I disagree with this post for the reasons Stefan’s outlined. To provide a specific example, I know people in EA who provide financially for their children; for their spouse (in one case, their spouse has a disability, in another their spouse can’t work for visa reasons); and/or for their ageing parents. Regardless of how mission aligned they are, people with financial responsibilities can’t always afford to take a pay cut.
Thanks for raising this and I totally agree with your point. I think I could have been clearer in two aspects of this:
Exceptions obviously apply. I’m not advocating for everyone getting paid a uniform amount or it being decided independent of personal circumstances. If people have circumstances or dependents which means they need additional income, they should obviously get it. So even with ‘moderate’ salaries at EA orgs I spoke about, I think both of the examples you should still get paid what they need.
Additionally I’m not talking about paying everyone “low” salaries, but rather “moderate” instead of potentially “high” in the future. I think I could have been more explicit but I’m talking about concerns with more orgs paying $150,000+ salaries, not paying people $80,000 or so. Obviously exceptions apply like I mentioned above but it should be at least the point where everyone’s (and their families/dependents) material needs can be met.
If people have circumstances or dependents which means they need additional income, they should obviously get it.
FYI: this is generally not legal. Organizations (at least in the US, and I’m pretty sure in Europe) are not supposed to consider these aspects of employees’ personal lives when deciding how much to pay.
I disagree with this post for the reasons Stefan’s outlined. To provide a specific example, I know people in EA who provide financially for their children; for their spouse (in one case, their spouse has a disability, in another their spouse can’t work for visa reasons); and/or for their ageing parents. Regardless of how mission aligned they are, people with financial responsibilities can’t always afford to take a pay cut.
Thanks for raising this and I totally agree with your point. I think I could have been clearer in two aspects of this:
Exceptions obviously apply. I’m not advocating for everyone getting paid a uniform amount or it being decided independent of personal circumstances. If people have circumstances or dependents which means they need additional income, they should obviously get it. So even with ‘moderate’ salaries at EA orgs I spoke about, I think both of the examples you should still get paid what they need.
Additionally I’m not talking about paying everyone “low” salaries, but rather “moderate” instead of potentially “high” in the future. I think I could have been more explicit but I’m talking about concerns with more orgs paying $150,000+ salaries, not paying people $80,000 or so. Obviously exceptions apply like I mentioned above but it should be at least the point where everyone’s (and their families/dependents) material needs can be met.
FYI: this is generally not legal. Organizations (at least in the US, and I’m pretty sure in Europe) are not supposed to consider these aspects of employees’ personal lives when deciding how much to pay.