[jedi_master]

I was in a strategical position with my last company and was an asset for a few reasons. When I gave my resignation my CEO said what do you want, name a number. I told him it's not about money, I need to move on to grow my knowledge and experience. I could have said 100k and would be happily making my 6 figure salary while in reality at the time I was worth half at best. (Friends at the company tell me the guy hired after me is making 110k, ouch).

BUT, since moving companies I've gotten my hands dirty, I've had opportunities to use tons of new technologies and I'm in sort of a lead developer role now. Im not making 100k but I'm damn sure much closer to being worth it then when it was just "offered" to me by my last CEO trying to prevent me from leaving.

My knowledge is now tenfold what it was before. I learn more and more every day and work on solving exciting problems. I know that whenever I switch companies next, or am up for a review I will be making a major salary jump because I have leverage now.

Strategic career moves that increase your value/skill/knowledge will always lead to more money in the end. Justifiable money.