I recently received a job offer from a tech company that seems excellent, but something makes me uneasy.

29 Comments

1. Crystal HowellJuly 15,2022 at 12:35PM UTC

   Take the money, they know your worth. You just need to catch up. You are Awesome at what you do, and they have the funds to reward you! If it's too good to be true, once you are in look for something else. Keep living on your current income and save the rest, payoff debt quickly. Don't make big purchases, live humbly. Enjoy the bonus! You are

   Worth It!

2. AnonymousJuly 15,2022 at 12:40PM UTC

   You are worth it or they wouldn't be offering. I have had the same doubts at times but do you know that "other colleague" who got such a great deal? Be that person.

3. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdJuly 15,2022 at 12:54PM UTC

   I don't blame you whatsoever for being skittish at that large of a jump in salary!

   I can't envision a company offering this pay if they didn't believe in you. My only concern is with tech in general - as it seems to rise and fall on an ongoing basis.

   If you don't accept for whatever reason, I hope you at least recognize that you do hold value - and highly paid at that!

4. AnonymousJuly 15,2022 at 1:32PM UTC

   I had a similar experience. An offer over $25,000 more than I make now and yes it makes me uneasy too. I don't know why. Makes me wonder what they heck do they want me to do. but maybe you're right that its all in our head that we don't deserve that much.

5. Sarah HernandezJuly 15,2022 at 1:51PM UTC

   As long as you don't notice any red flags at the company, ie: their reputation in the news, ESG, business performance, I think you should be good.

6. Vicki LandersJuly 15,2022 at 1:52PM UTC

   Sit with that emotion for a little bit.

   Take a look at the root cause of the thoughts

   Are they internal to you, ie you don't think you have that value/imposter syndrome

   Or are they external to you ie you don't think the company can afford it, they are going to ask you to do more than they are telling you, the job is all consuming and not really doable etc).

   If it is internal - get a coach to help you work through those blocks.

   If its external - ask more questions and do some more industry research.

   Best of luck and congrats on having the opportunity to walk through this challenge!

7. Stephanie KellyJuly 15,2022 at 2:00PM UTC

   If you take this job and show up on your first day with even an inkling of the thought "I don't deserve that much money", how do you think that might impact your confidence, presence, conviction, etc.? Chances are, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy where you consciously or subconsciously work to prove yourself right.

   So before taking this job, consider doing some thought-work on the matter -- maybe make a list of 25 reasons why you DO deserve that money to prove to your brain that the original thought is actually incorrect. We often accept our thoughts as FACTS, when in fact, they are simply just notions that pass through our brains. When we believe our thoughts are true, most of the time, they're leading to an unproductive and disempowering place. But the second we start to question... is that even true?? we can find freedom and power.

   Also, another question to consider... who would you be without the thought "I don't deserve that much money?" and what new thought could you replace it with that feels more empowering to you? (e.g. Finally! Someone willing to pay me what I'm worth. or... This is only the beginning... I've got so much more value to create and money to make.)

8. AnonymousJuly 15,2022 at 2:56PM UTC

   If a tech environment is new to you, then I can see how this is a surprise. But often, it is a tradeoff between a fast pace industry and being able to pivot and flow. When do you feel uneasy about the position? Do you vibe with your potential teammates and manager? if you feel uneasy about the work environment ask to meet with another person on the team. If it is true that you believe you do not deserve the salary, think of 3 ways you will make an impact on the company based on your interview and job description. Think of 3 benefits to your career that you will gain from the position. The company would not hire you if you were not qualified for the position.

9. Julie HumbirdJuly 15,2022 at 3:32PM UTC

   This was me in 2020. I've doubled my salary/bonuses/benefits. Congrats!

10. AnonymousJuly 15,2022 at 3:32PM UTC

    I would connect with folks that either currently or recently worked there to get their thoughts.

    Double your salary is great and very well could be the going market value fir the role.

11. AnonymousJuly 15,2022 at 10:22PM UTC

    Thank you, everyone. I'm taking the offer. My doubts are due to imposter syndrome, so I'll work on that. I really appreciate the great advice!

12. AnonymousJuly 15,2022 at 10:58PM UTC

    Take that energy and channel it into something useful. Reach out to find a peer sponsor to learn as much about the role as possible. Request to do a shadow day or two to get a feel before you start. Reach out the the hiring mgr to ask for tips ion ways to prepare. Before you start. It’s ok to feel anxiety for starting anything new. But the sooner you do something productive about it the sooner it sfops overpowering your thoughts.

13. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 16,2022 at 5:16PM UTC

    CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST OF LUCK ON YOUR BIG NEW ADVENTURE! You've got this!!!

14. Michelle S.July 18,2022 at 1:28PM UTC

    Congrats!!! ? Amazing accomplishment! :)

15. Krystin MorganJuly 18,2022 at 4:16PM UTC

    Congratulations!!

16. Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachJuly 19,2022 at 12:05PM UTC

    Congrats !

    Imposter syndrome can be so debilitating but you've already taken the leap by accepting the job.. congrats ! Enjoy that fat paycheck, you deserve it !

    Since you said you want to start working on imposter syndrome, here's what I would offer you : Get really good at focusing on the VALUE that you bring to the company. Sell yourself on YOU consistently so you can show up as someone with the energy that deserves to be there and is ready to deliver tons of value and be an asset to the company.

