The Empty Cup

You cannot pour from an empty cup.

Some people accept low pay and disrespect without complaint.

We call them humble and patient.

Fuck that. 

That's not what's happening. 

When you have nothing meaningful to offer, you actually accept whatever you're given.

You can't and won't negotiate from an empty hand.

So you stay quiet and take the low offer.

Because deep down you know you don't have leverage.

But when you've built something real, a skill, a reputation, a track record, everything changes.

You stop accepting shitty deals.

Not because you're greedy, but because you know what you're worth.

And when you walk away from a bad deal, or push back on low compensation, or refuse to tolerate disrespect, people will call you all sorts of things...

Difficult.

Impatient.

Maybe arrogant.

Don't believe the lie.

That's just someone who feels threatened by your negotiating power, trying to shame you back into compliance.

You're not greedy.

You're not impatient.

You simply have something great to offer and you expect something great in return.

Fill your cup.