Yes, it's often difficult for developers to prove their worth because they're so far removed from the money. The closer to the money you are, the easier it is t

Yes, it's often difficult for developers to prove their worth because they're so far removed from the money. The closer to the money you are, the easier it is to say you deserve a piece of it. It's easy for sales - they say, "I sold £X amount last year so I deserve £Y amount bonus." The only way as a developer you can really do this is to find a niche for yourself that is yours and yours alone. That way you can say, "product X wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for me, and that sold £Y amount last year. Hence, the £Z amount bonus I'm asking for is nothing in comparison." Also try and get some friends in sales who can tell you what's going on. I know the separate species of dev and sales don't usually mix, but it's a relationship that can help both of you individually. You'd be amazed how often managers will push the "next big product" so you work on that thinking you'll be in line for the big bucks and the promotion, but then you speak to sales and find that it's actually the old tried and tested stuff that's actually making the cash. And for the sales guys they actually like having an "insider" in the dev team so they can get one up on their colleagues. "What's that? New product X has fallen behind schedule again?! We were told everything was fine and to go and sell it!"