3 ms·

> Don't accept less than your current salary. But do it. I've accepted a lower salary a few times to move on from an org to a better work life balance. Usually

> Don't accept less than your current salary. But do it. I've accepted a lower salary a few times to move on from an org to a better work life balance. Usually it involves moving away from NYC companies. Salary shouldn't be the singular reason for not accepting a position if it's competitive.

ivraatiems 5y ago
You're right, actually, that's legitimate. Sometimes it can be worth it. I did a similar move earlier in my career. But it's another layer of tactical thinking - what are you getting in exchange for that money? So for the OP, I'd encourage them to figure out if they're making market rate or not before they make that judgment.
bradlys 5y ago
> I've accepted a lower salary a few times to move on from an org to a better work life balance. Usually it involves moving away from NYC companies. Salary shouldn't be the singular reason for not accepting a position if it's competitive. I'd be hesitant on giving this advice because it's the exception - not the norm. I've done the same - taken less pay for a chance at a better work environment. But I was going from like $1m+/yr (IPO gains) to $400k/yr. It was a huge cut but it wasn't going from market rate to below market rate which is what your advice is kinda leading with. It was going from a very "above market rate" (tbh - it was probably still below market rate because I had done startups before that hadn't worked out... This was one that was kinda working out) to something closer to market rate. I plan to change jobs and find one with better hours, better environment, etc... I plan to make about $500k/yr at the next job.
decafninja 5y ago
Curious where you went to (at least geographically, if you don't want to share details) from "NYC companies". I'm in the NYC area, and the delta between companies in NYC vs. elsewhere nearby (i.e. NJ) is huge both in terms of options and pay. I have a few friends in NJ that explicitly refuse to work in NYC/Manhattan because of the horrible commute/transit situation. The downside is that they seem to have very limited options in terms of companies they can work for in NJ.
- sys_64738 5y ago
  I moved upstate and another was in MA. So on both occasions I moved from NYC area.

ivraatiems 5y ago

You're right, actually, that's legitimate. Sometimes it can be worth it. I did a similar move earlier in my career. But it's another layer of tactical thinking - what are you getting in exchange for that money? So for the OP, I'd encourage them to figure out if they're making market rate or not before they make that judgment.

bradlys 5y ago

> I've accepted a lower salary a few times to move on from an org to a better work life balance. Usually it involves moving away from NYC companies. Salary shouldn't be the singular reason for not accepting a position if it's competitive. I'd be hesitant on giving this advice because it's the exception - not the norm. I've done the same - taken less pay for a chance at a better work environment. But I was going from like $1m+/yr (IPO gains) to $400k/yr. It was a huge cut but it wasn't going from market rate to below market rate which is what your advice is kinda leading with. It was going from a very "above market rate" (tbh - it was probably still below market rate because I had done startups before that hadn't worked out... This was one that was kinda working out) to something closer to market rate. I plan to change jobs and find one with better hours, better environment, etc... I plan to make about $500k/yr at the next job.

decafninja 5y ago

Curious where you went to (at least geographically, if you don't want to share details) from "NYC companies". I'm in the NYC area, and the delta between companies in NYC vs. elsewhere nearby (i.e. NJ) is huge both in terms of options and pay. I have a few friends in NJ that explicitly refuse to work in NYC/Manhattan because of the horrible commute/transit situation. The downside is that they seem to have very limited options in terms of companies they can work for in NJ.

sys_64738 5y ago
I moved upstate and another was in MA. So on both occasions I moved from NYC area.