Salary negotiation tactics...suggestions

[BigRock]

Originally Posted by Phobia

He doesn't want to be there. He's unhappy there. If he takes their money he'll have more disposable income but will probably continue being unhappy. If he doesn't he's going to be left wondering if he could have repressed his feelings in exchange for the extra coin. He's at a fork with no clear answer and nobody to blame but himself if he makes the wrong choice.

There shouldn't be a wrong choice. They're saying "Tell us what it will take for you to stay". So decide what that would entail. Maybe there is no answer. But if there is, figure it out and tell them.

Why would he agree to stay if he was still going to be unhappy? Eliminating the reasons for his unhappiness should be a key part of the "What It Will Take To Keep Me" proposal. Then for good measure, throw in ways to rectify future unhappiness.

And there's no reason he should be left wondering about anything. Either they'll agree to what he wants or they won't.