5 ms·

This is a huge contrast to the south and particularly in Florida. I'm a project lead in Florida, started programming when I was 8, have won multiple national co

This is a huge contrast to the south and particularly in Florida. I'm a project lead in Florida, started programming when I was 8, have won multiple national competitions, and now a project lead with people working under me (most that apply have an MS degree) but as a government worker making only 58K. I work for the government because in this area of the country there have been problems with finding companies that hire based on merit (I'll just leave it at that). It's shocking to hear these numbers and think that this is the norm in other places. Maybe I just don't know Florida like I thought I did but for being a state with the 3rd largest population there are a serious lack of opportunities in technology. Maybe I'm missing something maybe someone can recommend how they've been able to 'make it' in Florida with a job here doing development. Otherwise I think it's worth putting it out there to encourage people to think about this very circumstance before ever moving here.

sn9 9y ago
The numbers are less shocking after running them through a cost-of-living comparison with your base salary.
uniacid 9y ago
Being a fellow South Floridian I feel your pain and I would say it sounds like you're being underpaid for the position you're in currently but that's the story of Tech in Florida I think we can all agree on that based on equal experiences hopefully? In my own experience it's been pretty hit or miss as you can find very wide ranging salaried jobs but it's also dependent on location here as well, some areas might be better than others as far as where the actual wealth lies thus the big cities usually seem to hold more value and wealth, you might be able to get lucky and find something in between the big cities though. Also cost of living in Florida is relatively low but it is also raising so it's not easy when you start off with a low base that should really be higher when you compare and contrast positions elsewhere... especially surprising in the government area where you think they would staff people at least with wages people can feel financially comfortable with and not just to be able to live week to week based on their paycheck.
marsrover 9y ago
I'm sorry but this sounds like you're being taken advantage of. I got my start in Orlando, right out of college, making 65k. That being said, there is a very serious lack of opportunity in Florida. That's why I left.

sn9 9y ago

The numbers are less shocking after running them through a cost-of-living comparison with your base salary.

uniacid 9y ago

Being a fellow South Floridian I feel your pain and I would say it sounds like you're being underpaid for the position you're in currently but that's the story of Tech in Florida I think we can all agree on that based on equal experiences hopefully? In my own experience it's been pretty hit or miss as you can find very wide ranging salaried jobs but it's also dependent on location here as well, some areas might be better than others as far as where the actual wealth lies thus the big cities usually seem to hold more value and wealth, you might be able to get lucky and find something in between the big cities though. Also cost of living in Florida is relatively low but it is also raising so it's not easy when you start off with a low base that should really be higher when you compare and contrast positions elsewhere... especially surprising in the government area where you think they would staff people at least with wages people can feel financially comfortable with and not just to be able to live week to week based on their paycheck.

marsrover 9y ago

I'm sorry but this sounds like you're being taken advantage of. I got my start in Orlando, right out of college, making 65k. That being said, there is a very serious lack of opportunity in Florida. That's why I left.