Here are the main ideas.
- Switch companies, but not too often;
- Don't quit your job before you have a new one;
- Interview with at least two companies when moving;
- Be good at your job, and get results;
- Network;
- Be willing to relocate.
The citation is an answer about the question (as the title shows) on Quora. I see it also useful for other areas.
For my purposes, I'll assume your question is "What is the best career advice for a software developer to earn higher total compensation?"
Here's a few things I think are important.
- **Switch companies, but not too often. **Try to move after getting a promotion or finishing a project. It shows you complete things, and you get rewarded for your efforts. But you do need to switch companies to maximize compensation. Otherwise you're paid what it takes to keep you, not what it would take to acquire you (which is generally higher).
- **Don't quit your job before you have a new one. **Your existing position and compensation let you negotiate from a position of strength, and look more desirable in a candidate.
- **Interview with at least two companies when moving. **Ideally you want offers from both companies, and for each to be aware you're interviewing elsewhere. You'll get a better initial offer, and they'll be more willing to negotiate.
- **Be good at your job, and get results. **You want people to know you as 'that guy who always makes progress and gets things done.' That's the sort of person who gets recommended when someone who knows you moves and is asked "who else should we be recruiting?"
- **Network. **Networking gets you presented with opportunities you wouldn't have otherwise. It won't usually get you a job you don't deserve, but it WILL move you to the front of the line for being evaluated. You don't have to be a social butterfly, just take the time to get to know the people you work with, be helpful, and learn about what they're doing - which are all good things to do anyways.
- Be willing to relocate. If you want to follow the almighty dollar, you may need to do some moving around for the best opportunity in each case.
Don't forget to enjoy your career and your life while you're doing this.
Written by John L. Miller
Dec 29.
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