I have three offers, 2 for Product Manager roles and 1 for Manager, Tech Support. let's say salary part is similar for all three(+-5K) but all three companies are totally different from one another. let's call them company A B C, each from different verticals (A-recruiting, B-data automation & C-aerospace/earth observation), different funding stages (series D, seed stage, series C), different valuation (240 mil, N/A, 1.6 bill). Company A is an established leader in its domain (recruiting), company B is very small just in seed stage, company C is a very cool tech start up considered a billion dollar unicorn and has been talked about a lot in media, backed by VC who also invested in companies like Facebook, AirBnb, SolarCity. Keeping the seed stage data automation start up out of the mix for now, Im really confused which company is better for me. company A) current company, offering PM role, something I would love to do in full capacity (I have been doing it partially already because our official PM left a year ago) so I know I already have a headstart plus I'm familiar with the team, but they are offering me 5K less than company C (actually 12k less, if I compare only base, there is no bonus offered by company C). Company A is scrambling to get cash flow positive and rumours are they may raise another round. I already have 50% options vested from what I was offered when I started with Company A, they are not offering any more stock options. Company C) definitely a dream company for me, it is in earth observation domain. Cool tech start up, considered a unicorn and a billion dollar company, founders are X-NASA scientists and a lot of smart people in the company. Role is however Manager, tech support which is more consistent with my current and past experience/skill set. offering me 12K more than company A if I compare only base (5K more if base+bonus) plus offcourse some stock options. What should I choose dream role or dream company?
I feel like if you go to your dream company first, it's (relatively) easy to transition into a dream role within your dream company, but you can't do it the other way around. And 12K base is an added benefit! Also it sounds like the Manager title is a level above PM - and once you get in you could try internal transfer. Good luck and congrats!
Sounds like company A is a good fit if you're passionate about the role, especially if transitioning to PM is something you want to do in general regardless of company, which I kinda gathered. You could ask them for more money, or other comp since they are short on cash. Side benefit, staying longer with company A gives more time for the rest of your shares to vest and gives you experience in the role you want that you can then shop to others like company C later on. Only way I would say A is a bad move is if you think finances are dicey and they may be on their way down. Curious, is company C Planetary Resources?
Kuthey... ur decision is already made
C is more attractive sounding to me. Depends on how much you're walking away from when you lose 50% of your options... but money can't buy happiness. C sounds good because you know the work and can excel, keeping an eye on PM roles as they come up. Could mention that to them too.
Go with your Dream Company. It's like buying a house: The only thing you CANNOT change about it is the location. If you love the location, you can always adjust the kitchen, bathrooms, landscaping, etc. Go for the Dream Company--the job within it can always change. . .
Totally agree w aw206 and UMFR43. If you do a dope job at your dream company, you can always modify your role/ keep your eye open for role changes. Ask dream company about opportunities to add characteristics of your dream role!
You can only chase money for so long doing sh!ty jobs. You clearly love the aerospace job. Take the job you'll love. Always.
tl;dr
the best advice I ever received in situations like this is to take the job that sets you up for the next job. if all you want to do is be a tech support manager, then you know the answer. but if you want to break into a new role, or new domains, then allow yourself to get out of your comfort zone.
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Whichever one you want to see succeed the most.
I agree. With these offers, you can really get down to what product/service you're most passionate about and where you think you'll be happiest.