Settle or keep grinding LC after yearlong sabbatical
I took a sabbatical in early 2021 and left a job making $170k.
Now back in the market and after ~3 weeks of interviewing at low/mid tier startups I've received 4 offers all in the $150-$190k base range. I'm discounting all the equity packages as none of these companies have a realistic chance at an exit within the next 4-5 years.
I'm 4/5 in interviews so far coming in absolutely cold. I got lucky in that two were take home projects that I always excel at, one was coin change which I used to give as an interviewer so knew inside out, and one was binary search easy.
I'm just getting back into the LC grind after nearly 6 months of not coding. I've done about 25 problems so far. Struggling but getting better every day. System Design I've always been good on and have breezed through these interviews.
Not in a huge rush to get back to work but $190k for such little effort so far seems like a good deal.
The other scenario is I spend a few more weeks grinding and apply to top tier startups and potentially get rejected.
I'm reminded by that saying "A bird in one hand is worth two in the bush..." Any thoughts?
Previous TC: $170k
YOE: 6-7
#tech
comments
I'm assuming thats ~200 base + 150 real equity
I've had an easy time talking around it.
I'm now 10 months into my sabbatical and a lot of inbound has slowed. I'm not finding it hard to get that first phone call though with my resume. And from recruiter to tech screen I've had a 100% success rate. Helps if you're personable.