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I was recruited to join a smaller company (~150 employees). Salary is about $235k with potential for 50% bonus. Health insurance is significantly higher expense (about $1100/month more) but coverage is equivalent. I’ve negotiated that additional expense into my base salary though so that’s a bit of a moot point. There is no in-office mandate although office is near my current office.
How would you make the decision to leave a large brand company you’ve been with for 5 years for a smaller one but that has significantly higher potential earnings? Anything I should be mindful of?? Help me decide!
My inclination would be to stick with stability, which would be your current situation. Moving to a smaller shop sounds tempting, but you'd be making a considerable bet on the future and the firm's prospects. I'm assuming where you are wouldn't have that uncertainty about it. Perhaps it comes down to stability versus adventure, and what may decide that is your personal situation and what your risk tolerance may be.
How does the history of the smaller company look? Stable? Are there growth plans? That’s what I’d be asking, not that it’s necessarily bad or good, just know what you’re in for. Sounds like great earning potential and probably the ability to have a much bigger voice.
Let your current circumstances and career goals decide. You've only mentioned money but you haven't mentioned current culture, growth opportunities where you are, nor the market for the work you do. Do more assessment and then decide. Some people want more money, some want a better title, and others want a better culture. Good luck!
It really depends on your risk tolerance. I would personally take the new opportunity in a heartbeat. However, others have raised valid points such as stability. How important is that to you. I’ll note that just because a company is large doesn’t mean it will continue to be stable. Likewise not all smaller ones are unstable. If you leave, make sure you leave with them loving you. In case you ever needed to apply to your old company again in the future.