1/25    So my small startup company is asking each one of us to take a
        semi-permanent (i.e. for the next 6 months) salary cut. I know I could
        probably get a job someplace else for more money. Questions:
        1) does http://salary.com still provide a pretty close estimate on 2001/2002
           salary ranges or are they still providing stats from the '98-'99
           golden era? When I looked at them I thought I'm getting screwed...
        2) Would you work for a company that offers $75K/yr for software
           systems architecture work?
        \_ With the recent wave of layoffs, are you sure you can get a job
           someplease else, let alone for more money?
           \_ i don't think this is completely irrational.  the
              biggest cost for any company is by far money
              for salaries.
           \_ Don't know; but I have been looking. My mgmt simply can't be
              trusted and I don't get along with my direct supe. My strategy
              (if I can't find anything now) is to put in my required 8-9 hrs
              a day and keep an eye out for better things. Any noticeable
              flaws in this strategy? -- original poster
              \_ I think no management can be trusted when they're talking
                 about compensation.  They just keep on saying you're already
                 getting top salary at your level of skills.  And they'll cite
                 whatever obsolete salary survey that lists the lowest salary
                 ranges.
              \_ If you want to maintain your current salary level,
                 work less hrs.  i.e., with a 12.5% pay cut, you simply
                 work 7 hrs a day, that basically puts you on the same
                 salary when you used to work 8 hrs a day.  That's what
                 I do.  Just make sure you still complete your work.
                 \_ Yeah but you're still taking home less every check.
        \_ I've yet to see an online survey that even came close to what I've
           made at various places for the last 7+ years.  If you're making the
           http://salary.com figures then I think you're low.  Most of those surveys
           allow people to self describe.  I've seen surveys where "Senior
           Unix Sysadmins" in the U.S. claim to be making $25k.  Not even in
           Alabama.  As for the rest of it, *never* trust management.  Even
           if they didn't want to cut your salary it sounds like a shitty work
           environment anyway.  You should *always* be looking for a new job
           even if your current job seems great.  I think your basic plan is
           fine.  Do the bare minimum required to keep getting a check and
           bug out the moment you get something you'd like.  --been there
        \_ There is more to work than money. Do you like what you are doing?
           Do you enjoy working with your co-workers? Are you learning
           new stuff or do you have more responsibility than you would
           with your experience level at another place? If the answer to
           all these questions is no, then you should definitely be looking
           for another job.
           \_ very obviously, his main interest is to collect pay checks if
              his primary concern is salary.  If a company is in this cutback
              mode, I'd be more concern about the company outlook more than
              bitching over salary cut.