[tj0]

This was exactly why I left my previous position.

Place was great to work, brilliant team, laid back culture. But refusing to give me an annual raise, on top of paying me below market value (and below my peers) for my experience and skill set was precisely what triggered my departure a month later for a nearly 90% raise. Sacrificed other things, but at the end of the day, "thank you's", "good jobs", and a kegerator doesn't feed my family.

Money isn't everything, but competitively compensating engineers is still a big factor for retention imo.

[drivebycomment]

> paying me below market value (and below my peers) for my experience and skill set was precisely what triggered my departure a month later for a nearly 90% raise.

I'm curious - how did you end up accepting that job in the first place that was underpaying by nearly 100% ?

[tj0]

They offered me nearly the same kind of raise over the position I was in before it.

The first company I worked for paid me $36k/yr. Given I don't have a degree, and it was the first offer I received (was my break-into-the-industry offer), I took it. After nearly two years, I was still below $40k/yr. Couldn't afford to rent a two bedroom apartment by myself, let alone support a then pregnant girlfriend.

That's when the next company offered right below market value, but when I started with them, it seemed like a fair offer given I had to learn new frameworks, containerization, etc. After a year, and the value I'd added to the company, I assumed I'd receive a raise.

Low and behold, it didn't happen, so like the previous position, I found somewhere offering a median salary for my region.

Still not where I should be with all the responsibilities and skills I have now, but at least the financial stress isn't nearly as bad as it used to be. Plus, I'm secure in my position, so that's helpful.