I just hit my four-year cliff and my total compensation is about to drop by nearly $80k because my initial grant is fully vested. When I asked about a refresher, HR told me they’re moving away from large equity grants for anyone below the Staff level. I love my team, but staying here now feels like I’m paying a $6k monthly tax just for the sake of comfort. Do most of you jump ship immediately when the cliff hits, or is it worth staying if the base salary is still decent?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

If you are looking at a promotion soon, that could mean staying is the better idea. It’s very common for people to leave after around 4 years, that’s when your current salary is falling behind, and you have to leave to get a bump.

helpful

That’s a good way. Get the title and then use it for a big bump externally. I agree that most companies aren’t exactly making it worthwhile to stick around.

I struggle to change jobs when things are going good even if the pay isn't what I could get. Sometimes it's just a matter of what you are doing with your life. If you have some specific financial goals that need more money, look. If you are at a time where you want to spend more time/energy doing other things stay

like

I completely agree with this take. There comes a time when money isn't everything.

Stay, unless you have a role to walk straight into

like

If I don't get re-upped, I start interviewing 3-6 months before my cliff. It's good to keep interview skills sharp, see what salaries are like, and what rsus are like anyway even if you end up staying. Maybe you stay because you like the world people or wlb. These things matter, money really ain't *everything*, but it sure helps.

I have done this strategy and between a few promos (trivial comp increase w internal promos) and 3 job hops and a bit of luck...quadrupled my income over 10-12 years.

In my last job, I even told my managers I was going to face a cliff and my comp was going to drop by 30% because my company was stingy with refreshers.

They threw a decent grant for the company, but 3 months later I got a role with a higher salary and 4yr grant literally 10x what they offered.

Ymmv, don't count on this always being the case, I had a bit of luck here, but it is possible. I was grinding interview prep for a few weeks and the role was an excellent fit with my resume.

The job market is really rough right now, I can tell you that much. It doesn't hurt to be looking to see what else is out there. But I would probably stay put until you have something else lined up for certain.

Related Posts

What is the latest consultant and manager comp at Bain? Thanks!

like

HDFC Bank Limited Hi everyone, if you're looking to enter Wholesale Banking, I can refer you.HDFC Bank Limited

likehelpful

Tier 2 MBA colleges and growth dilemma

At most companies your CTC is decided based on which tier your college is classified under. Most of the times even with a really high experience and stellar performance you won’t be able to match CTCs of freshers from Tier 1 colleges.

How do you solve for similar work profiles for Tier 1 and 2 grads but lower pays for Tier 2 grads?

like

Cleared the technical round.I have received an email to submit the docs. But none were called me regarding the salary discussion. Usually how many days it will take to get the feedback

Is credit Suisse good company in terms of job security?
Yoe: 3
Tech stack: java angular

like

Feeling down. I've interviewed for probably 12 positions (mostly Senior Manager level), and always getting rejected. Is this normal? I do try and ask for feedback, and sometimes they give saying that there just isn't the right fit for your skillset at this time. If so, then why did you interview me? #frustrated

like

Can someone that is hiring for legal in a remote setting give a referral? Asking for my mom that has 20+ years of experience with JD and Education doctorate.

like

Epam anywhere or Capgemini guys please suggest , Java developer having 8years of experience.

like

Has anyone talked to a therapist or professional about being unemployed? At this point I feel like it's making me depressed. Are there other unemployment support groups out there?

like

I’m leaving for a vacation and packing my bags. This little guy won’t leave my side knowing I’m packing a suitcase. It’s breaking my heart.

Post Photo
like

Planning my honeymoon and we would like to spend 3-4 days in the Middle East as we go from SE Asia to Europe. Any tips as to where we should go? Dubai v. Oman (Muscat) specifically.

Ikon or epic pass for NE skiing?

SPHR exam- has anyone ever been “randomly selected” for an application audit? This just happened to me and the sheer amount of effort that is going to go into collecting all the documents almost makes me not want to follow through. Since I didn’t finish undergrad, they’re asking for a copy of my high school diploma or transcript and that itself is going to be an absolute nightmare to get hold of. Guess I’m not really looking for a solution here, just venting.

like

Can someone explain how to maximize the 401k employer contribution -- by when during the year should I have invested the full $18k to get the 1.5% match?

like

Is paralegal burn-out a thing? And if it is, how do you overcome it?

like

Can someone suggest me which one is better.
Senior Associate in Cognizant or Senior software Engineer in TSYS.

