Microsoft offer vs Uber ATG offer
Microsoft Location: Seattle Salary: 109k Signing/Relocation : 20k/5.5k Stocks: 120k over 3.5 years Bonus: 0-20% Target bonus annually TC: depending on bonus 164-185k first year then 139k-160k every year after Uber ATG Location: Pittsburgh Salary: $110k Signing/Relocation: $15k/$10k Stocks: $125k RSU over 4 years (3,084 shares valued at $40.80) Bonus: 11k cash, 26k stock refresh TC: $203k first year then 178k every year after *My stocks are based on Uber being valued at 62B What do you guys think? The compensation at Uber is great but I’m not really excited about Pittsburgh and I’m still a little scared due to the horror stories I’ve heard (Although everyone I’ve met from the office so far have been super nice). I’ve always wanted to work at Microsoft, I prefer to live in Seattle, and I think it looks a bit better on my resume.
Is this for a dev position?
Yes both are new grad swe
110 base in Pittsburgh is really good.
Microsoft will always be there. Get in on the Uber IPO. Bust or boom, nobody knows but it will be a crazy time for us all.
Agree with this. Check the CoL differences - I expect Pittsburgh is quite a bit lower. Is Uber RSUs or options? Either way, Uber is riskier but also has way more upside. If options, they could be worth zero at IPO (doubtful, but you need to consider). I’m close to retirement, but if I were you, I’d give Uber a shot. As you get older, taking risks gets harder, especially if you plan to have kids. Plus, you could do very well at IPO.
It’s RSU
I got the same offer from MS. Wish I could get an offer from Uber. As a new grad, I would have gone with Uber as they are giving more money and their stuffs are exciting. Moreover you have cleared MS this time, so you can clear it in future too. All the best.
Pittsburgh is a much more affordable to live. If cost of living is important to you it’s not even close between the two. I starting working at ATG after graduation and love it. People are genuine and passionate about the work we do. Don’t believe a lot of what you hear about Uber in the media. Most of it is inaccurate or blown out of proportion. It’s actually amusing to read some of the news sometimes. Pittsburgh is an exciting place to be right now. There’s a rebirth in the city brought about by a robotics boom and other tech firms moving into the area to attract talent from the local schools (particularly Carnegie Mellon). Pittsburgh is a smaller city but has most of the amenities you’d expect in a big city. Each neighborhood has its own intimate identity which makes it feel like you live in a smaller town. You feel a special connection to your neighborhood. Biggest negative is probably weather. Never extreme but not many sunny days in late fall and winter. Seattle is probably similar in terms of weather. Pittsburgh probably has a bit more snow but a few more sunny days in the years. When I've been in Seattle (maybe my luck) it's pretty much has always been raining or dark and cloudy. This is only real negative but I am South Florida native and grew up in the Caribbean so take that with a grain of salt. Good luck making your decision. You really can't go wrong.
Thank you for this really detailed write up. It’ll be super useful in making a decision
I agree 100%
Uber ATG much better. Don’t worry about Pittsburgh issue for future opportunities, with Uber on your resume you’ll get interviews at just about all SF firms.
Uber ATG for sure. I'm going as well. Just an FYI your TC is not 203k. Make sure you know how the refreshers work; you won't get one until after 1 yr. Also, relocation is a budget, not cash. TC closer to 170-180k. My offer is about same.
Yeah I know it’s based on performance. If you meet expectations for your level that is the standard bonus you will get. They apply multipliers to the target so it can be for example*0.9 or *1.3 based on if you under perform or over perform for the year. I assume if you’re not meeting expectations you won’t be there for long. The compensation sheet that I was sent included the target bonus in the annual total compensation. Even without the relocation included it still comes up to $192k when you include the target bonus. I was told it’s rare to not get your target bonus. Most people they hire are competent and can get the work done and therefore get their bonus for the year. I start summer 2019 and would be eligible for a refresher March 2020 it would be prorated.
Yeah 192 for first yr roughly if you include relocation. It's a pretty good offer regardless. Just wanted to make sure you understood that refreshers take a long time to vest (52k will be vested by the end of 4 yrs assuming no prorated grants). Hope to see you there! :D
Self driving is hot tech. Uber ATG it is. You are just starting your career. Location is not that important. You could relocate for your next job as well.
FYI - Microsoft has a Pittsburgh dev office for Azure (formerly Avere). For self driving tech, Pittsburgh is the epicenter: ATG, aurora.tech, aptiv.com, Argo.ai
You’re going to have a lot more future options in Seattle.
I was thinking about that too. Can you elaborate a little more?
Lots of tech company presence here. If MSFT isn’t working for you in a year, you’ll land a new gig quickly. Strike while the iron is hot.