Let's ignore negotiations here and just assume I did everything perfectly (admittedly did not, but that's not the point). Currently in IC Manager role TC ~160 (inc. 401k match, etc.) Interviewed at small consulting company - offered Director Head of Analytics with 6 direct reports on day 1, 100 base, tbd bonus, and tbd stock w/4 year annual vest. #4 ranking person in company (behind CEO, CFO, and a co-head of analytics) with line of sight to COO pending performance. They claimed they would get me up around my current comp in 6-12 months if I performed and intended to grow my team to over 20, but I was skeptical. They had negligible 401k and horrible insurance, etc. My estimate is I would've been taking an initial pay cut around 40-60k from TC once you factor in a few hundred extra a month for health, dental, vision with the large variance due to unknown stock value (bonus I could estimate reasonably). IF they were being realistic about the 6-12 month period to prove myself, likely even comp year 2 and winning by year 3. I guess my question is more around - was I right not to trust them to follow through? I figured I could perform but still get no raise because they've got me on the 4 year vesting schedule, so at that point I'm eating a lot of sunk cost to go back to corporate world or sticking with them until vest while keeping my fingers crossed for a raise. Even if so would the experience have been good enough to justify the move? Then again they could've rewarded me in 2 months for all I know. If you can't tell, I kind of regret it at this point, so I'm trying to determine if my regret is justified. Probably in large part because I despise my current job and company.
You did the right thing. They gave you nothing.
No way that's low-ball as hell. Go for a larger firm or growing startup
No you did okay. I was in the same boat. Took 30% higher TC with a secure position. I didn't believe in startup's vision and business model. Until and unless you are convinced, don't sell yourself cheap.
You were right not to take it
Thanks people..was thinking about reaching back out, but guess I won't haha. They'd obviously have more leverage at that point too. Also wanted to see in case similar situations pop up in the future. FWIW I did try to negotiate up to a TC match through combined channels, but they were like ehh, your experience isn't in this sector, so no. I was like f-you that's irrelevant. Analytics is analytics is analytics.
If they can't pay then, they likely can't pay you even after an year, nor give you any position.
You dodged a bullet
Director with 6 reports and 100k base? I mean maybe part of it is you’re in a LCOL area but that sounds insultingly low
Director and 100k? What is this a director for ants?
They offered you less than we give a college hire for entry level technical writing. There's your perspective.
Don't regret. It's hard to bring back existing TC until you hop again. Unless you think it's all going to skyrocket so you may end up with twice the TC in a year or 2, this doesn't make sense.