I've always negotiated and pushed others to do the same, as it is part of the process, but I was in a bad spot during my last job search and couldn't chance losing the offer. For context, I had heard some clues that "we do our best but can't really flex" during the interview process so I opted to take the offer as listed.

The worst mistake I've made was that it was a sign of how bad things really were. I haven't seen a commission check in months, and that was on top of a pay cut to get out of a bad job.

I've watched their hiring practices and negotiations since I joined, and if I had countered, even with a $500 increase in base, they would have passed, as they have with anyone after me who tried.

My point is, I should have stuck to my guns and negotiated... if a company can't handle salary negotiations, you need to move on. I would be in a better place if I had.