I've been working in DevSecOps for a small health-tech startup with fewer than 20 people for about 18 months now. This past year, we faced layoffs, and it was disappointing to see no one received their promised 10% bonus. Now, with another engineer leaving soon, we'll be down to just three engineers total. My salary is already at the lower end, and given my experience, I believe I could easily get a 20-25% higher salary elsewhere. I was expecting to have discussions about my performance and salary after my recent review, but I only received a 3% raise and no other conversations took place. I really enjoy working here and feel I've made significant contributions, especially in developing our tech and security infrastructure. However, the thought of potentially missing out on a significant salary increase is weighing on me. I'm considering asking for a modest raise of around 10-15%, a guaranteed bonus, or assessing whether I should move on altogether. How can I politely approach the topic of asking for a raise without endangering my position?
1 Answer
Think about whether you’re personally invested in the projects you're working on. If the startup doesn’t seem to have a clear vision or if financial support is vital for you right now, that could sway your decision. It’s great that your company is cash flow positive, but lack of new sales is a red flag. Remember to keep looking for other opportunities while being respectful of your current job situation.
Totally get that. It's a unique position we're in, especially with the contracts we have lined up.