[tracker1]

Agreed, I definitely don't think it's simply a vanity metric. What sucks is when you're somewhere between the typical market salary and the top FAANG pay scale. It's a very long/hard road to jump up when you're a little older (49), but on the flip side, seeing a 25-40% pay drop if you need to work and need something sooner than later is also a hard position to be in.

[leapingdog]

My silicon valley based employer did same pay bands throughout the UK but people in my regional office were offered roles in lower bands for their skill set compared to London. It was more money for less responsibility compared to local companies so not a hard decision.