A friend spent years trying to get back into the workforce.

After countless applications and interviews, he finally received an offer.
He was excited.
Before signing, he asked a simple question:
“Is there any flexibility on the salary?”
He wasn’t demanding.
He wasn’t rude.
He just wanted to know if there was room to negotiate.
The next day, the offer was gone.
No counteroffer.
No discussion.
Just withdrawn.
Whether you think that was the right decision or not, it says a lot about how difficult today’s job market can feel for applicants who finally get an opportunity and risk asking for a little more.