🚀Appraisal season is gonna start!

It's like going back to COVID days. We got email that due to current situation there will not be any increment this year. What about your company? How is the situation?

Hello all! I am working as HR Head in a growth stage startup in Bangalore. So many people here talk about compensation, culture, growth etc. Happy to answer questions related to HR/Culture/Startups.

I work in a fintech company. Revenue and growth wise we are good, we just got acquired by a large internet platform too. Also, last year has been a tremendous learning for me as well. I like being PM but looking to move out of my current industry (lending) as I want to explore other domains and I feel like my CTC here is somewhat low (18.5 + 1.5 bonus) considering my experience (around 4.5 years). My boss said that I will get ESOPS (around 10 lacs) which I can liquidate around 50% this year. Should I wait for my appraisal to complete (will happen around April) and look to switch or should I start preparing for interviews now itself?

I am currently working in a Series A funded startup based out of Blr, and we are hopeful to raise another round in a few months (let’s assume this is certain for the sake of discussion). I’m thinking b/w between deciding to stick here for 4-5 years min, and pursuing MBA (aiming for abroad ideally) I am a growth manager right now, with 4 years experience in total, w/ 1.5yr at my present company. I get along with my team very well, think my manager is a great mentor for me right now and really love the product we are building. The growth prospects of the company are pretty good as well and we are very (cautiously) optimistic about raising Series B in this funding winter. My main dilemma comes when I think of money that I can probably earn here or elsewhere if I pursue education further. No matter where I work I’d rather do it for the stock options and give myself a chance at an early age to get to a good financial state asap. At the same time, despite the upfront costs that an MBA brings, there’s sureshot way that I’ll get to a higher pay whereas relying on a Startup’s ESOPs is riskier comparatively. I’ll be walking into my appraisal call in a couple of weeks. I’m paid 20L fixed + 10L ESOPs right now. I studied at a tier 1 institute, not that it matters, but compensation wise I want to be matched to my peers. Is it sensible for me to ask for a marginal fixed comp hike and ESOPs of 30L-40L (is this the right amount to ask for the risk I’m taking) in the hopes of getting wealth - Is this significant enough for me to ditch my other options (or companies)? Or should I stick to standard hikes and pursue an MBA?

With the ongoing appraisal season what kind of hikes are you guys are anticipating / getting?

I’m a software engineer at a mid size company. I have 1y3mo of work ex. Appraisals are around the corner, and although the work is great, the pay not so much. I earn less than 10LPA. How much of a hike should I deserve in this market assuming I have done a good job.

I will go first - It’s hectic as hell, but if you are passionate about the problem that specific startup is solving- it is really rewarding and exciting. But that’s just my opinion not everyone feels the same way about crazy work schedules and WLB which early stage startups tend to have . Please share your thoughts and experiences!

I'm part of a sales team at a Series A startup that recently secured new funding. I have made a vital contribution to the revenue created. Aiming for a 30% hike (on the fixed) in the upcoming appraisal – any tips on how to approach it?