Currently working in a smallish (1k people) company in a Principal position. I'm leading a team and don't have to code if I feel like it. WLB is pretty decent too. However TC is in a smaller side. Where I live now it's fine to buy a good 4b house for 600k, max 401k and have 3k/month after all expences. I've been offered a Senior L63 position at Microsoft that will effectively make me a 8k/month after everything. Team seems alright too. My biggest doubt is that this move is a step back career-wise: Principal running a team and the whole project to a Senior working as an individual contributor. Am I doing the right thing switching? Or should I try more and look into other companies pursuing same Principal and EM roles with no guaranteed outcome? Will it take ages to grow to L65 Principal or EM at MSFT? #software #tc #career
Keep interviewing.
Stay put wherever you are and be happy. If TC is a big concern, jump. Otherwise just stay
I would say move. You can always find another principal or manager position 2 years later. Stay only if think you will hate the IC role.
Most outside hires have to take a step back level wise when switching to Msft. I did it because it was not just about TC. I would highly recommend to talk to your hiring manager about it so they know that your expectations will be to climb sooner.
Is really a step back if you were not able to clear your supposed level in a big company?
The open position was for L63 initially.
It would take on an average 5 years for you to reach to principal level at MSFT from Level 63.
Sometimes you have to take a step back to be on a path with a higher career ceiling. And they're going to pay you to do it!
Being principal at a smaller company doesn't mean the same at big companies, unfortunately. I would say go, and switch in 2 years or so if you don't see any signs of growth.
Don't move as you will have this thought always in your mind. Keep looking
Since you already asked this question, then don't move. No matter what others say this will always be in your mind and make you bitter