A colleague brought up our pay rates during a team lunch last month at the downtown office. He mentioned how salaries for Senior Software Engineers in Seattle are soaring, while our offers just don't compare. He even referenced a few job listings from local companies that were paying significantly more for similar roles. The conversation shifted to how it impacts morale, especially with new hires getting better offers elsewhere. I found myself nodding along, realizing how often we're told to focus on non-monetary benefits. But when a solid offer comes through, it's hard to ignore the numbers. The disconnect felt palpable. I left the lunch thinking about my own options and whether I was undervalued. Here we are, working for U, but feeling the pinch at every turn.