Episode 461: How to do side projects with a family and demanding job and my company promised me a raise, but didn't give it | Soft Skills Engineering | Podwise
This episode explores the challenges of balancing work, family, and personal projects, and navigating compensation issues in large tech companies. The hosts address a listener's dilemma about finding time for an AI side project amidst a demanding FAANG job and family responsibilities, suggesting strategies like time tracking to reallocate focus and leveraging financial resources to outsource tasks. Against the backdrop of work-life balance, the discussion shifts to the importance of spousal communication and setting realistic expectations. As the discussion pivots to compensation, the hosts analyze a listener's frustration over a delayed and ultimately nonexistent raise following a promotion. They emphasize the asymmetry between employer and employee perspectives on finances, advising the listener to communicate their disappointment and explore other job opportunities while being realistic about the current job market. More significantly, the hosts delve into the nuances of promises made versus promises kept, particularly in large versus small companies, and the potential impact of expressing dissatisfaction to company leadership. The episode concludes with practical advice on how to approach the situation, balancing the need to advocate for oneself with the risks of damaging workplace relationships.
