Navigating a Career Move After Marriage: Is a 50% Salary Hike Realistic in North India?

Dear Seniors,

I have over 2 years of experience as an HR generalist. I recently got married and need to relocate from my hometown to North India as my wife works there and is very attached to her company and does not want to move. Unfortunately, my current salary is quite low, and some companies are only offering a 20-25% salary increase. This hike won't be enough for me to sustain myself. I am facing a significant dilemma and have a few questions.

1. Since I am planning to move to a different state where the cost of living is higher, can I expect a salary increase of at least 50%?
2. How much of a raise can I realistically expect? My current take-home package is 16,000, and I am hoping for at least 30,000.
3. Do you think my request for a higher salary is reasonable?

I am unable to ask my wife to relocate to my hometown as she has a good salary and may not find a similar role there.

I would greatly appreciate your advice on this matter. Thank you for your help.

It is better for both husband and wife to work in the same town. That will give you more satisfaction. Don't compare your salary with your spouse's salary. Job satisfaction is more important than monetary benefit. Once you have good exposure in your vertical, the package may not be a big issue. Until then, you need to manage with whatever salary you are going to get.

Under the current economic situation, if you are getting a 15% hike, it is also a good one. Money or Family... please decide.

Regards,
S. Rajasekaran

You are not in trouble but are actually worried about the new life status and demands, and confused with a 'comparison' that made you upset. One thing you need to remember and understand is your present and total work experience, which gives you value in the market that matters a lot.

I accept there is a difference between the South and North Indian markets, but it is certainly not that you can't get a good job with the best salary package according to your experience and knowledge here.

Secondly, as you have decided to relocate and are also getting up to a 25% hike in your present salary, I believe you must not miss this chance if it is also providing you a good placement (good company) in the industry and chances to learn, which can be a road to success. Without good and required experience in the industry, neither you nor anyone else can expect the remuneration that you are demanding with your present experience.

Lastly, you are educated, professional, and a capable individual. I believe you can understand what I wanted to convey above by 'comparison,' and this is certainly not to make you feel bad but to remind you that you can only expect a hike in your salary according to your experience, skills, and knowledge.

Hope you got the answers to all your questions above.

I totally agree with Mr. Rajshekharan and Mr. Anil. With two years of experience, you are getting a 20 to 25% hike, which is more than good enough. It is even better to stay in your home city if you are expecting just a double hike. You should accept the offers you are receiving from North India. Once you shift there, you can easily explore better options after one year. Since your spouse is also working, I don't think it will be a tough task to survive there.

Cost of Living in North India

As a North Indian, I can say that Delhi and Chandigarh are the costliest cities in the North. In Delhi, if you have your own house/flat, nothing is costly here. So, just come to the North with a 20-25% hike. With the help of your spouse and a bank loan, try to purchase a small flat there. Then, just see the magic. Everything will be on track within 5-6 years.

All the best, friend.

Glad to see a young person who is considerate to his wife. Way to go. I spent most of my working life in North India, and I can confidently say that they appreciate and highly value certain qualities of South Indians. Prove your worth, and you will do very well. I am sure you have heard the proverb about the toad in a well. All the best.