndiaJobs #EarlyCareerAdvice #WorkplaceStrategy #CareerDevelopment #FutureOfWork

    be unafraid
    be unafraid
  • What Low-Rise Jeans and Shorter Vacations Can Teach Us About the Economy

    What Low-Rise Jeans and Shorter Vacations Can Teach Us About the Economy

    This is part 1 of a 2 part series. Part 1 shows that there’s uncertainty in the market. Part 2 will speak of how to negotiate “final and no further discussions warranted” offers.

    GenZ trends predict an economic slowdown

    Recession indicators show up in trends

    Sometimes, they show up in shopping carts, travel plans, and what’s trending on Instagram. And of course the LinkedIn Workplace Confidence Report tells us that the market is soft. Read the report

    Across generations, people are noticing something different in 2025. A unique recession indicator emerges beyond Wall Street. Brothels in Europe and Nevada see declining revenue. The ‘stripper index’ reveals lower earnings in Las Vegas clubs. Online dating app subscriptions shift towards free options. Experts suggest these trends reflect economic anxiety. People are cutting back on discretionary spending. They are opting for cheaper entertainment. (Read more)

    Read more

    This may sound frivolous, but it’s not. Young Americans, especially Gen Z, are drinking less and prioritizing health, contributing to lower alcohol sales and making it harder for venues to profit. Rising costs for food, drinks, and transportation have made nights out prohibitively expensive for many, further reducing attendance. (Read more)

    The internet is full of searches for #Y2Kfashion – check it out. Low rise jeans are the fashion statement. Wall Street Journal says that Gen Z views low rise jeans and baby tee-shirts as an early warning sign of a recession.

    People behave differently when they feel uncertain

    We postpone big expenses. Choose road trips over international vacations. Opt for practicality in fashion. Employers do the same. They slow down hiring, freeze increments, and make job offers feel more rigid.

    In India, we’re seeing this too.

    But a slow market is not a stopped market. It’s a signal to move differently.

    Here’s what to focus on when the economy feels unsure:

    • Sharpen the skills that are still in demand
    • Watch not just job listings but how industries are shifting
    • Build your story around resilience, adaptability, and value creation
    • Track sentiment, not just statistics

    Every slowdown brings hidden opportunities. And those who learn to read early signals—without panic—can position themselves ahead of the curve.

    What patterns are you noticing in your workplace or industry?

    Let’s crowdsource the signals that matter.

    #CareerStrategy #WorkplaceTrends #JobSearchIndia #EconomicSignals #GenZWorkforce #FutureOfWork #TalentWatch

    Want to read
    How to Negotiate a Job Offer in a Tight Job Market (go to part 2)

    The next story
    wait for part 2