[lsutigr]

In my view, using compensation only to make decisions is flawed as current compensation is a lagging indicator. 10 years from now, I am certain the compensation structure that exists today will be very very different [much like what has happened in the world of Finance and Consulting].

In the 1990's and early 2000's, everyone wanted to be an investment banker or a consultant. Its only been the last 7 years or so that the salaries in Technology sector have risen so much. Perhaps over the next decade, software development will stop paying as much (especially on the variable comp as companies phase out equity compensation ro general masses).

I would choose my career based on what I like to do and the quality of life I want to pursue. A lot of that comes down to the cultural integration, especially as an immigrant. What value system do you associate yourself with?

[tracer4201]

I don’t see the compensation structure changing in the short term. In any case, I wouldn’t base the decision on a future hypothetical. I would rather earn $X today and invest it over settling for something < $X, independent of whether $X becomes $Y in the future.

I agree with you on factoring cultural integration - obviously as well as what’s the mission of the company, what problem are they solving, is that something that motivates you, etc etc