Beyond the number. Compare up to 4 offers — net pay after PAYE, equity valuation, 5-year career projection, relocation break-even, and a counter-offer negotiation script.
Rate each offer on 7 dimensions (1 = poor, 10 = excellent). The culture score is weighted and shown out of 100. Use the slider below to see how much a culture score difference is worth to you in salary.
How much monthly salary is a 10-point culture score improvement worth to you?
Enter the offer you received and the amount you want to counter at. We'll generate a negotiation script and probability assessment.
Choosing between job offers is one of the most consequential financial decisions you'll make. In African job markets — where significant pay comes through allowances, benefits, and equity — comparing on gross salary alone is deeply misleading. Two offers with identical gross salaries can differ by 30–50% in total compensation once you account for housing, transport, health insurance, pension, equity, and commute costs.
Net pay after PAYE and pension deductions is the starting point. Then monetise benefits: employer pension contributions, health insurance (worth ₦30,000–₦100,000/month in Nigeria), housing and transport allowances, and expected bonuses. Subtract commute costs — in Lagos or Nairobi, commuting can cost ₦30,000–₦60,000/month. Finally, look beyond year one: a startup at 60% of a bank salary may be worth more in 5 years through equity upside and salary acceleration.
Not necessarily. Total compensation (salary + benefits + equity - commute costs) is what matters. A lower gross salary with better health insurance, housing, pension, remote flexibility, and equity can be worth significantly more. Also consider the 5-year trajectory — a startup at lower base pay may triple your earnings if it succeeds.
African startup equity carries higher binary risk than Silicon Valley options — most African startups either get acquired or shut down rather than IPO. Use the probability-weighted model: assume ~40% chance of zero, ~35% of a modest $5-10M exit, ~20% of a $50M exit, and ~5% of $100M+. Calculate what your options are worth in each scenario, multiply by the probability, and compare the expected value to a cash signing bonus from an alternative offer.
Use market data, competing offers, or your unique value as justification. Avoid personal reasons ("I need more money"). Frame it as: "Based on market benchmarks for [role] in [city], and my [X years / specific skill], I'm targeting [amount]. Is there flexibility there?" Always express genuine enthusiasm for the role first — you're negotiating because you want to make it work, not because you're looking for an exit.
Remote work saves commute costs (₦15,000–₦60,000/month in Lagos), wardrobe, and daily meals — effectively adding ₦50,000–₦150,000/month in Lagos. Beyond money, it gives back 2-3 hours daily and reduces stress. Factor it into your total compensation as a real cash equivalent when comparing offers.
A guaranteed 13th month adds 8.3% to annual compensation and is standard in many Nigerian corporates and legally mandated in some sectors. Always clarify whether any stated bonus is guaranteed or performance-based — a "20% annual bonus" that requires exceptional performance is worth far less than a guaranteed 13th month.
Add up: one-way flights + freight, first month's rent deposit in the new city, settling-in costs (furniture, connection fees), and temporary accommodation. Divide by your monthly salary increase. If break-even is under 12 months, relocation is generally financially worthwhile — beyond 24 months, be cautious unless non-financial factors strongly favour the move.