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A comment on Ask HN: How do SMBs afford such expensive software engineers in the US?. Parent comment

Re:Ask HN: How do SMBs afford such expensive software engine... by yardie on Sunday July 04, 2021 @10:45AM (#27729989)
In my experience, as an American expat working in the EU, these countries have an extremely low level of churn. In most cases the only way to get a raise is to be hired away. So most developers put up with the annual CoL raise of 3-5%. Instead of changing companies every 2 years with a $10k-50k bump you stay 10 years in one company and eventually get a $10k over that period.

I know most Americans feel its the strong worker protections in the EU that cause the pay stagnation. It's far more complex than that. SWEs can leave for another company whenever they want. In some cases there are deep structural issues* that can keep you at a company.

* One example, in France there is no upper limit on the caution for an apartment. It can be as high as 20k-50k€. If you need to rent a place and don't come from a rich family your employer can provide the caution. Now that your employer has solved your housing problem you feel a certain loyalty to them and the 10-20 year career starts.

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Re:Ask HN: How do SMBs afford such expensive software engine... by KptMarchewa on Sunday July 04, 2021 @07:21PM (#27733421)
That does not feel true to me in Poland. I'd say average is close to what's expressed here on HN, about 2 years in a job. More junior people switch more often, and more senior less often - but also can switch pretty fast if the job is not a good fit. I don't think worker rights play a role here, because I've never seen software engineer being fired for a purely performance reason.
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Re:Ask HN: How do SMBs afford such expensive software engine... by cherryturnover on Sunday July 04, 2021 @07:22PM (#27733422)
>It can be as high as 20k-50k€.

Meanwhile in NYC they're knocking off few months rent and dropping the security deposits just to get people back there.

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Re:Ask HN: How do SMBs afford such expensive software engine... by yardie on Monday July 05, 2021 @09:17AM (#27737654)
A caution isn't a security deposit (that you pay as well) it's just attestation you have a healthy amount of savings; in lieu of a credit score. French eviction laws are strict and intentionally slow so it can take 6+ months for a removal order. Landlords want assurances you won't turn into a squatter, so having a longterm, secure job or rich family checks that box.
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Re:Ask HN: How do SMBs afford such expensive software engine... by heavenlyblue on Sunday July 04, 2021 @04:26PM (#27732340)
What is the caution for an appartment?
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Re:Ask HN: How do SMBs afford such expensive software engine... by DaveExeter on Sunday July 04, 2021 @04:49PM (#27732512)
caution bancaire (fr) = Bank guarantee (en)

Like a security deposit.

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