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For PwC fishes who left recently, how did you consolidate wealth builder into 401k within benefits express to avoid the 20% federal tax withholding that was described in the benefits package? I tried to do this online but it didn’t show as an option except to rollover to an existing IRA or take a final distribution. Do I need to call benefits express?
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Why would you even consider it…
I feel like 200k for SM is low?
200k for a big 4 SM in a HCOL is not low if they are talking about base (reality check for you friend); this is especially if the OP has stayed at their B4 company for all or most of the 9 years - There's a cost to the comfort of loyalty (e.g. the cost being comfortable and knowing the ins & outs of an organization).
It is low if 200k includes bonus compensation.
OP, only you can determine how much of a paycut you can afford.
Care to expound?
Or will you continue to be immature?
To clarify, I’m also not looking for the consulting lifestyle, looking for work/life balance. I’d been seeing such a wide range in salaries in my 8 month search that I was preparing myself for a cut of some magnitude and thought that I could potentially work with this $150k if it meant less daily stress
I got a strategy job after being in big 4 that took me from 200k base to 230+30RSU. Hold out until you find a good role, took me a year, patience is key
OP don’t do it. Wait until the right role comes along where you don’t take a massive pay cut.200k is attainable for someone with 9 years of experience.
It took me 2 years to find the right role. I was a heavy senior manager in a specified industry at DT. I wasn’t actively looking but my LinkedIn was up to date with my current info so recruiters would reach out to me. Most of the roles offered by recruiters were lower pay so I didn’t even interview but the right role came along and I snagged it.
145k for SM is low. Is it a LCOL?
I had 9 YOE at big 4 audit. Had base at $160k. Moved to industry with base of $170k. Been at the same company for two years now and a base of $200k + bonus and equity. LCOL. Taking a pay cut to move to industry is an odd concept to me.
Don’t do it, the right opportunity will come along. In the meantime, you’ve got nothing to lose at your current job, no need to kill yourself for it. If you don’t plan on sticking around, no need to be a high performer.
Option 1 - negotiate another 20k or whatever you’re comfortable with. If it really is outside the budget, then you need to decide if 145k is right for you.
2 - wait for a better role. Just gotta be patient
Sounds like WLB is most important to you. If you’re already ok with 145k, no harm in trying for 1. But if you want more, 2.