Deciding between two offers — which would you take? Have been in consulting for the last ~7 years and looking for a change 1. Series C startup — Director role (~$240K cash comp; includes equity); energized by the work, love the team, and feel like there is a lot of upward mobility 2. Corporate Strategy at a bank (think BofA, JPM, WF) — VP role (~$315K TC); could be promoted to ED in 2-3 years; great name for resume — admittedly the role doesn’t really energize me but the $$ is good!
Director at KPMG 190k base. Annual bonus is basically all politics so can get anywhere from zero to 15k any year no matter my performance which is extremely frustrating. Prob 2 years to MD but not sure if I wanna go all the way to partner (the constant travel away from family seems rough). Have an exit offer to healthcare industry director level for $232k but they do not do bonuses. Benefits roughly the same and the new position is 100% remote. Is this a no brainer?
I’m interviewing with two companies. Let’s say I get an offer from both. What would you choose: Fintech: -significant pay raise (like, 100k salary raise) -I would increase my skills/new challenge -cons: red flags in terms of wlb - worried about adapting as I’ve never worked in fintech space before -very AI forward -known to have layoffs Bank: -only about a 20k pay raise -no stress (huge bc I’m a mom to 4), wlb good -less layoff risk -cons: I’m over qualified, would not gain any skills
Just left Capital One after the bulk of my time in Corp Strat, former AP at MBB. Great money, terrible experience. I was a highly paid slide writer. They promised great roles in the business and a path up - completely false. There are few business roles available, and no Corp Strat hire since 2017 has made it past MVP in the lines of business. Tread with caution.
Take the role the energizes you!!! Money isn’t worth as much when you’re not happy, energized and excited about what you do everyday.
Personally, I’d go for series C. You’ll find it challenging and you get to try on a lot hats and comp is great especially when you get shares at an amazing strike price.
Let me ask you: where do you want to be? These will produce radically different career trajectories. Both have good comp packages, but the startup can be riskier, because it is dependent on funding. I am more risk adverse, so I would choose the VP role at the bank
Take the startup. Series C so they sound like they are growing. Your comp could increase quickly too. The bank sounds like slower growth even if they promise promotion. Plus the work is going to drain you eventually if it doesn’t energize you
If the BB is JPM take the startup. You making ED in 2-3 years depends on lot on voodoo and bs that may or may not happen and is out of your control. Also JPM is a different kind of soul sucking.
On another note, if it’s JPM, the probability of it getting interesting at work will be pretty high if you know what I mean 😎
Me - 2
VP at bank will offer mobility later vs start up. Startup will likely be a lot of hours, but seemingly energizing for you. If your long term financials are in good order, can’t make a wrong decision
Wow. The bank comp is impressive. What’s your total YoE?
I did the start up once. It was a learning experience and Id never do it again.
Depends your life goals and dependents. The banking type of role is better for family and benefits. I don’t say stability because even the banks have layoffs but you can build faster and ED is a great position to be in and gives you leverage-the work may have challenging moments but will be more consistent and forgiving. Startups typically do not have great benefits and the energy you get from the work is from the challenge of deliverables and constant change to learn something new but note that the work will take over your life (but feel rewarding).