Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/759774
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iama 34-year-old man working in risk management, seek- ing a mid- to senior-level position in my profession. Recently, I had a wonder- ful panel interview with a b il li on -d ol la r he a lt h care company. It could not have gone better. I was thrilled to receive a voicemail a day after the interview requesting a call back. When I called back and spoke to the recruiting manager, I was less than excited at the proposed pay. It was not commensurate with the position. I told the manager I would think about it, and prepared the argument for my counteroffer. I spoke to a job coach and did my re- search (again), preparing to ask for pay in line with the market standards for my profession. When I called the recruiting manager back, I eased into my thoughts on their offer. But being both firm and gentle, I began to explain that it was a bit on the low side for me. Before I could con- tinue the discussion, the recruiting manager cut me off. He balked at the idea of negotiating and then went on to lecture me. He cautioned me for asking for more than what I was offered. I was stunned. And furious. I stayed calm, but I could not believe his reaction. A few days later, another recruiter at the same company followed up to see if I had reconsidered. When I responded, he also offered his own unique brand of advice. Amy, they treated me as though I was the first applicant in history to negotiate a job offer. Am I out of touch with the current job market? Since when did employ- ers become so resistant to counteroffers and salary negotiations? —Jaded DEAR JADED » I shared your question with Dr. Brenda Wells, the Robert F. Bird Distin- guished Professor of Risk and Insurance at East Carolina University. She responded: "I coach students who are gradu- ating from college, and employers almost always expect these 23- and 24-year-old students to come back with a coun- teroffer. If an employer refuses to negotiate, you have a very important piece of information about that employer. This means they prize their position over their employees. "Risk managers are in the business of protect- ing profit and people. They could always tell an applicant they don't have the money to offer, but no reasonable employer should be offended at a respectful attempt to negotiate. This company did the potential employee a favor by revealing its true colors. Risk management is a finance-oriented field, after all, where discuss- ing money should not be uncomfortable." Professor Wells and I agree that you are not out of step with the current job market, and perhaps you should feel you dodged a bullet with this particular employer. Manager offended by salary negotiation from interviewer You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson. com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Sagittarius(Nov.23-Dec. 21) — It's a good day to stick close to home. You'll face delays if traveling, and problems get- ting your point across if you discuss your personal concerns. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You may be missing some vital information. Before you decide to make a move, revisit all the pros and cons and get your facts in order. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Harness what you have to offer and make a point to finish what you start. It's what you master and complete that will make a difference. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Refuse to let someone lead you astray. Remain intent on turning your ideas into a finished project. Aries (March 21-April 19) — A business trip or learning expe- rience will bring you that much closer to making an important decision. Don't be misled by what others do. Emotional ma- nipulation is apparent. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Speak up and get to the bottom of any setback that arises. A misunderstanding can cause financial problems if you aren't upfront about hidden costs. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Turn on the charm and spread joy to those you encounter. Stick to your goals and aim to finish what you start. Keep your promises and plan something special with a loved one. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Your imagination will kick in, helping you come up with solu- tions to all your problems. Listen to your intuition and move forward with confidence. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — It's time to get out and get serious. Mingle with people in a position to help you advance. Discuss- ing your vision and considering certain partnerships will pay off. Romance is encouraged. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Think matters through before taking action. You can bring about positive change, as long as you do so using a compre- hensive plan. Cut overhead at home and avoid unwanted debt. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Don't give in to someone just because you cannot make up your mind. Take a stance and put your plans in motion. A physical challenge will help you bring about positive personal change. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Look for a new and exciting hobby. Exploring new avenues will open doors to friendships and the acquisition of life skills that will help you advance. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, DEC. 7 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016 4 B