Conundrum, need some advice

New
WxMJ84

New

WxMJ84
Sep 28, 2021 5 Comments

First off, I'll admit that this is a good conundrum to be in. I'm fortunate to have some solid options to choose between.

I'm currently in a FAANG in an M1 equivalent role. I'm on my 3rd year, so the initial RSU grants have not fully vested. WLB is not great, and I don't honestly see a path to M2 without resetting to a new team (i.e. 2+ years best case). Due to the stock growth I expect my TC to be close to 1 million annually for the next 1.5 years. That's about 250K in base, 50K target bonus, and rest in RSU.
Pros: great TC
Cons: terrible WLB, no path to M2 in a reasonable time, steep comp cliff after 1.5yrs.

Recently I interviewed and got offer from another FAANG (fb). However the offer is for M1 with ~$600K TC (similar base and bonus as current employer, rest in RSU). So I would be taking a paycut, at least for the next 1.5 years if I took that option. Contrary to public opinion on this app, I believe the WLB at FB will be better (I have several friends at M1 there). I'm matched to a team that looks on a good growth path where I can have managers report to me after joining, and I can see potential to grow to M2 in a similar time frame as my current employer (~2 years).
Pros: new comp for 4 years, probably better WLB, larger scope/org structure than current employer
Cons: lower comp for next 1.5yrs

I'm torn between these options. If I stay with my current employer, I'll likely try to find another team with better WLB as I cannot take the amount of stress in my current team. However that'll take time since hiring is slower, especially for EM (more teams prefer tlm instead of em). Even then, given the steep comp cliff,I don't see myself staying here after 1.5 years. On the other hand, going to FB will be a reset too, but with lower TC for next 1.5 years. Finally if I stay at current employer for another 1.5yrs to vest the initial grants then join FB as M1, I'll stagnate at M1 for another 3.5+ yrs before getting to M2.

Any advice on how I should navigate this conundrum?

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  • Microsoft
    🥜🥜 👨‍🌾🥜🥜

    Go to company page Microsoft

    🥜🥜 👨‍🌾🥜🥜
    You’re leaving 1 mil on the table if you switch now. Wouldn’t you want to wait that out? I’m sure you’re capable enough to get a similar offer in 2 years unless you think your current job isn’t good for your mental health.
    Sep 28, 2021 1
    • Google
      SundarBaba

      Go to company page Google

      SundarBaba
      More like 600k over 1.5yrs (comp diff between FB and current FAANG). I disagree though to wait out 2yrs. Op correctly concluded that they'll not get to M2 for another 3+yrs if they wait 2yrs at current FAANG (I'm guessing Amazon based on WLB description) then go to FB as M1.
      Sep 29, 2021
  • Absolutely stick it out for the 1.5 years. You can get another offer later. Who cares if your stagnant at M1 for another year.

    After that you’d have to think of what you want. Do you care about M2 or are you in it for the TC?
    Sep 29, 2021 0
  • New
    Milanow

    New

    Milanow
    You need M2/higher and you need higher TC. One way out is to look for M2/higher roles at strong pre-ipo companies. Looks better to me than M1 roles at G/FB
    Sep 29, 2021 0
  • You didn't really mention where your priorities are. Is it growth? Career velocity? TC? WLB?
    It's difficult to provide advice without knowing more.

    Assuming all is equal, I'd take a chance on a new company. The money doesn't sound to change that significantly and in the long term, 1.5 years isn't much.
    The rest sound to be a pro.
    Sep 28, 2021 0