Am I crazy for leaving a super cushy low-stress job with amazing benefits for a series-B vertically integrated robotics company similar to Skydio or 3D Robotics . Currently Backend with 240 TC (180 base, rest in rsu/bonus, 401k match, espp) New role is Full Stack with 180 base + 40k paper money over 4yrs (next valuation coming in Feb expected to increase paper money value to 80k - this is not guaranteed and I take it with a lot of skepticism) New mission is leaps and bounds better aligned with what I want to do but will take a large hit on liquid TC. I definitely think this is a no brainer to jump and do something that’s exciting and that could actually move the needle but want to see what ppl think of this. Am I making a terrible mistake? Why or why not?
Yes you are, if the company truly wants u they can pay for u to at least not make u quit for a lower paying job
Big mistake - find a way to do the work you love during your spare time. Going to a startup that is run by bad people will destroy your confidence and your prospects.
That paper money isn’t a whole lot though.
Do you have any insight on what do non techy series b companies usually give out? This company doesn’t scale by just adding more servers unfortunately, it requires physical manufacturing of UAVs/robots.
I don’t sorry. It doesn’t feel on par with some of the other offers I’ve read about here. Then again this is blind and people lie lol
40k paper money over 4 years is very less to take such a bold move. As you said they are series B, they can pay more.
What kind of paper money do you reckon I should be aiming for? 2x, 3x, 4x?
I would say ask for min 4x. You have a upper hand here in negotiation. You are taking more risk to join a series B. Make them understand that. The paper money also depends if they exit/IPO which might or might not happen.
If you met your financial numbers or close enough then why not, go ahead and try. But my experience is that all of this will pass, no job is satisfying and you might find a different reason why you don’t like your new job. Optimizing for money will atleast leave you richer
Yikes this is slightly depressing
Yes! I've made this mistake.... No money or perceived prestige is worth added stress. Life is too short......
How old are you? Have you harvested enough saving or retirement fund? Startups can have the false promise of meaningful work. If financially doesn't make sense, don't do it. Don't even count the paper money.
This is good. I’ve just turned 30 this week with about 10x annual expenses in well diversified retirement/savings portfolio - 13x when market was ATH just a few months ago and own a home with tons of equity mainly due to lucky timing/sweat equity. I feel like I’m well positioned for hard times baring complete global meltdown while fiancé is making a killing in her director role. I’m not counting on paper money whatsoever but definitely want to maximize any potential exit if I take this. I’m having a difficult time gauging the value of the ISOs as their offer value are pegged to strike prices vs latest valuation when compared to RSUs. I’m happy with base as the representation of the only real money I’d receive until/if exit.
You're financially good. Still moving to management is more attractive than IC in startup. If they give you director level or leadership role I'd go, otherwise no.
Seriously, the offer u got for 40k paper money is shit, if it can’t at least 10 times ur public company ray, what is the point? To help someone else success for the sake of happiness? If you are that kind of people though please DM me, I got ideas just lack the ability to pay. I will cut u half the pie though
Depends on your age . If you are over 30 stick to adobe , move into management
I have thought about this. Management at Adobe is even more cushy but it will stun my career growth. I don’t fit the target demographic for fast ascension through management at Adobe. They are very.... particular.
What do you mean? What is the target demographic?
You are doing the right thing. After a certain amount of money heavily taxed w2 income doesn't benefit your lifestyle, just your savings. Don't do anything absurd (miss a bonus or scheduled vest) but don't doubt yourself. Plan on doing same soonish