Pay gets bump up by just 5% on average (bonus and stock increase a few percents, but depending on perf). So why 62 to 63 is hard? Why is it a big deal?
63 is a level you can retire at. "Up and out" mainly only applies to 59-62. So senior should be the min goal of every employee. Beyond that, senior is the level where people start listening to you, where you're allowed to own more of your career, deciding what to work on instead of being told by your manager. In theory, you're at a point where you start to matter instead of just being a butt in a seat. That's why it's important. In practice, most of that stuff above doesn't actually become a reality until 65, but it's nice in theory.
What's with the levels being in the ~60 range instead of typical L1, L2 etc?
Microsoft people hold their titles too dearly. Ten years ago being senior was like “making it”. It’s a terminal state. But nowadays principal is the new senior. But old habits die hard. That’s why the drama with 63.
I guess at 63 you will start seeing the balls, at 64 you can feel them, at 65 you will start feeling from others etc etc.,
So what are you going to do if you become a senior, but can’t make it to principal? Stay at senior till retirement? Jump ship to try your luck (even when you are old)? Wait other principals to leave so you could have a chance?
Principal isn't like Partner, where there's a set amount. If there's a business justification and you've demonstrated the skills, you can make principal even if your org is already principal heavy. It just may be harder to justify or get the opportunities. But yes, there are plenty of seniors-for-life. Even after you max out your salary band and thus get 0% merit, you'll still get cost of living adjustments when appropriate, stock, and bonus.
That sounds like a sad life in tech though, but appreciate your post!
That’s interesting. I’ve heard from some that 63-64 was terminal but then from others that it’s up or out to 65.
I know personally several 25+ year 64s (and at least one 19 year 62, but I don't know the full story behind that one ...). It's certainly possible to end your career positively in the senior band.
I guess it depends on how you define “positively” :-)
Okay, this is interesting, I have a level 62 offer from IDC India for MSIT, seems to be towards the higher end of the Comp Ratio. I am really sleptical as I thought not making it to 63 in couple of years would definitely get me managed out, is that not the case if you dont progress to the next level soon, why so much hue and cry about microsoft laying off people continuously then?
Managing out can happen at any level. You just need to be read the signs of the org, plan your moves, and make sure you have a strong network
There's a difference between being managed out for lack of growth vs being managed out because the whole org is on its deathbed or because you got on the wrong side of someone important.
Can you elaborate on the difference? The end outcome is that you are managed out
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