In 2022 at Microsoft I had a 1% merit increase and then in 2023 I got a 0% merit increase. I did however get a larger than normal stock award. In 2024 I was laid off and lost a my stock award from the previous year (I gave up around 50k in unvested stock). Personally I feel that companies holding onto stock, when they lay off their employees, is theft. Working in big tech is not what it used to be.
Hey Diego, I wanted to understand how much % of base salary Microsoft allows to stocks. Specifically, is having base salary = value of stocks vested each year a good number, or this varies at MS?
It changes a lot based on the role, level, and even your offer. I think there are 2 factors to consider when you try to figure out if something is 'good" 1) Are you ok and happy with that number? Especially if it's one of your first offers, you need to know you are happy with what they offer because there's no big lump of stocks that you will get again. At Microsoft, you'll receive a bonus every year, but not going to be the same as when you receive your offer. 2) Did you do research and see what other companies are paying? If so, is your offer competitive? For sure you'll get stocks at Microsoft, but how much depends on your level, role and also negotiation at the beginning. Hope this helps!
Thank you so very much for the video. I came here looking for explanation on stocks as part of compensation and left with much more than what I asked for. A sub and a like for you
Mehn! taxes seems to be everywhere trying to get a piece of your sweat or investment - but it seems these compensation depends on the company to which you are working for and the location
You are absolutely right, Christian! Taxes are very complicated and for a long time it was a puzzle for me trying to figure out how much money I was going to get in the end!
One thing I would add is to weight the cost of living (when comparing offers) and state income tax. 160k total comp might sound really good on paper, but if you are living in Cali, NY, Boston, etc then suddenly a good chunk of your money will go to rent and taxes. So when looking at competing offers this is something to be looked at, all of the sudden a 120k total comp in Texas or Florida can go a much longer way than a 180k comp in Cali.
Thank you for adding this, Alfram! You are absolutely right, the cost of living is definitely something worth considering! I’ve been en North Carolina, Seattle and California and there’s definitely a difference between the three!
Glad to see your channel has grown so much Diego! Keep up the great work.
Thank you so much, Alfram! 😊
Your content and editing seems to have improved significantly since your first video. This is really great to see. Keep up the good work.
In 2022 at Microsoft I had a 1% merit increase and then in 2023 I got a 0% merit increase. I did however get a larger than normal stock award. In 2024 I was laid off and lost a my stock award from the previous year (I gave up around 50k in unvested stock). Personally I feel that companies holding onto stock, when they lay off their employees, is theft.
Working in big tech is not what it used to be.
Hey Diego, I wanted to understand how much % of base salary Microsoft allows to stocks. Specifically, is having base salary = value of stocks vested each year a good number, or this varies at MS?
It changes a lot based on the role, level, and even your offer. I think there are 2 factors to consider when you try to figure out if something is 'good"
1) Are you ok and happy with that number? Especially if it's one of your first offers, you need to know you are happy with what they offer because there's no big lump of stocks that you will get again. At Microsoft, you'll receive a bonus every year, but not going to be the same as when you receive your offer.
2) Did you do research and see what other companies are paying? If so, is your offer competitive?
For sure you'll get stocks at Microsoft, but how much depends on your level, role and also negotiation at the beginning. Hope this helps!
Thank you so very much for the video. I came here looking for explanation on stocks as part of compensation and left with much more than what I asked for.
A sub and a like for you
Mehn! taxes seems to be everywhere trying to get a piece of your sweat or investment - but it seems these compensation depends on the company to which you are working for and the location
You are absolutely right, Christian! Taxes are very complicated and for a long time it was a puzzle for me trying to figure out how much money I was going to get in the end!
Brilliant! Brilliant explaination with such crisp visuals!! This is exactly what I was looking for! Thanks!
Hey Diego does this apply to infrastructure engineer also working on Data Centers with this FAANG/MANGA companies as well?
Your video is rich with information man love it🤝🤝🗿
One thing I would add is to weight the cost of living (when comparing offers) and state income tax. 160k total comp might sound really good on paper, but if you are living in Cali, NY, Boston, etc then suddenly a good chunk of your money will go to rent and taxes. So when looking at competing offers this is something to be looked at, all of the sudden a 120k total comp in Texas or Florida can go a much longer way than a 180k comp in Cali.
Thank you for adding this, Alfram! You are absolutely right, the cost of living is definitely something worth considering! I’ve been en North Carolina, Seattle and California and there’s definitely a difference between the three!