[mcv]

Never sign anything on the spot. Always take it home to study it. If there's clauses you have doubts about, consult with your lawyer. Negotiate everything that's not acceptable to you.

You could also being a contract of your own for them to sign. They won't, of course, but it can help drive home the point why you need time to look at the contract.

[BeetleB]

So you've left your old job, and now want to negotiate? No one's fooled about who has leverage.

Story here not too long ago of a Google employee being let go on his first day because he did exactly what you're suggesting. I'm sure my company would do the same. When you hire over a thousand people a year (let alone thousands), they're not going to modify their efficient procedures for you. It's cheaper to hire another person.

I'm sure they'll let you take the contract home, but your only option really is to quit.

[mcv]

> So you've left your old job, and now want to negotiate? No one's fooled about who has leverage.

Handle it before you leave your old job, then. Do what works best for you.

I have negotiated contracts while already working, and that has worked fine for me. If they back out, I'll find something else. At some point you may notice they won't move any further, and then you've got a choice to make. If this is just another job and there are plenty like it, you quit. If it's a unique opportunity, you suck it up and sign.

But the point remains that you should never sign a contract on the spot. Unless it's really something super standard, negotiated by your union, or otherwise something that you really can't get around. But in every other circumstance, you always have options open. Never forget that.

[BeetleB]

> Handle it before you leave your old job, then. Do what works best for you.

I'm not disagreeing with you. Set your boundaries. Just be aware that this will preclude you from working in many big companies.