What to say when recruiters ask you to name the first number
I cringed reading this article. It is so much in the bubble of Silicon Valley startup culture it’s ridiculous.<p>Most developers don’t work for startups or one of the FAANG companies. Most will be working standard corporate jobs where you get a salary, paid time off,  maybe a bonus, and somewhat likely a 401K match. That’s it. No great equity stake, nothing.<p>Depending on your market, it’s quite easy with the right networking, research, and talking to enough recruiters, you can find what your market range is.<p>Statistically, you’re probably not a special snowflake. Everyone thinks that they are and deserve way above what the local market is paying. You probably don’t.<p>The only time that I’ve been “underpaid” was when I either stayed at a company too long, or purposely made less than I could because I was learning a new technology or otherwise building my resume.<p>It’s not that difficult. Work with local recruiters, tell them what your minimum well researched jump number is and make sure you are keeping your skillset in line with the market. If I’m off by a few thousand, so be it. I’ll become aware of it in two or three years when I’m looking again.<p>But from looking at salary surveys, talking to friends in the industry, and talking to recruiters, I don’t think I am.<p>Yes I could make more if I wanted to be a manager (no desire) or a consultant (don’t want the travel or the stress right now).