Someone I used to work with gets paid a truly ridiculous amount of money because she changes jobs around every 14 months to 2 years. She hates every job she takes and is constantly worried that her boss hates her in every role. I don’t think she’s happy, despite the huge pay. I’d rather be happy. I work to live, not live to work.

…I should look for a new job, perhaps

Sad, but true. First 7 years of my software career were split between two companies and despite 3 promotions and exceeding expectations in reviews regularly, salary growth was between 2-5% YoY.

Most recent 5 years of my career I’ve changed jobs every 6ish months and am now averaging about 40% YoY salary growth.

At my giant workplace, they don’t think people are “experienced” enough unless they move around. Then in hiring they also comment negatively about those who move around too much. It’s all arbitrary bullshit. Whatever random feelings a hiring manager has. Never what is actually needed for the job.

We all have a different idea of what a high salary is but I would suggest anything in the area of $100k or the equivalent is good in almost any part of the world.

That said, I have a good salary which has risen by a little less than 65% in the 10 years I’ve been in the same job. I realise that’s not typical but changing jobs isn’t always the only way to a high salary.

Always good to know what you are worth and keep interviewing skills sharp. But yeah, you could wait years for a promotion (more responsibilities!) and it only be 10% whereas a lateral move at a new company could be higher pay for the same type/amount of work. Crazy, right?

It’s sad how true this is. I quit my job and went to work for another company for a year. The previous company contacted me wanting me back, and hired be back after a year for $15k more than before. I’ve been there a year now and got a 3% raise. Probably should just quit again and get rehired

Join a union job.

I laugh at people bitching about their pay. Move. On. Why would the company suddenly throw you a 20% raise!? Out of the goodness of their heart?

My last 3 jobs (top pay): $14 -> $22 -> $39. At this point I could probably jump ship for more but I’m quite content to retire out of this place.

Stay put 3-5 years, gain experience, jump. When we moved here my buddy took a job at an oil change place, barely above min wage and far below his skillset. Kept job hopping and now he’s making $120K+.

I was born into a family run company. Gave them 10 years of my life. The first few years I worked really hard and got a 2-3 dollar raise. Shortly after, minimim wage went up to 50 cents below what I was making. I did not get another raise until 2-3 years down the line. Regardless who your employer is, get treated fairly or leave for somewhere that will treat you fairly.

Yeah the new strategy is lateral climbing. Companies don’t value loyalty and don’t give raises for sticking around anymore, so fuck em.

Or some more sage advice: keep interviewing and an eye on salaries and compare that to your realistic prospectives at your job. Employers aren’t dumb, and if they see that you move around a lot they might not even bother hiring you.

I’ve been with the same place for about 16 years. I wasted a lot of time staying in one department trying to be the best employee. I’ve moved repeatedly just within the company. Because moving within the company is pretty easy to do. The yearly pay raises I was getting was garbage. By moving departments and renegotiating my pay I’ve effectively doubled my pay from 4 years ago.

When there’s no incentive to stay but all the reason to go…

Telling your manager how shit they are is very satisfying too