Current position: Sr Cost Analyst at Tier 1 automotive supplier, TC: $101k in Buffalo, NY YOE: 5 as PM, 8 in industry Offer: Sr Program Manager at Rivian, $130k base, $64k RSU, need to relocate to SoCal Long story short, I burned out as a PM at my current company working consistent 60 hr weeks and took my current position to escape. Now I work 40 hrs about 50% of the time, 50-60 hrs maybe about 40%, and can work up to 70 hrs on an occasional basis. The work can be a little rote sometimes, but there are also some fun puzzles. I am not particularly challenged, but the work is pleasant enough. Now I have an opportunity to move to Rivian as a PM again and actually help make something real, which is interesting and exciting, but I'm afraid to give up a comfortable gig that pays well enough to chase something new and shiny, especially since it means moving across the country and leaving my family and friends behind. All of my questions boil down to, what would you do? Is it worth it? 1. Will working at Rivian as opposed to a Tier 1 be as big of a resume booster as I think it will be? I've had no luck applying to to non-automotive companies in the past, would Rivian on my resume help? 2. I've heard very bad things about the work-life balance. I'm okay with occasional 60-70 hour weeks, but know it isn't sustainable for me long term. Should I be concerned? 3. Is the money worth it? Are the career opportunities (either growing at Rivian or moving on with a significant resume boost) worth it? To move across the country, away from family (would go from about 12 visits per year down to two or three), away from a place that I am finally kind of rooted in after 6 years? #auto #programmanager #rivianautomotive
I have, maybe three times? The weather is amazing, and I know the opportunities for hiking/camping are great. The downside is that its very, very suburban for me. I can deal with rural and I can deal with urban, but I'm not a huge fan of sprawl. Would Costa Mesa be a good fit? Or what is the least sprawl-y area you can recommend?
For a non-horrible commute you would have to stay in Orange County. Good downtownish areas with a lot of things going on would be Huntington downtown, Belmont shores, Long Beach downtown (urban), Newport balboa peninsula near the bars, and Costa Mesa near the triangle
CA is the shit...I don't care what anyone else says. I hope you can work out a family situation to accommodate. Time value money is limited.
1. I’m in the Bay Area, so costs are higher, but 100k in Buffalo is a much better relative income than 130k in SFBay, and I’d guess SoCal too. 2. A fun job and general life happiness has a high value. 3. Assuming savings, a love of SoCal weather, and a willingness to live cheap (IE rent modest housing) I’d take it. Recognize it as an investment in your personal happiness and career growth, then in a year or two find a higher paying similar role in a tech company. It’s a bet, not a clear path, but it’s advice worth what you paid for it.
I was in a very similar situation recently with Rivian and went back and forth on my decision. In the end, I took the opportunity with Rivian due to the company’s purpose they have and resume builder it would be. To answer your question in my opinion 1- I would say Rivian would definitely help here. More tech oriented, start up feel, and potential to be a household name will open many doors. 2 -I heard it very much depends on what team you join. They are hiring a lot of people so those who have worked there the past year may have been spread pretty thin I would think. WLB was a concern for me but I was pretty straightforward with the hiring manager with my expectations/priorities and they were fine with it. 3- early on in your career, most definitely. The potential upside in the stock is there. Money isn’t everything, but it does make the world a smaller place when you have family all over the map. Hope this helps. Again, I was in the same situation very recently with the same questions you have. When it comes down to it, you have to make the right decision for you. Good luck!
What kind of role did you accept?
I love Socal and would suggest moving in a heartbeat however 130 for a program manager is incredibly low in the socal area. @ rivian people I don’t know your paybands but You could work literally anywhere and get payed 50% more here. Also 130 will not get you a lot in Oc if you have a family it’s a no go. If your one person then I suggest taking it.
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15 years age difference, need advice! 🙏
Keep in mind cost of living too. Your income won't go as far in SoCal as Buffalo.