Note: haven’t been at Microsoft for about a year, been at a late stage startup. Also omitting names and areas of focus for anonymity. Looking for feedback between two way different places! One is a nonprofit that is in an area I’m really interested in, and a lead position where I’d get to be making a lot of big technical decisions, leading directs, and big responsibilities as such. Its pay is quite low, being a nonprofit, but it has great benefits such as 4 day work week, lots of time off, various stipends, fully remote, etc. The second is a mid stage startup that is pretty much double the comp, I think they’re a few years from IPO but seems pretty stable and growing. It’s a normal senior role and it’s in an adjacent space to the area I’m interested in but not quite the same. This one is hybrid with two days a week in office in the Seattle area but commute is <5 mins and still average benefits. To me it seems like it’s the difference between not selling out and trying something really new vs staying the normal course for a dev of my yoe and resume. The people and leadership at both places seem great, with more tech expertise at the startup. I am interested in leading and managing especially in that space so I’m leading towards the nonprofit, but curious, what does blind think? YOE: 6 Current TC: 160k
If you don't already have leadership experience, why is the non profit hiring you as a lead? Is software their core competency or is it a tool they use to accomplish their non-profit goals? To me it sounds like they are giving you big labels to pad your resume instead of paying you well because they can't afford to. If you don't already have connections in the non profit, taking a leadership role while also figuring out the job and the people will be a challenge especially for someone who hasn't been a manager before. You have to build a reputation in a company before you are promoted to a leadership role otherwise people will have a harder time accepting your leadership role and will treat you as an outsider.
LOL sell out and take the money. 5 min commute might as well be remote
For those who chose the nonprofit, curious for reasons why? Seems to be largely the unpopular choice haha
If you can financially manage the nonprofit then go there for the experience and growth. You’ll probably get to do so much because the staffing is limited and they can’t afford to hire appropriately. So wearing the many hats could be stressful plus the possible stress of less money in this economy. Both places could lose funding so there’s that as well. Nonprofits are sometimes on a year to year basis so maybe ask how long is the role or project funded for. Nonprofit is risky but could be worth it long term. Just maybe don’t plan to be there long.