The_Nomadic_Nerd

Hi Professor Nalebuff. Perfect timing for this AMA. I'm in the middle of negotiating a raise at my current firm since I got an offer at a different firm. I love my current firm- the work, the work / life balance, the people, etc., but the pay is simply not enough to start a family (which my wife and I are looking to do in the near future). The problem is that the pay increase is the only thing I need since everything else is great, but none of those things can help pay for a house or child care. The other offer expires tomorrow so we're down to the wire and having a final meeting in a few hours. Any help?

I am 100% ready to say yes if they match, let alone beat, the compensation of the other firm. I told them what the other firm is offering, so I don't think they think I'm expecting them to go the extra mile. I flat out said to them "help me stay here. I need enough to start a family." I've been very transparent with them. I have no idea how much other people make at the firm. I tried to quantify how much value I add to the firm by explaining to them that it would take 2-3 people to replace me since I built a lot of the infrastructure of the company. I was one of the first hires at the firm 12 years ago and never really felt like I fully participated in the company being successful. I know the owners make significant money I do think they believe they're fair. It's just getting the point across that what they pay is simply not enough without being offensive to them.

In terms of parental leave and work from home, this place I'm currently at is second-to-none. I basically can set my own schedule and am given about as much autonomy as possible. The perfect situation would be for my current company to match the offer from the other one, since all the boxes will be checked. The thing is that it really is a matter of math in terms of pay being too low. We don't spend a lot of money as is and already can't even begin to think about buying a place, let alone upgrading to a 2 bedroom. I know the company has the money since we're not a startup anymore, I'm just trying to get them to see I don't have the luxury of working at a place I like since I've never heard anyone refer to children as inexpensive...

The salary at the other firm would be enough for a family and save for retirement. The current firm is just enough for my wife and I to keep our heads above water.

What movie would you say is the most accurate (Das Boot, U-571, etc.)? Is there movie with a small detail you loved that only people who worked on a Sub would catch?

It went well. At first they were a little shocked about me seriously leaving, but after discussing a few things, they decided to beat the offer from the other company. This came in return for me taking on some added responsibilities since they're currently swamped with tasks, so my workload will increase as well, which I'm fine with given how the comp worked out. I feel very lucky and am very excited for the future. Thanks for your interest!