Ask HN: Moving from Senior Manager to Remote IC
Due to some health issues of my spouse, we have decided to move from the Bay Area back to the Chicago suburbs to be closer to extended family. I work at a FANG company which occasionally allows IC equivalent of manager and above to work remotely if there extenutating circumstances. I am considering talking with my director or VP about transitioning back to an individual contributor role, as it would be great to keep a high salary in a lower cost of living area, and not have to start my domain knowledge and relationships over again at another company. I'm assuming this would more or less kill my upward progression within this company which I'm not overly worried about, I am just not sure if the logistics makes sense, or if this is something typically tried and done successfully. I would be interested to know if anyone else has tried this and whether or not they've been successful
6 comments
[ 2.2 ms ] story [ 29.5 ms ] threadManagers are not IC's.
"keep a high salary in a lower cost of living area"
Most companies will offer you a lower salary, especially if you tell them that it's a lower cost area.
Sounds like you need to find out the specifics of your company. I can't see how general advice will help you.
It is generally accepted on HN that the easiest tactic to get remote work is to start on-premise and move later though. So your plan makes sense, generally speaking.
The possibility of quitting if you already have extensive relations with the company is unlikely to be appealing.
Good talent is global nowadays and the arguments about cost of living are pretty much worthless if you've demonstrated sufficient value.
In the very worst of cases, OP should negotiate increased vacation time if you're going to accept a lower salary, given that it may align with OPs personal interests in this case.