Boomers: “Just negotiate a higher salary. That’s what we did.”

Also Boomers: “I can’t believe how much they’re taking out of my Social Security check.”
Sir.
You negotiated your salary in an economy where companies competed for workers with pensions, benefits, and job security.
I’m negotiating in an economy where they post a job at $45,000, get 400 applications, and pick whoever asks for the least.
And Social Security you’re complaining about?
I’ve been paying into it my entire career.
For a benefit that keeps getting pushed further away.
That might not exist by the time I get there.
The negotiation tactics that worked in 1987 don’t work in a market where desperation is the norm and loyalty means nothing.
But sure. Just ask for more.
Like it’s that simple.