Consumerism Commentary - Latest Comments in Don’t Expect a Big Pay Increase: Other Options

Re: Don’t Expect a Big Pay Increase: Other Options

thomas — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 11:05:12 -0000

"But loyalty has to be earned, and corporations must act in a way that shows their employees are their most valuable assets."

Very good point, especially for the Gen Y crowd. Fortune magazine just had an article about Gen Y and the workforce. They have zero loyalty and will change jobs/quit for numerous reasons.

If your company is large enough, you could also look internally for a new position. Hopefully one that allows you to grow professionally and maybe even financially.

Re: Don’t Expect a Big Pay Increase: Other Options

Jason — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 09:56:58 -0000

Another option is to negotiate for some short term (or immediately) vesting stock options. It is very much like a bonus, but easier on the companies balance sheet since they don't have to allocate the money. This works very well with start-up tech companies, but likely will work just as well with more established companies.

Re: Don’t Expect a Big Pay Increase: Other Options

Matt — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 07:38:16 -0000

As a general rule I find companies don't like to give out big raises and if you look at it from their point of view it makes sense but sucks as an employee.

I think the best suggestion is to make money on the side - there are many ways to do it especially if you have hobbies that lend themselves to this.

Finally you can always change companies/jobs often just going to a competitor will give you 5-10% (though I guess that depends on your industry and where you live)

Re: Don’t Expect a Big Pay Increase: Other Options

Compounding — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:37:00 -0000

Well, I have not yet stayed in a job for much longer than two years. This strategy has paid-off well for me, to this point. My last two job changes have each yielded ~20% pay increases for me. I will likely stay in my current position for at least three and one-half years, which is until I am 30, because I want my next move to be towards management, and I have a lot that I can do in my current position that will lend well towards a move in that direction.

However, these job changes do provide for interesting challenges. For instance, I would say that I have missed out on several thousands of dollars in opportunity to invest in 401(k) accounts, because of the waiting periods. Also, I am gone without insurance for a month here, and a month there, because of it.

Re: Don’t Expect a Big Pay Increase: Other Options

Hustler — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 13:26:07 -0000

tighten your budget and create side income are the best options. There are always methods to cut your bills. Side job could be as easy as sign on bonuses.