Akash MahapatraA few years ago in Bengaluru (Silicon Valley of India), I walked into an interview room, feeling confident. After successfully completing 4 rounds of interviews, I found myself in the final HR round with a representative from a well known Indian MNC. The conversation was going smoothly until she asked, "What's your salary expectation?"
Without hesitation I replied, "5-7LPA."
Her response was immediate: "That's too high. We can't offer you that much." Instead, she offered 1.8LPA, an amount that barely covered my rent in Bengaluru. With one year of experience under my belt, I knew I discovered more.
I couldn't help but ask, "Ma'am, what's your current salary?"
"4LPA," she answered.
"How is that possible?" I questioned, then quickly offered her a counterproposal. "How about this: I'll offer you 5LPA to work for my company AISTECHX International. Your role would be to convince applicants who got selected for the final round to accept medium/ lower salaries to keep us profitable. If you're interested, here's my card."
I left the room, uncertain of what would happen next. To my surprise, she contacted our team multiple times over the following days. Initially, we turned her down twice. But she persisted, and eventually, she joined our Singapore Branch, where she now earns a competitive salary in dollars. Her career and life transformed—she shifted from rupess to dollars and is now thriving as an HR Manager.
Reflecting on that moment, I realize how pivotal it was for both of us. If I had settled for less, I might still be stuck in that same job. Today, I'm running my own company while managing a 9-5 job, all thanks to knowing my worth.
Takeaway:
Never sell yourself short.
If you know your worth, don't be afraid to ask for it. And if someone tries to lowball you, stand firm. You deserve to be paid what you're worth.
This story is a testament to the power of self-worth and perseverance. Sometimes, the greatest opportunities come from the rejections we face.
If this story resonates with you, I encourage you to reflect on your own journey and the value you bring. Don't settle for less than you deserve. Connect with me on LinkedIn or drop a comment below to share your own experience or thoughts on knowing your worth.
