I'm not being paid below market, actually, I'm above market for a software engineer, but I think I'm doing more than "just a software engineer".
What I'm looking for is how to strategically do what I'm about to do keeping in mind that I see myself staying more than just another year to make it to the 2 year mark.
If you are more than “just a software engineer” and still an individual contributor with no reports, maybe you should look at salaries of “software architects”, “team leads”, etc. and see if your salary is still in the range.
What data did you gather to come to the conclusion that you are making above market? I’m not implying it’s not true, just confirming the data sources.
Your employment at the company being just a business arrangement between you and your employer, means that when you try to negotiate for more money, you both have a BATNA (Best Alternative To a Negotiatied Agreement). Your BATNA is finding another job and thiers is to replace you for someone who is willing to work at a rate they are willing to pay and lose the institutional knowledge you possess.
Finally, when I’m looking for a job, I have three priorities - technology, environment, and money in that order. There is nothing wrong with focusing on technology and environment over more money. That is a personal choice.
From that angle, I believe I'm paid below market rate and you are right. I haven't clearly stated it in the Ask text.
> Finally, when I’m looking for a job, I have three priorities - technology, environment, and money in that order.
I completely agree. Technology and the environment are very good here, especially because I'm responsible a big part of the tech stack right now. My bosses listen to my arguments and do not oppose just because they can, i.e. we have healthy discussions on many levels.
BATNA is pretty good in my region because of significant engineer shortages even though I haven't talked to any other company while at this company. When I switched here, I had 6 offers lined up.
What's more I don't see how this comment answers op's question? Your general advice seems to be "just do not do it"?
My main point is not to get emotional over a job or your relationship with the company or your coworkers. I’m not saying that building professional relationships with your coworkers is unimportant, it’s the most important type of influence you have in the company.
As far as him “becoming a stakeholder through bonuses and commissions”, I agree. If they value him, they will place a monetary amount on that value....
You will know if they feel you are a “valued member of the team” when you get your annual raise. People pay for what they value.
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What's more I don't see how this comment answers op's question? Your general advice seems to be "just do not do it"?
Other people had already posted good advice about how to ask. I’m giving the suggestion on what to do if it doesn’t work.
I’ve been cited as being “contrarian” before so this is another example I guess.....
https://hired.com/blog/candidates/hackernews-discusses-asses...
On the other hand, if you start interviewing after a year, what’s the harm? There are only two outcomes. You won’t find a job until year two and you won’t be considered a “job hopper” or you will and it doesn’t matter.
IF someone is unchallenged as you imply I'd say a good first step would be to talk to your superior before following a generic "change company every two years" advice for no reason.
There are switching costs to changing jobs (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=17796166), but statistically, job switchers make more than people who stay (https://www.fastcompany.com/3055035/you-should-plan-on-switc...)
This statement is a red flag to me. Don’t get attached emotional to any company that you don’t have a substantial ownership stake in. It’s just a means to an end - to put food on your table.
You will know if they feel you are a “valued member of the team” when you get your annual raise. People pay for what they value.
If you look at your paycheck and look at the market and see the two are not in sync, start focusing on building your resume over the next year. If after year 2, your check and the market are not in sync, start looking for another job.
I usually recommend staying on a job at least two years.
I don't want to strain those relationships with, be it real or only perceived, improper demands.
Your “relationship” with the company is that you work for two weeks and they deposit money into your account - nothing more or less. If they don’t pay you at least market value - they aren’t holding up thier part of “the relationship”.