    If you want more support, join my group on here called Ask-A-Coach : Imposter Syndrome or schedule a time with me for a free consult call. If you want to work together, I help clients with imposter syndrome in a 3 month coaching program where we focus on mindset but also getting you really good at acknowledging and positioning your accomplishments with value so you can show up at the next level as a top performer and earner. https://maeganmillercoaching.as.me/consultcall

    CONGRATS AGAIN!!

17. AnonymousJuly 16,2022 at 6:41PM UTC

    Have you researched the salary range in your area for this role?

    No problem at being paid at the top of the range.

    If the company is truly overpaying for this role, see if you can research the company’s financial solvency before accepting. In addition, see if you can research the company’s culture and reputation with others in your field.

    If everything checks out, go for it!

18. Michelle S.July 18,2022 at 1:27PM UTC

    Hi! Imposter syndrome is real. But the truth is, just like goods and services are worth whatever someone is willing to pay for them, it’s the same for employees. Do your due diligence. Look at glassdoor and Google and run searches and look at everything you can about the company.

    You have to follow your gut. But if it genuinely is that you feel as though you don’t deserve it, which it sounds like it is, then sit down and think about all the things that you are great at in your job.

    To make money like that, to even be offered, you must bring in some great ROI! You have to see what they see! Good luck to you!

    (And congrats on the offer. I’m sure that is scary because it comes with a lot of pressure and there is a requirement of success. But think about the kind of life you want to have and where this position could take you.)

    I’m a firm believer that it doesn’t matter what your technical skills are, if you have the soft skills it takes to get in and learn and succeed- to do the job well, then do it. I’ve seen 100% salary increases in the last year and everyone I know that jumped, at least in most cases, are still there and happy.

19. AnonymousJuly 18,2022 at 2:26PM UTC

    If you don’t think you’re deserving of the money DM me and you can send me the amount you don’t think you deserve! Lol

    Yes, even if you may actually may be a mediocre worker you still deserve it. You may have just lucked into a supply and demand situation.

    However if you’re the kind who needs something to worry about did you know that Netflix is known for paying way above market rate? We’re talking $85K for coordinator positions. And now they’re in trouble and laying off people.

    Seriously take a deep breath and make rezzies at the most expensive place in town to celebrate your new job - and inform them that they are meeting a new regular

20. Michele SinclairJuly 18,2022 at 3:37PM UTC

    Have you checked out Glassdoor.com yet? Your answer may be there ... Good Luck!

21. Liz MilneJuly 18,2022 at 4:54PM UTC

    You can always ask them?

22. Sarah LarsonJuly 18,2022 at 7:48PM UTC

    My first thought is, have you been with your current company longer than a few months? If so, I wonder if this is moreso you leaving you current employer than uneasiness about the new employer. Leaving a job is hard for anyone, regardless of how you're treated etc. because change -to our body and brain- is associated with loss. Therefore, it may be something aligned to this change rather than directly related to a gut feeling about an employer.

    You're leaving your comfort zone and have been offered (likely) faster growth potential. When you leave your comfort zone, it's scary - there is fear, it sets in pretty readily. However, you'll become a better person as a whole by adopting this change. Mike Pollen goes into this in one of his books and the Diary of a CEO podcast with Steve Bartlett:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o343YfhaYU

    Maybe have a listen (I know the main premise is psychadellics but his books and his personal experience / discoveries are aligned to your question).

    Regardless, whatever decision you make is the right decision. Do what is best for you. YOU GOT THIS!

23. KimmieJuly 18,2022 at 8:08PM UTC

    Girl, welcome to tech. It’s nice right. Wait until those RSUs kick in! It’s certainly a departure from other industries but you have to embrace it. You wouldn’t have received the offer if you weren’t completely qualified and able.

    My only advice is to be conservative in the first few months of your job. Many tech companies are in a hiring freeze; rescinding offers or handing out layoffs. And last in is typically the first to go so just be cognizant of that and ensure you have a backup plan.

24. Julie EJuly 19,2022 at 12:01AM UTC

    I wish I had your problem. Every position I apply and interview for is getting cancelled lately. I'm beyond frustrated.

25. AnonymousJuly 19,2022 at 12:26AM UTC

    I would check to ensure the offer is REAL. I had an offer from a company that turned out to be a scam - they sent me all the new hire paperwork in an attempt to get my SSN & banking info!! So, as long as you're sure it's really THEM (the company) then just count your blessings.

26. AnonymousJuly 21,2022 at 7:41PM UTC

    It's real enough that they sent me a new MacBook Pro!

27. misskelleypJuly 21,2022 at 10:45PM UTC

    That's probably real then!!

28. AnonymousJuly 21,2022 at 1:12AM UTC

    I recently went through this same mental anxiety. I knew going in that the pay would be substantially more working for a tech company but upon receiving the offer I felt very uneasy.

    I literally tried to talk myself out of taking the job and found every reason to stay put. Change is good and sooooooo necessary for growth. You are beyond deserving and you will be just fine. You are not alone in your thoughts or feelings, and this is “pushing past your comfort zone”!

    Welcome to tech, I think we’re going to enjoy it here ?

29. Celena BartonAugust 7,2022 at 7:41PM UTC

    The tech industry is experiencing mind blowing attrition so they are making amazing offers to new hires.