Is it worth making a switch to Microsoft? Offer from MSFT for Principal Data Scientist (L65) in Raleigh, NC
Offer Base - $190K
Bonus - 20%
RSU - $160K (over 4 years)
TC = $268K
My current TC -
Base - $195K
Bonus - 7%
Stock - $25K per year
TC = $233K
The offer is final after I was able to increase the base by a bit and RSU a bit. Is it worth to make a move for this increase? I have been at my current company for 10+ years.
Money is not everything sometimes. Do you have to move to a different state? (not necessarily bad) How do you feel about the interview? Do you feel it is a good match? How do you feel about your current situation? You need to answer these types of questions for yourself and be honest to be able to make the right decision.
As a former Microsoft employee, I can tell you they are great while they last. BUt for all the talk large corporations make about "Family", I've never laid off one of my kids because times were tight. Let alone, RECORD PROFITS!
BUt they have laid off tens of thousnads, and as soon as your role can be automated, you'll be kicked out of the family too!!
Sometimes I feel like people post these to brag. "Guys guys guys, should I take the quarter million dollars or should I take the other more different quarter million dollars?"
The base salary mentioned is pretty typical now nowadays of course, total compensation and including benefits, certainly does inflate the optics a little bit
I'm not sure why people are being so rude in the comments. It's a valid question to check how competitive the offer is. Congrats!
I would do the same thing! Unfortunately I can't help with this specific role but would recommend checking levelsfyi and h1b1 salaries
If you feel comfortable, and your WLB and brand/name is good, I’d stay personally.
All of these big tech companies MSFT included have had round after round of layoffs, MSFT just announced they’re offering voluntary retirement and my guess is after most people don’t bite another round of layoffs are coming. I personally don’t think that risk is worth it for an extra 35k especially when it’s between stock and bonus (but I’m risk averse as heck so there’s also that)
I worked for MSFT for 5 1/2 years. It is a good company if you know your way to move around between the company. You need to because the company kinda want to rotate people a lot. In myb5 yes with MSFT I have 4 managers. L65 is the highest individual contributor role. After that for a while you will be forced to get into Managerment or just have to find your way out because you will be stagnant. I am at my L65 and got laid off in my 5 1/12 yrs. Just give you the real picture so you can make you decision.
Take it
Lots of long term growth potential
A 15% increase is solid in this economy
It looks like Microsoft is focusing on buyouts right now, instead of layoffs.
Layoffs can also happen anywhere, the likelihood should factor into the decision, but I wouldn't make it a major factor unless you think you'll be an underperformer or the org is obviously declining rapidly. Then there are other factors to consider, like will Microsoft boost your resume.
Do research on Microsoft layoffs and the likelihood of your new position being on the chopping block. That’s the only thing I can think about besides culture and work tempo.
Congrats! I’ve been applying there for some time, and the main reason is - I heard the culture is great (specifically for what I’m looking for). With that said, I would (personally) do an almost lateral move like this. If you’re tired of your current situation and need to grow within a great company, you should consider it. You can always kick a$$ to get that TC increase later.
you wont get the 20 bonus unless you re invent the wheel!
In previous role I got 40% for exceeds, my reg bonus was 25% of base.
You need to look at the market and the competition?
Look at others in the industry so see what others are making?
The big question is do you want to move?
Been too long and you by now made a decision.
Why did you look to leave? Money, leadership, mental health, work life balance or just a change.
Once you answer those questions you should have your answer.
Why would you not take it?
Layoff risk may be larger at Microsoft than their current company. So may depend on their risk tolerance.
Why would you not want to move? Where are you currently working and located?
That’s good to know. Thanks for sharing your perspective as someone who’s been with IBM before
15% TC raise seems pretty decent.
Pro
Man, I would think principal data scientist at microsoft would pay more tbh
I thought too, not sure if it’s the Raleigh location pulling it down
Based on the past 5 years, you're potentially looking at ~10-13% upside on the MSFT share price (not including raises and promotions). Personally, I wouldn't do it since you'd be giving up what seems to be an already comfortable spot (very few employees stay for 10+ years at a job), Something else to consider: I've heard MSFT is known to give "dry promotions".
I don’t know if anybody said this yet, but you should consider the environment you are currently in and whether you think there’s a risk and staying longer 10+ years puts you on a list of sorts