so I moved from the Bay Area to Austin last year. same job, same output, same hours, same everything. the only thing that changed was my zip code
about 3 weeks after I updated my address with HR I got a meeting invite from my manager and an HR rep. no agenda, just "quick sync." that's never good
they told me they were adjusting my compensation to "reflect the cost of living in my new location." the adjustment was -$18,000. from $92K to $74K. for doing the exact same work
I asked if my performance had changed. no. if my responsibilities changed. no. if the value of my work to the company changed. no. just "our compensation philosophy is market-based by location"
I didn't freak out in the meeting. went home, spent the weekend pulling data. glassdoor, levels .fyi, linkedin salary insights for my role in Austin. the market rate was $85-95K. they were trying to lowball me below Austin market while calling it a "cost of living adjustment"
came back monday with a one-pager. three data points: my performance review (exceeds expectations), market rate for my role in Austin, and the company's own job listings for similar roles posted at $88-96K in Texas
HR went quiet for a week. then came back and said they'd keep me at $89K. not my original $92K but a hell of a lot better than $74K
the whole thing left a bad taste though. the fact that they immediately tried to claw back money the second I wasn't in an expensive city. like my work was worth less because my rent went down
still here for now but I'm not naive about how they see me anymore