I have a really cushy job. I make a desirable salary with insanely good benefits. But even that has its limits; we’ve been going through a re-org in my department and it is driving me nuts.
Our job titiles are being retired and told us “don’t worry, you won’t lose your job and no one is expected to take a pay cut” which isn’t as reassuring as they probably intended. We had to submit interest for the new job titles they had set up. They stretched it out over like 3 months, grouping us with people in other roles to help them define what those new job titles should look like without knowing which one we will end up in, so it felt a lot like some really pointless discussion since we didn’t have any leadership of what they expected for those roles. Instead they were thinking they were being inclusive by letting us aimlessly describe the roles we *might* end up with. Also they’re adding a new layer of middle management. I already barely need a manager as it is, now there will be more management above me.
They also didn’t give us salary details until the last minute. I had some interest in a newer division, but after i listed it as my top interest i learned that the top of that salary band was 8k less than my current salary. I was offered the option to take the role at my current salary, but there would be shenanigans with my retirement contribution and offer no room for growth. So i ended up taking the option closest to my current role because it offered the most headroom for salary expansion.
When we had a large meeting with my boss’ boss to ask questions about the re-org, I asked directly what value more middle management offers. They basically said that it’s to allow more career growth…
Anyway, the point of this post is that the re-org driving me crazy has led me to submit applications for jobs like crazy. TBH, I have been doing it lazily; I refuse to submit cover letters and I haven’t actually adjusted my resume since September. My resume is also lacking the bullshit that is typically expected. I just describe my roles and history in plain language without exaggerating.
So i applied to several that require salaries. But my base salary isn’t anywhere near my total compensation value, so what do i put in there? I’ve been putting my total comp value plus ~15%. I mostly hear crickets, but I heard back from one with a rejection saying “your salary expectations far exceed our range”… well then fuckin tell me your range and let’s negotiate! Since I think I’m actually a slam dunk for this role, I responded and reapplied with a more descriptive base + benefits expectation and haven’t heard back. Wouldn’t surprise me if I’ve been blacklisted. This shit is insane and has to stop.
Another one I saw on linkedin explicitly excluded applicants from states that have salary transparency laws. Again it’s something I’m a slam dunk for, but there’s no way I’m applying to a place that is up front showing that they’re looking to fuck you over on salary negotiations. I’m fine sticking where I’m at, but it seems we’re doomed to bullshit inside and out.