Edit: deleted original post to re-post poll with %TC ranges I’m 100% remote but can go into the office if I want. The flexibility and autonomy are really nice, but MSFT pay is lower than FAANGs + similar companies. I’m currently considering some other jobs in the $350-450k range (no official offers yet) with 3 day RTO policies and much more limited vacation (currently unlimited). Obviously a pay raise would be great, and I won’t be able to achieve this compensation in my current role, especially with the looming stock cliff next year. Already feeling priced out of family-sized homes (no kids yet, but planning for future) and anxious to optimize income before children. How much of a comp jump is worth it for the reduced flexibility, time lost to commute, and smaller + more competitive radius for a future house search? If I stay at MSFT long term, I would consider moving to a M/LCOL area to make my income (adjusted) go further. I’m only considering job opportunities with teams + products I am genuinely interested in, but also am fearful that if I give up remote I won’t be able to get it back in the future, and the generous vacation policy reminds me that time is our most precious resource. Obviously this is a first world problem, but curious to hear feedback from other Blinders, especially people who have been dealing with RTO. Blind tax: TC ~300k depending on stock price, hitting a big cliff next year YOE: 8 Location: WA
What level are you ?
Been at Senior for a few years, but not seeing a clear path to principal (L7) in my current org due to seniority distribution, politics, etc. If I stay at MSFT, the goal is to take a ton of time off and mostly chill at work, since upward velocity is slow.
290k TC LCOL remote I don't think I could be enticed back into an office for anything less than like 750k considering purchasing power/costs of living in tech hubs, uprooting my life, opportunity costs of commuting, etc etc. Functionally impossible to willingly get me to RTO at this point. Maybe 3 years ago it would've been different 🤷♂️
@ Indeed, do you mind sharing which state you’re based in. In a similar boat but considering move to some tech hub in a few years so I have options in case of layoffs etc. Wonder if there are any good in between states with some SWE options without crazy high COL
If you want a management path, in person is better. Hallway conversations have significantly more weight for managers especially at higher levels.
Good point. My whole WA team is remote at this point, mostly hiring in non-US locations. This is probably also part of the slow promo reason.
I heard Satya is talking about mandatory RTO
Also, remember that ~30% goes to taxes. If you get $100K more in comp, it is actually $70K more.
I would take a pay cut of more than 20% to get one day of WFH per week, but probably not 40% to get two. The one day matters a lot.
I have up 2 days of WFH for 20% base increase + the promise of a yearly discretionary bonnus. That and better career prospects.
What company are you at?
You'd have to pay me to go full remote.
My current TC in a LCOL is ~280k I wouldnt consider going back into an office for anything less than a 40% increase personally and because I am LCOL thats probably never going to happen
Depends on what stage of life one is. Since you don’t have kids yet, you may want to opt for higher salary now and optimized for more wlb after you have kids.