My 12k Pay Rise Feels Like a Dream. I finally feel like I have a career in tech

Could you tell me a bit about your previous job? What wasn’t great about it and what were you paid?

At first, I was really glad to have my previous job because it was close to home and a step into a tech role when that wasn't my background. I started on £30k which rose to £33k in the 3 years I was there (plus annual bonuses). During this time I moved up from an associate level, but something that frustrated me was that I was doing exactly the same work under both titles. I was living comfortably on that salary but was definitely underpaid for the importance of the role to the company.

During the beginning of the pandemic, my job offered some stability and my industry wasn't badly affected, but over time the different environment of WFH made me realise how soul-destroying the job actually felt given how poor the company culture was (presenteeism and American work culture). My team and colleagues were great but the great resignation felt like being on a sinking ship and even the tech side of things seemed to be breaking. There was a lack of investment in my team which meant that we were at complete capacity with no opportunities for training or personal development.

Tell me a bit about your imposter syndrome. How did that manifest?

I was new to the industry and the first woman working in that role and even the wider tech team, so I felt like an outsider at first. That was something I quickly got over though and I really enjoyed all my time spent with the older guys! Any time I did brush up against any assumption that a man might know more than me it is would be from people who had no idea what they were talking about in the technical space.

The role involved me becoming an expert in the company's systems which is what eventually led to me feeling trapped in that role, as I didn't think my expertise could be transferred elsewhere. Alongside a lack of any training opportunities or career support from my manager, I couldn't see a clear path for myself in tech and wasn't sure what to do next. The job was okay but I wanted a career... however, I didn't know how to get there. I did try to teach myself skills in my own time but that's easier said than done when you're tired from work!

What was the job hunt like and at what point did you decide to take a pay cut?

I had an idea about a type of role that might suit me as it combined technical knowledge and "soft" skills and existed in many companies (opposed to my role that was specific to that company). I took care submitting applications in that space and kept getting to the interview stage but not being the preferred candidate. Honestly, this rejection was really frustrating and made me feel more trapped where I was. I was putting a lot of effort into an employee's job market so I felt like my skills weren't enough. During this time my boyfriend was an absolute saint and I also had loads of support from a friend working in the industry.

At that point, I decided I might need to reassess my strategy if I really did want a career. I wanted to pursue a career in tech because it's a future proof industry with well-paid positions but I realised I might need to upskill. Being realistic I knew I wasn't going to be swotting up after work (tired, more to life than work etc.) so started to consider going for entry-level training roles where I would take a pay cut (I was thinking around £25k+) but would give me the real scope for long term development.

How did you find your current employer and land the pay rise!?

Honestly, it feels like I found my current job completely by luck. The company had posted a few training/associate positions for very tech-based roles which I was drawn to at first especially because the salary was similar to what I was already on. Then I saw the ad for what is now my current position which was more suited to my wider soft skillset and offering £40-45k! I was thrown off by the salary at first but the language of the ad was very encouraging and offered a full training programme.

The interview was challenging but I was very encouraged by the approachability of my now-manager and put loads of effort into the task. I felt that if I didn't put everything into it I would be filled with regret if I didn't get it, but this way I could satisfy myself that I had really tried. When HR called me to offer the job I was a bit stunned so I don't remember much of the conversation but they offered me the full £45,000! Obviously, I accepted, and the roles are grade based so the pay structure is transparent which I'm really pleased about.

How are you doing now? What’s your employer like?

Being in the new role still feels a bit like a dream because I finally feel like I have a career. There's no doubt I have a lot to learn and it's going to be challenging but having a direction of travel is very motivating. The new company has a great culture and benefits and I'm in a great team.

When it comes to the money I know I've had a big increase but I'm trying not to let lifestyle creep set in as I was living comfortably on my previous wage. 12% is going into my pension (and being matched!) and I'm trying to save as much as possible for a house deposit. I'm feeling thankful that I can manage the rising cost of living and when I do want to spend not feel as guilty as before.

I'm still in quite a male-dominated environment but everyone is lovely and the company is generally making an effort and is quite diverse compared with others. I think if you want to work in tech as a woman you need to get used to working with a lot of men and try not to let it overwhelm you. They don't bite, a bit like spiders they're probably more scared of you than you are of them!