End of negotiation

Ideally, it should have been a big moment- I have just now accepted the NISG offer, eventually breaking the 15 month logjam, something I am trying to define as "Fulltime Volunteering@Home". The only thing that stands out of this deal is the negotiation I did with NISG. But do you want to know the exact reason for my negotiation?

It is because of a chap called Deepak Malhotra, professor in Harvard Business School, who taught us 'Negotiation'. After watching his 'negotiation for salary' Youtube video, I was too keen on applying the formulas. And, I choose the NISG offer even though I am unemployed currently, have no backup offer, desperately need a job and NISG already gave a rise of more than 30% on my last CTC.

With Junma and BD on the day of the first offer letter

NISG sent the first offer letter which I saw on the day of the NITI YP interview, which I gave a miss. I sent a reply, requesting for a rise up to 15-16 Lac from their 13, supported by six arguments. In the noon time, I received a call from Palak, their head HR. For 14 minutes, she tried all techniques- pleading, threatening, insulting, requesting, blackmailing. I was only remembering the Youtube video and weighing my words before uttering. She told, though rare, but she could not have been able to read my mind (Deepak Malhotra zindabaad). I told her- 'you move by an inch, I will move by a feet. For 14 lacs, I will instantly accept; anything less than that figure, I will take 24-hours to decide. I really want to join' etc. She promised to try for 13.5 max; I told please go ahead.

Soon after that, Pranjal Da called. He was asking me to accept on 13, otherwise, NISG will close the position. It seems NeGD HR got in touch with him. I didn't like the way he was getting involved. This was unexpected and I didn't know how to deal with Pranjal Da (now I think I could have used Pranjal Da in more effective ways).

Next morning, Pranjal Da again called me while I was traveling from Jorhat to home by bus. His voice was bit irritating/angry type. I showed my displeasure asking why he was getting so much involved. I don't think Pranjal Da gets that much salary; so, it was damn difficult for him too. In fact, that's why I was not able to become free with him. He told NeGD has agreed on 13.5 and if I don't agree, they will close the deal by 15th December.

I was really angry and frustrated with NISG for sharing the details with Pranjal Da. Soon after his call, Avani-HR called and I told her my displeasure for violating HR conduct (while eating lunch at Nagaon ASTC hotel). The Deepak Malhotra effect was slowly going and I didn't want to negotiate anymore. I agreed with 13.5.

Then Friday-Saturday-Sunday-Monday passed, and today they gave the final offer. I sent them the acceptance email too.

Though I am OK with my performance in the negotiation, I could have pulled more. But three things came into my ways-- Pranjal Da's involvement, no backup option for me, the dependency of NISG HR on NeGD HR for each decision.

I am not feeling anything which I thought I would while accepting a job offer. This is not exciting after a gap of 15 months. But I am not surprised. I have realized 'sudden happiness' is not for me. Things have to so 'usual' that I should destroy all the bits of the 'sudden' element.