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Ask HN: I don't need a big salary, how to avoid being deemed as lower quality?

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Ask HN: I don't need a big salary, how to avoid being deemed as lower quality?

#1

Post by _2yrb »

I'm a Java dev / Linux sysadmin (actually a generalist, but that's where most of my experience is) working remotely from Romania.

If I go over $55k a year I get switched to another income tax bracket, which I wouldn't mind if it didn't come with a lot more paperwork and headaches (bureaucracy is better now around here, but it still has some catching up to do on the freelancer/self employed side) -- and I don't want that.

The problem is when I mention this salary upfront, I'm (mentally) assigned a lower value/quality when the client/employer is from an area when ever juniors make almost double that.

Now I'm no rockstar dev or 10x'er, but I do deliver.

How can I avoid this pitfall?

Re: Ask HN: I don't need a big salary, how to avoid being deemed as lower quality?

#2

Post by new_hackers »

Ask for other compensation rather than money.

For example, ask for a 4 day work week, or 2 months paid leave, or possibly other perks that are important to you?

You could also ask that the company make a donation on your behalf to another cause.

The nice part is that you can look passionate, important, and pragmatic all at the same time.

For example, say "I deeply care about free and open source software. As part of my compensation package, I expect your XYZ company to donate $$$ to MyCause."

Re: Ask HN: I don't need a big salary, how to avoid being deemed as lower quality?

#4

Post by new_hackers »

moondev wrote: post #3

Easy. Refuse to mention your current or desired salary. It's not required that you do. Insist that they give a number first. Not only will you get more money, but you will not be seen as cheap. Win Win.

I think the OP specifically doesn't want more money? (I read the intent as staying below the $55K line)

Re: Ask HN: I don't need a big salary, how to avoid being deemed as lower quality?

#5

Post by _2yrb »

new_hackers wrote: post #4
moondev wrote: post #3

Easy. Refuse to mention your current or desired salary. It's not required that you do. Insist that they give a number first. Not only will you get more money, but you will not be seen as cheap. Win Win.

I think the OP specifically doesn't want more money? (I read the intent as staying below the $55K line)

That is correct, I edited my post for better clarity.

Re: Ask HN: I don't need a big salary, how to avoid being deemed as lower quality?

#6

Post by moondev »

new_hackers wrote: post #4
moondev wrote: post #3

Easy. Refuse to mention your current or desired salary. It's not required that you do. Insist that they give a number first. Not only will you get more money, but you will not be seen as cheap. Win Win.

I think the OP specifically doesn't want more money? (I read the intent as staying below the $55K line)

If he wants to sacrifice thousands of dollars due to the burden of paperwork, i'm sure he could then tell them after the offer that he wants 55k instead of 80k and they would be just fine with it.

Re: Ask HN: I don't need a big salary, how to avoid being deemed as lower quality?

#7

Post by _2yrb »

new_hackers wrote: post #2

Ask for other compensation rather than money. For example, ask for a 4 day work week, or 2 months paid leave, or possibly other perks that are important to you? You could also ask that the company make a donation on your behalf to another cause. The nice part is that you can look passionate, important, and pragmatic all at the same time. For example, say "I deeply care about free and open source software. As part of…

It's a good idea, if the salary talk is after I've had a chance to prove I have value.

But a lot of times there's actually a specific field in the application form with "expected compensation".

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