There is a reason I have always argued for a larger base salary and less of the other parts. I don’t care about the bonus, I don’t care about equity, I don’t care about stock options. I’ve been screwed on each and every one of those in one way or another but never the base.
Does that mean I’ve ever hit it as lucky or as big as my peers? Sadly no, but I’ve also had a hell of a lot less stress and have still managed to carve out a very comfortable life.
There is a reason I have always argued for a larger base salary and less of the other parts. I don’t care about the bonus, I don’t care about equity, I don’t care about stock options. I’ve been screwed on each and every one of those in one way or another but never the base.
Does that mean I’ve ever hit it as lucky or as big as my peers? Sadly no, but I’ve also had a hell of a lot less stress and have still managed to carve out a very comfortable life.
“Total compensation” and “initial salary” are words that I don’t need to pay attention to in negotiations.
I’m not in sales and I’m not in leadership. My bonus is not going to buy me a car. I need that salary.