Episode 518: stuck at startup and is my employer mistreating me because I'm on a visa?

Software engineers navigating career stagnation and work-life balance challenges require strategic communication and realistic risk assessment. When facing disappointing salary increases, avoid impulsive resignation; instead, identify the actual decision-makers, align compensation requests with annual planning cycles, and secure alternative offers before signaling an intent to leave. For those on work visas feeling pressured to work weekends, recognize that a five-day work week is a standard professional expectation in most European tech environments. Rather than assuming immigration status necessitates overwork, initiate transparent conversations about performance expectations and boundaries. Prioritize long-term sustainability by validating whether weekend work is a genuine cultural requirement or an avoidable personal sacrifice, ensuring professional growth does not come at the cost of personal well-being or residency stability.