What matters more: the role or the company

Amazon
DIFw23

Go to company page Amazon

DIFw23
Oct 25, 2020 4 Comments

I’m talking to two well-funded, mid-stage startups right now. Have been in a senior IC position for a while (promoted to L6 at Amazon in Q1 this year), and have been aiming for my next move to put me in a leadership position. I came into Amazon through an acquisition a few years ago and am excited to go into another startup environment.

So, one role is director level, basically exactly the job description I’d want. But I’m not wild about the mission of the company (which is something that means a lot to me).

The other doesn’t have a title attached yet, but feels more lateral. I know the hiring manager from working together previously, so have been pretty forward about my goals — and he’s been transparent that leadership could come later, but for now they really need an IC. That said, I love what the company is building and would be a lot more passionate about the subject matter.

Both roles would pay more than I make now. Side note: I’m not an engineer.

Any thoughts/advice would be much appreciated!

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TOP 4 Comments
  • Sounds like the second opportunity seems like a better match. A director level role is obv attractive on paper but if your motivation to work for the company is misaligned, it’s not worth having a <1 year stint on your resume. Director roles will always be available to you upon growth, don’t settle for one bc it’s open now
    Oct 25, 2020 0
  • I agree with ctty04. However, sounds like option b fits your values better. You need to trade off having the role in the short term vs the org. Q: will you be able to recruit top talent to your team for a company you are ehh about?

    Advice: Don’t buy the dress just because it’s on sale if it doesn’t fit. (Translate to appropriate gender as needed.)
    Oct 25, 2020 0
  • Pearson
    Pajero

    Go to company page Pearson

    Pajero
    If you trust your HM and can influence in future to make you into leadership while you build the team ground up... heck ya, that’s the role I would go with!! And the last thing, you know better... 😀
    Oct 25, 2020 0
  • Only you can actually answer this question. Do you have long term career goals? Do those outweigh your desire to feel passionate about the company's mission?
    Oct 25, 2020 0