I started in Investment banking tech for $50k/year + benefits, ultimately adding $20k bonus after 6 months. By year 4, my total comp rose to $125k + benefits. Currently, looking for a substantial increase of 50% or more. I have experience in C++, C#, Java, Python, SQL and lots of out vendor software systems with actue knowledge in front to back financial derivative trading. Mind you, this all transpired from a couple years before the recession until recently.
I am somewhat of a specialist now, but didnt start off that way. Truth is working harder and often smarter than the rest got me half. way here - the other half came from standing up for myself and taking a leap of faith here and there. But at 4 yrs, you've got bargaining power on your side so if I can suggest anything, generally getting more base salary is better than bonus (with some very notable exceptions - ie. Startup stock options) simply for the time value of money and more peace of mind. But more importantly, always work as if you're being paid more than you deserve - its your own blood, sweat and tears that will actually bring what you deserve
We stand on a mountain pass in the midst of whirling snow and blinding mist, through which we get glimpses now and then of paths which may be deceptive. If we stand still we shall be frozen to death. If we take the wrong road we shall be dashed to pieces. We do not certainly know whether there is any right one. What must we do? 'Be strong and of a good courage.' Act for the best, hope for the best, and take what comes. ... If death ends all, we cannot meet death better."
- James Fitzjames Stephen
“I started my life with a single absolute: that the world was mine to shape in the image of my highest values and never to be given up to a lesser standard, no matter how long or hard the struggle."
- Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged
"Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt."
- Shakespeare
"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear"
- Mark Twain
"The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty"
- Winston Churchill
"Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none."
- William Shakespeare
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
6+ experience financial software development (derivatives): 125k salary + variable bonus (20-50% of base) + benefits (dental/health/vision/insurance/various discounts).
BS in Computer Information Science from City College (2 yrs at Ivy League prior)
Currently employed in finance as Senior Lead Developer + Manager in top 10 firm. Averaging 65hrs a week (no overtime) but have gone as high as 110hrs avg for a few months straight.
It was incredibly difficult to get where I am the way I went about it but not impossible. Get in the door, develop relationships with senior developers who will teach you more than any book or class, work the hardest and become the "best in class" and you will be rewarded handsomely. Took 200 resume sub missions, 50 call backs, 15 in person interviews (avg 8hrs per) before I got my foot in the door as a junior developer analyst for 50k + benefits in an excellent economy. Only the relentlessly tenacious who are willing to adapt will survive.
I am somewhat of a specialist now, but didnt start off that way. Truth is working harder and often smarter than the rest got me half. way here - the other half came from standing up for myself and taking a leap of faith here and there. But at 4 yrs, you've got bargaining power on your side so if I can suggest anything, generally getting more base salary is better than bonus (with some very notable exceptions - ie. Startup stock options) simply for the time value of money and more peace of mind. But more importantly, always work as if you're being paid more than you deserve - its your own blood, sweat and tears that will actually bring what you deserve