[allthecybers]

I've been rated in top tier/exceeds status for the last two years as a Senior level tech employee at a FAANG. This is after working up from entry level at hire, and promoting two times. Despite high performance and successful delivery of large projects, my base salary* has increased less than 3% in three years.

Every single year, the company has come up with an excuse to not raise base salaries. It typically relates to economic intangibles, stock performance, or whatever corporate alphabet soup they choose. People hired halfway through my tenure got hired on with substantially higher base salaries, some who are a level below me.

I really enjoy the work I do, but I just can't sustain less than 3% income growth over the course of the next three years. That's why I am looking elsewhere, not because I want to, but because I have to. Some roles I'm seeing below Senior level have starting salaries 50% higher than mine.

*I am aware of the concept of total compensation and I do get company stock, but you can't pay bills month-to-month on funds that are six months away from being available, and you aren't sure whether you'll see a 6% upside or 6% downturn.

[JohnFen]

> I am aware of the concept of total compensation

I'm with you on this. When I'm evaluating an offer, the only part of the total compensation package that I really pay any attention to is salary because the rest is too uncertain.