Soft Skills Engineering Episode 500: Am I the only one not getting raises and firing my whole team
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Feb 16, 2026 They tackle stagnant raises, inflation eating away at merit increases, and unclear promotion paths. They dig into why hiring slowed and why candidate quality can be poor. Practical ideas on how to level up without announcing a job search are discussed. Strategies for improving underperforming teams, from coaching to selective changes, are explored.
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Salary Growth Has Plateaued
- Developer salary growth has slowed and merit raises often don't cover inflation in the current cycle.
- Companies may withhold raises because the market has shifted and hiring dynamics favor employers.
The Hiring Boom Ended Abruptly
- The market swung from hypergrowth to contraction around late 2022 and 2023.
- Employers now face longer hires and less pressure to pay premium salaries.
Ask To Be Positioned For Promotion
- Tell your manager you want to "level up" and prepare for promotion when roles open.
- Ask for a concrete plan to build promotable skills without revealing a job search.