When you are in the position to accept a job or a promotion, negotiating a raise should be your next exciting step. Unfortunately, salary negotiation is often overlooked. People build negotiating up in their minds to be an intimidating experience and decide to opt out. But that is leaving money on the table and it is especially important for women not to fall into this trap.

One study showed just 12.5% of women negotiated their starting salary compared to 52% of men. Women rob themselves of hundreds of thousands of dollars of their lifetime earning potential if they opt out of negotiating their salaries. It’s time to fight imposter syndrome and the likability trap because women in the workforce have every right to make the most of their salary negotiation process — and earn what we deserve.

If you take the time to focus on negotiation preparation, you’ll increase your lifetime earning potential by hundreds of thousands of dollars. Negotiating your salary doesn’t have to be awkward at all. You just have to prepare properly.

Even as a new graduate or a young member of the workforce, you have bargaining power. Mastering the art of salary negotiation only takes practice and following the right guidelines.

With the coronavirus pandemic wreaking havoc on the health and safety of our global community, there is a great deal of fear and uncertainty among companies. Naturally, it is a tumultuous and stressful time in our lives to accept a new job (or going through any kind of transition.)

Now is the opportunity to call on your personal and professional network for help. Seek out advice and support from your friends, family, and mentors. You know you have their backs, and they have yours. For some actionable tips on how to be more prepared for your next negotiation, check out this visual from LiveCareer: