Salaries in Finance

For those who’ve used adoption benefits at work, what was the most helpful part and what do you wish your employer had covered but didn’t?

I’m about to have the talk with my MD about my bonus, and I’m terrified. I have a bulleted list of my achievements, but I know they’re going to hit me with the tough year speech. I’ve practiced my scr… more

For those of you that haven’t gotten a promotion over the last couple of years, how much has your salary increased? Mine has only increased about $4.5k over the last 3.5 years and I’m starting to get … more

Does anyone’s company offer discounts for things that are actually meaningful? We have an employee discount site but it seems like everything on there is for discounts we could already get by doing a … more

How are you guys handling the insane cost of living in finance hubs without living like paupers? My rent has gone up 15% this year, and my salary increase didn’t even come close to covering it. I love… more

How much compensation should matter when choosing a job? Some say better salary means better decision, but others accept lower compensation if future growth looks strong. After some years of experienc… more

I just realized my total comp hasn't actually grown in three years when you account for inflation and tax brackets. I thought I was doing well because the raw numbers kept going up, but I’m effect… more

How do you answer, “why should we hire you?” Or, “what makes you the best candidate for this position?” I feel these are extremely loaded questions, It makes me feel like I’m begging for a spot!

What would it take for you to leave your current job? I’m extremely happy at my company, so it would take more pay, and more PTO for me to leave my current. I already get 20 days per year.

Do you think companies rely on employees not talking about salaries and would more transparency actually change how people value their jobs?

If you get a new job with a 15% salary increase, but travel expenses rise and you need to compromise in the beginning, while also seeing a brighter future after two years of struggle, what would you c… more

If you had to choose between living a life that is comfortable, stable, and predictable, or a life that is uncertain but filled with moments of growth, risk, and potential breakthrough success, which … more

What do you consider a good salary based on work experience? I was discussing with a senior, and he said after 5 years salary should be at least 50k, after 6 years around 60k, and after 10 years close… more

If you were given the opportunity to see a complete, unfiltered timeline of your future: your exact income at every stage of life, the relationships that stay or fall apart, the moments you’ll feel most fulfilled… more

Do you have downtime at work? I work in a call center so between calls I generally don’t have anything to do. What do you do with that free time? Some days I work on career stuff. Others I play video … more

I’m convinced that discretionary bonuses are just a tool for managers to play favorites. Last year, I outperformed my peer by every metric, yet we got the exact same bonus because we’re in the same ti… more

How do you deal with regret in your financial life like not investing earlier, selling too soon, or making a big purchase you later questioned and keep it from influencing your current decisions in a … more

I just found out the intern makes more hourly than I did when I started here five years ago. I know inflation exists, but seeing the starting rate jump that much while mine has barely budged is a tota… more

How do you handle managing another employee’s portfolio when they are on leave? I find it challenging because when I focus on someone else’s portfolio, my own work can be affected. Also, if I get new … more

Is it actually worth maxing out your 401(k) beyond the employer match, or do you think that money is better invested elsewhere for more flexibility or higher returns? How is your contribution rate and… more

Can a family successfully live on a singular income household anymore? I consider myself a SAHS even though I work from home. But the thought of embracing that and being a homemaker for my husband and… more

My spouse told me to quit my job today, and for the first time, I didn’t immediately say no. We’ve been living off my salary for years, but the stress has finally started leaking into our marriage and… more

Does your company do any kawarss or recognition outside of annual merit increases and bonuses? My company does quarterly recognition where they highlight employees that have gone above and beyond in t… more

Anyone else just feel super optimistic lately? I just feel new and positive changes are on the horizon! I’m trying to land a better role at work and so far I’m being given time to network with other a… more

Do you try to use all your time off even if you’re busy and it would be much easier to stay caught up if you didn’t take the time? I used to be hesitant to take time off but now I feel like it’s bette… more

Have you ever accepted a lateral move to grow your career? If so, did it come with a raise? My company has limited upward mobility so I’m considering a lateral move. I’m currently right under the mid … more

In client-facing roles like financial advising, taking leave sometimes feels difficult because customers may depend on your guidance for important decisions. Do you think this feeling shows responsibi… more

What are some of the most important things to you when looking for a new job? For me, it’s time off, the culture, and the pay. However, I’ve noticed as I’ve gotten older, it’s less about the pay and m… more

Have you ever successfully gotten an out-of-cycle merit raise? How did you ask for it and what do you think made you successful? I’m considering asking for one because of the increased responsibilitie… more

How important do you think it is to join company events? Some people see them as a good chance to meet senior leadership, build connections, and understand company culture better. Others feel they are… more

If you had the chance to completely start over with your career, knowing everything you know now about salary, stress, job security, work-life balance, and how your job actually impacts your day to da… more

I’m officially burnt out, and the money isn't even touching the sides anymore. I’m making enough to live comfortably, but I’m working 70-hour weeks that leave me with zero time to actually enjoy t… more

After a difficult day at the office, how do you motivate yourself for the next morning? Sometimes one bad meeting, stress, or misunderstanding affects the whole mood, but the next day still needs fres… more

What do you usually do with your annual bonus? Do you save it, invest it, or spend it? Do you have a set strategy every year, or does it depend on your financial situation at the time?

How much weight should a strong 401(k) benefit really have when deciding whether to stay at a job long-term? For example, if a company offers a generous match or profit-sharing but the role itself isn… more

How do you truly feel about RTO? I’ve been working from home for almost a decade went fully remote in 2019. Prior to that I only went to the office once a week. I personally feel RTO is just a way to … more

Why does the office look like a ghost town on Fridays if we’re all supposed to be fully back in person? My team is at their desks, but the leadership is barely around, and yet they still harp on about… more

When your supervisor and manager don’t have good understanding and often hold different opinions, it becomes difficult for the employee caught in between. You need to satisfy both while avoiding confl… more

Does your company encourage time off during the holidays, or is it treated like a normal work period?
At my current company, many people take time off and it’s encouraged so employees can recharge, whi… more

What’s one expectation management consistently has of you that, no matter how hard you try, still feels unrealistic or nearly impossible to meet? Do you think the expectation itself is flawed, or is i… more