I’m a 4th-year associate in Houston doing energy M&A, making $170k base with about a 10% bonus. The culture is actually great... reasonable hours, solid mentorship, no screaming partners. But I’m seeing peers in bigger firms clearing $200k+ with more aggressive comp structures, and it’s making me wonder if I’m underpaid. I don’t want to jump just for money and end up miserable, but I also don’t want to leave cash on the table long-term. Would you stay put for culture or start negotiating for more?

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Posting as :
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You are currently posting as works at

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Take the money. Good culture is nice, but firms change leadership all the time, comp is the only thing that’s real.

You're underpaid

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