Both are providing almost same CTC.

like

Hi guys,
Currently I'm senior operations executive in infy, i got 2 offer. 1.cognizant - program Analyst with 7.2lpa and 2. Amdocs - functional test engineer with 8.8lpa.
I'm from tamilnadu, CTS Is chennai and amdocs is pune.
Can u suggest me which is good ??

like

Hi anyone from infosys who has joined cognizant please ping need help urgent

like

McKinsey & Company Hi,
Does anyone know about Fuel (McKinsey & Company)? If so, what are the typical engagements to be expected?

like

How is City bank project in Virtusa in terms of Work life balance?

like

Additional Posts in Salaries in Tech

Hey Bowl,
I work for a late stage(ipo) start up, earlier this year we were acquired & since then they got rid of our yearly bonuses and gave us an ESOP grant.
2 RIFs later we are almost bare bones. Since we are coming up on our usual yearly evaluations many of us assumed (with multiple conversation from our managers) that pay raises and promotions were due.
In a recent All hands we found out that this year there will be no pay raises nor promotions based off merit. Is it time to jump ship?

like

How much does a “ Principal Business Operations and Strategy” role at Google SF pay ? (Recognize that exact numbers are not possible but sharing any range would be appreciated)

like
like

What should I expect for a base salary as a Project Manager with a PMP and experience in Agile methodologies with 6 yoe as an IT project manager in healthcare space?? I am exploring remote opportunities in tech companies..

I am a Senior Manager of Software Engineering and lead architect at a small company (was a startup with < 10 employees when I joined, now has > 50). I am the most senior technical person in the company (we don't have a CTO, I report to the COO), even though I only have 4.5 YOE. By God's grace I have been able to succeed in the role, but feel that I am underpaid and would like your input.

Base: 122k, no equity

like

Hi all, I’m currently a solution architect with 1yoe and two bachelors degrees. I also hold two cloud certifications and make 60k a year. This seems very low considering what I’ve seen for average SA salaries for those who hold the AWS SAA certification. Was hoping for some insight on this and if I should seek more compensation. Thanks!

like

I like my job, and my team, and what I do. But damn if I’m not underpaid 😅 small company problems lol. I know I’ll have a salary review next spring (one year) but I’m working a second job cuz student loans blow ass lol. Gotta repay those degrees I don’t use anymore 🙃

Don’t mind me just venting lol. Carry on!

like

Is $150k + 10% a fair pay for an Audience Analytics Manager at a healthcare specific marketing agency? Should I take that offer?

I have 4 years of Marketing Data Science experience at a top hospital in the US, and 1 year of Analytics management experience at a data driven global marketing agency. I also have a masters in Business Analytics.

I live in the mid west but this role is remote so doesn’t seem where I live is a factor.

likehelpful

How much should a senior email designer/developer make? I make 77k USD and feel like I’m underpaid. 😕

like

Is $22.10/hr for Technical Support Specialist decent? Been with the company going on two years and have supported that particular department quite a few times. Currently sitting as an IT Tech and support general help desk and between tier 1 and 2 tickets. This will also be my highest paying job yet lol. Thanks in advance for any guidance!

like

What are the director level salaries of Product Manager in SF/Bay area?

like

Could you share what sort of severance package you received if your role was impacted due to recent tech layoffs?

like
like

Does anyone have any experience with Draper Laboratory in Cambridge? just got a nice offer pending an interview. Feels to good to be true or it won't last long.

like

Aws L6 in BD, NYC area salary?

like
like

Hello. Does anyone know what is the pay for a junior and senior Data Engineer - Web Scraper in @Certik ?

like

What is the salary range for a Product Manager in the Atlanta area? I have 3 years of experience as a Product Specialist and have been offered a Product Manager role but don’t know how much to ask for. It’s in fintech. Any insight is appreciated!

like

Has anyone heard of a retention bonus with a clawback period of 3 years? Like you get paid in 3 installments but you have to pay back 100 percent of the money if you work a day less than 3 years?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal