Women seem to focus intently on the amount of money they are paid as a barometer of achievement, recognition and satisfaction. In today's marketplace, compensation for work performed should consist of more than just salary. It is quick and easy to use the money yardstick, but relying on that exclusively is not smart business judgment, and it does not give you a realistic measurement. This soft money component needs greater attention, and more work to evaluate and to understand, than any salary chart or wage guide. For decades men have used add-ons to great advantage.
Women are far behind in understanding their impact on careers and on quality of life.
Some companies will not negotiate their basic package, to avoid fairness issues and possible legal issues. However, companies may be willing to make creative arrangements to meet an employee's stated need while staying within the traditional non-negotiable box. In business, typically men speak up, and women do not. This is a very sad truth regarding add-ons to compensation packages. New employers or current managers do not read minds, nor is it their job to offer you the best possible compensation package.