Hacker News Reader

Comment by daeken | Hacker News Reader

I've come to realize lately that I have absolutely no idea what I should be making. I know what I make and I know what I have made in the past, but I have no idea whether it's above or below average.

The only way I can think of to determine my value is to go interview in a bunch of places and see what they offer. However, I have no interest in leaving my job right now, and I feel like it's dishonest to go through the process knowing that I wouldn't take anything but a ridiculously great offer.

How do other folks deal with this? (Edit: Glassdoor has no decent information for my position, at any of the companies I've looked at.)

View on HN

My problem is that glassdoor has information for my specific position, in my city, in my company but it's double what I currently make. I don't think I'm that underpaid but the taboo of employees not discussing salary leaves me without any real idea of where I really should be. I know for a fact I make more money in one quarter for the company than I earn in an entire year. I still asked for at least 20% more and am awaiting a response. Also applying for other positions.

The only big increases I've ever gotten were by switching companies or bringing a competing offer to my boss. People say the latter is career suicide but they are wrong.

How I deal with it is - I'm definitely qualified to be in the role I am currently in. I make enough to cover my bills right now but I should be earning more. I'm going to ask for more, I'll move on if my current position can't pay more within 6 months and there's no sign of that changing (e.g. through promotion)

If my bills were covered and a bit extra for savings, fun, rainy day fund, etc? That's how much I should be making. Anything more is a bonus

Don't try comparing your salary to someone elses. Maybe they're a better negotiator than you, maybe they have a skillset you don't know about the boss is going to utilize in a year's time in a project being chalked up now. Maybe they have nudie pictures of the hiring manager? Not your concern, you look after you.

If you're in Australia or New Zealand (I think you're US?) there is the Hays salary guide http://www.hays.com.au/salary-guide/

It's an awesome document. Even though the numbers would be completely different I think that something like the breakdown between junior/senior etc level roles would probably be similar in the US? (in terms of the % salary jump you'd get from moving up or sideways)

It's not dishonest at all! They have no intention of hiring people they interview, unless thy find an insanely great offer!

Reply on news.ycombinator.com