Should I just stay at MSFT for >10 years if possible?

Feb 12, 2021 13 Comments

New grad hired sometime last year in AI&R TC: 170k.

Pros of staying (In my opinion):
Stable career
Backdoor Roth IRA rollovers
MSFT stock has low volatility compared to FAANG
I receive positive manager feedback
Decent WLB

Cons of staying (In my opinion):
Can't rollover 401k to an IRA or switch brokerage due to IRS withholding limitations
Might be missing out on more rewarding opportunities
Might get fired anyway
Potentially slow pay raises with promotions compared to chasing higher TC
Real passion is in trading (but I do still enjoy SWE a lot, tbh I probably wouldn't even survive in top HFT/fintechs (e.g. Citadel) due to how competitive they are)

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TOP 13 Comments
  • I just want to run away when new grads are already thinking about retirement. What a soulless place
    Feb 12, 2021 4
    • OP
      What gave you the impression that I was thinking of retirement? (its not true)
      Feb 12, 2021
    • New / Eng
      nackerhews

      New Eng

      nackerhews
      There’s a difference between planing for retirement and thinking about retirement, the former is strongly encouraged but if the latter is true, perhaps you might not be suited for your industry
      Feb 12, 2021
  • VMware
    Mr.Dabada

    Go to company page VMware

    BIO
    Not at VMware anymore. TC 330K
    Mr.Dabada
    I would say, at least change job once early in your career to get wider perspective about how software is built in other companies.

    You are an individual contributor, you are replaceable in your early career (unless you have some unique skillset which MSFT badly needs). Switch, get better pay, and eventually come back to MSFT with even higher pay and designation for continuing your next stint with > 10 years.

    In other words, the more TC you have, the more money you’ll have for your trading. 😁
    Feb 12, 2021 1
  • Intel
    cjdnwnkcm

    Go to company page Intel

    cjdnwnkcm
    Trading is the coolest
    Feb 12, 2021 0
  • You should boomerang.
    Feb 12, 2021 1
    • Investment Bank
      Glinda

      Investment Bank

      Glinda
      This. You can always go back. My SO left Msft after 15 years and he had plenty of colleagues who used the strategy to come back at L65 when they could not break that barrier.

      Once you have left, you likely will not want to return.
      Feb 12, 2021
  • Why not:-)
    Feb 12, 2021 0