If you missed the call or just want a no-BS summary, this is for you.
1. Intros were honest, not polished
Everyone shared a bit of their background.
From ex-iOS devs to data analysts who swapped SQL for Python.
Nobody had it all figured out.
But everyone showed up ready to grow.
2. Filipe asked the question everyone’s afraid to say out loud
“I’m doing team lead work, but I don’t have the title. Or the pay.”
We dug into it for a while.
Key takeaways:
Prove it before they promote you: but only a little. Once you're doing 60% of the job, you're ready.
Demand written criteria: ask for a job leveling matrix.
Keep a brag doc: track impact weekly, not just at performance review time.
Push for deadlines: if they keep delaying, ask when the next promotion cycle is and hold them to it.
Also: budget excuses?
BS. If they want to keep you, they’ll find the money.
3. Scott wasn’t there, but we all learned from his win
He fixed a broken pipeline that had been failing for 10 years.
TEN. YEARS.
Advice for him (and anyone in a similar spot):
Strike while the win is fresh. Don’t wait six months to make your case.
Quantify the business pain you eliminated: lost hours, wrong reports, revenue impact.
Get someone to vouch for you in writing: a Slack message from a data lead goes a long way.
Frame the ask as a win for the company, not just for you.
4. Switching to data engineering is hard: but here’s what helps
We talked about transitioning roles mid-career.
Tips:
Start doing the work before you get the title
Ask for a soft transition: 2 days analyst, 3 days engineer
Frame it as cost-saving: training someone new takes 6–12 months
Have real convos, not slide decks: talk to decision makers 1:1
5. Talking about money is awkward, but necessary
Radoslav brought up another big one:
“I’m doing mid-level work, but getting paid like a junior.”
We talked about when and how to raise the topic.
The takeaway: start the conversation early. Don’t wait for the review cycle.
Bring it up 3–6 months in advance. Keep it practical. Track your wins. Push gently, but consistently.
Also: never say “I’ll stay no matter what.” It weakens your position.
6. Everyone agreed: switching companies usually pays more
But if you like your job, staying is fine as long as you speak up.
Sometimes, all it takes is a recruiter email to get a 40% raise.
Sometimes… you just get ignored until you quit.
Don’t wait until you’re pissed to have the conversation.
7. Nobody’s going to advocate for you unless you do it first
Biggest shared lesson of the call?
If you don’t track your impact, push for clarity, and make the case. Nobody else will.
So:
Know your value.
Speak up early.
And don’t wait for “next time.”
Until next time,
Yordan
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