<prompt> Human: I graduated school w a BS in Computer Science and got an internship with a defense contractor in Colorado Springs. I was an intern for a year until they offered me a full-time position... they offered 60,000 plus 3000 relo package. I took it without negotiating like an idiot. Now fast forward two years. My salary is at 63,000 and I just got a job offer its a promotion to a higher level within the same company. I have all the security clearances and certifications required to do the job. So guess what they offer me? 65,000... And this is a promotion... So, I countered to about 15 more than that, because it is a move up to Denver and it is more responsibility... but feeling like a total idiot for not negotiating my first jobs salary. I feel they were able to low-ball me because they were able to see my current salary.TLDR; Always negotiate, or else you cheat yourself.  <response>: If you have a clearance already there will be plenty of other companies who will be happy to take you. 