Asking for a friend (for real). Assume equivalent TC in dollar terms. Palantir role is SWE and so is Microsoft. Please leave thoughts in comments. Advice needed.
Palantir’s compensation structure isn’t really appealing because they don’t plan to IPO. It makes it difficult to sell the RSUs.
Never worked at Palantir but if you are a white or asian male. Be told repeatedly that MSFT has too much of you and your manager / directors need to promote / hire more blacks, Latinos and women. If you do want to be promoted up that maybe an issue. As well assume you are young, London might be better social life. Better traveling, etc.. Than come back to states to raise a family etc..
Taxes alone in London will eat half your TC already. You have to ask for 30% higher TC in LON just to break even
Taxes in London are not 30% higher. As an American living in London, I am certain of that. You have to think about your quality of life because TC should not be the only consideration. - Life in London for a young person is beyond amazing. The culture, the food scene, beautiful people, concerts, theatre, clubs, pubs, history, English countryside, and Scotland a train ride away. London is spectacular. - Instead of withering away in Redmond, you’d be a £20 weekend flight away from Milan’s fashion, Florence’s art, Amsterdam’s clubs and food scene, Rome, Berlin, Budapest, etc etc. You’d be a 2 hour train ride from Paris where you could take your SO on a date. - You’d have a mandatory (UK) annual 30 days of leave + take what you need vacation. - You’d have a mandated (UK) employer pension contribution (as long as you contribute) - which adds up. - Taxes here are on average 30% - you’d be probably paying this rate in WA if you are filing single. - Groceries here are amazingly cheap and all produce is far better tasting than in the US. Provided you need any, since Palantir food is free. - It rains less here than in Seattle, that’s for sure. Summers here are amazing. - As I said, amazingly attractive people, whatever you are into. - NO TRAFFIC because you won’t be driving. So, no car (no car expenses) - I’d take London any day despite lower TC. Significantly higher quality of life. Also, as someone else noted, Palantir pays somewhat the same here as they do in the states.
What about the career growth prospects, @mad-oprtr?
As someone who’s worked at both: Palantir have higher quality engineers. Make of that what you will.
You ask to assume TC is the same but I know for a fact it won’t be the same. Tech in London just doesn’t make as much as Seattle or Bay even when adjusted for CoL
AFAIK Palantir pays American TC worldwide, so it's a good number for London. It's a shit consulting company though.