I am an engineering VP at a series B startup and evaluating an offer to join Datadog as an engineering manager. Should I stick with the startup for the title and higher base salary or go with the more reputable and interesting role at Datadog? Startup = Base: $265k, Options: ~$250k Datadog = Base: 220k, RSU: $500k
What do you want personally? More money or potential prestige/fame if startup takes off?
Better work-life balance, job stability, and the ability to work on interesting problems.
Tough call. I’m not sure I’d want to take both a base salary and title cut at the same time, but DataDog RSUs could be worth a lot. If you’re confident you’ll enjoy DataDog and can cash the RSUs in I’d take that.
The title cut is tough, but I don't think this startup will make it to any liquidation event for 4+ years, and it is a grind without the fun parts... I think that the Datadog opportunity aligns more with my interests and goals, but no way to be sure without checking it out.
$500k RSU is low, I got $650k as a senior
thank you for the insight!
Well yeah but WHEN? When stock was $190 and there were no layoffs?
YoE?
12
Do you actually believe the startup is going to go anywhere? That’s a big gamble. If deep down you think your company is bullshit then jump.
They have potential, but only if they can scale. I view the option from the startup as a lottery ticket.
I haven’t figured out how to spend titles. YMMV
True
Aren’t the options just paper money? Who cares about high base when your TC is low? Although 345 is not that much higher than 265 so I’d go with job security…
Yes, I consider the options to be a long-term gamble. When you mention job security, are you saying the startup is the more secure option?
you miscalculated the startup options. they are $0
lol true
This looks like a senior offer
Rsu is over 4 years?
Yes. 4 years with a 1-year cliff, then quarterly vest