[underdeserver]

This is true, he should be comparing with software engineers in his COL area, but not with other people with random jobs in his office.

[em-bee]

actually he should be comparing with other software engineers in his industry

[underdeserver]

Unfortunately the world we live in is one where not everyone can find a job that pays silicon valley salaries where they want/need/are able to live.

[em-bee]

i was referring to the oil industry where he works, not silicon valley

[gambiting]

Agreed.