[towaway1138]

Because I've done my research. I generally quote salary requirements in terms of living in a modest house in a pretty good school district, on a single salary (since my wife wants to stay at home and raise the kids).

Not surprisingly, this makes recruiter jaws drop. We're not even on the same page.

In most parts of the country, though, those requirements work just fine.

[modwilliam]

Do you mind saying what your requirement is or the general range?

[towaway1138]

My most serious foray was around 2012, and back then such a house seemed to go for $800K. Given the mortgage ratios, that corresponds to a PI payment of around $3800/mo. Kind of hard to match this to current offerings, but it looks like maybe $1.3M now, so theoretically $6200/mo. So maybe $100-120K/y in mortgage payments? Not sure.

Can't recall the specifics, but my offer from a FAANG back then was a bit over $200K gross. But a lot of that isn't really liquid cash that you could use to pay the mortgage. It doesn't really fly.

These days, for the scenario above, even $300K/y cash seems marginal. And AFAIK, no one in the BA would seriously consider offering me that.

Lest someone complain that I seem entitled, let me say that I in no way consider that I somehow deserve such an offer. But at the same time, no BA employer deserves someone like me when I can get equivalent comp elsewhere.

IMO, the way BA comp works is you engage in raids for five to ten years when you're in your late 20s or early 30s. Live in squalor, three or five roommates, and bank it all. Do not marry. Then take your winnings back to the real world and retire, or at least, live an easy life.

But if you want a traditional life, thar be dragons...

[modwilliam]

Fair enough. Looks well thought out!