4 ms·

> Even though we get paid a good chunk in the USA, our overall benefit package is thin in comparison to other developed countries. What do you mean by this? I

> Even though we get paid a good chunk in the USA, our overall benefit package is thin in comparison to other developed countries. What do you mean by this? I mean I guess I get less PTO than other countries, but I get way more pay. I could just take a month of unpaid vacation if I wanted to, and still make more than my European counterparts. Tech also gets great healthcare (unless you work for a startup or something I'd guess). Not disagreeing that unions would probably be a net-positive for tech workers, but saying that tech in the USA gets a worse "benefit package" is pretty dishonest.

diob 6y ago
Parental leave, vacation, healthcare, retirement, are all typically better in other developed countries. I, like you, get paid a heck of a lot more than my friends in those countries, but if something happens to me (say I get caught up in a mass shooting or get cancer like most do) I'm going to be on my own (gofundme?). We're ruggedly individualistic to a fault. Ultimately, I think we agree though, since you're saying it would be a net positive. The options you mentioned (taking unpaid PTO) are possible, but there are many employers who would then see you as unreliable (unless you're top level in terms of skill). I also think it takes a great deal of privilege to say "I can negotiate so who cares". While I agree with you that negotiation is important (it's how I got my current salary), you should think about those who come from poorer / less secure backgrounds. These people often don't want to blow their chance, so they take whatever offer comes their way. It's kind of a "rich get richer" thing, where those with confidence (growing up with a well off family, hence a safety net) are the main ones negotiating. Do not underestimate the importance of a safety net when it comes to negotiating, even for yourself. One thing that keeps me at my 9-5 job is knowing I need healthcare and a place to sleep with electricity (I have a lifelong genetic condition, sleep apnea, which untreated will result in my untimely death). My family is abusive, narcissistic, and unreliable. Being so incredibly on my own, I'm extremely risk averse. I imagine others, who might need insulin or some other thing would be the same. So ultimately, I find the "just negotiate" line to be at best naive, at worst unempathetic.

diob 6y ago

Parental leave, vacation, healthcare, retirement, are all typically better in other developed countries. I, like you, get paid a heck of a lot more than my friends in those countries, but if something happens to me (say I get caught up in a mass shooting or get cancer like most do) I'm going to be on my own (gofundme?). We're ruggedly individualistic to a fault. Ultimately, I think we agree though, since you're saying it would be a net positive. The options you mentioned (taking unpaid PTO) are possible, but there are many employers who would then see you as unreliable (unless you're top level in terms of skill). I also think it takes a great deal of privilege to say "I can negotiate so who cares". While I agree with you that negotiation is important (it's how I got my current salary), you should think about those who come from poorer / less secure backgrounds. These people often don't want to blow their chance, so they take whatever offer comes their way. It's kind of a "rich get richer" thing, where those with confidence (growing up with a well off family, hence a safety net) are the main ones negotiating. Do not underestimate the importance of a safety net when it comes to negotiating, even for yourself. One thing that keeps me at my 9-5 job is knowing I need healthcare and a place to sleep with electricity (I have a lifelong genetic condition, sleep apnea, which untreated will result in my untimely death). My family is abusive, narcissistic, and unreliable. Being so incredibly on my own, I'm extremely risk averse. I imagine others, who might need insulin or some other thing would be the same. So ultimately, I find the "just negotiate" line to be at best naive, at worst unempathetic.