Would you leave a top IT company to move to a start up that is highly anticipated and is eminently going public within the next 2 years? This company would have higher pay and seemingly more opportunities for growth as well…need help!

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Leave on good terms and if it doesn’t work, boomerang back

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This!

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Without knowing all the details I would definitely give it a shot if you think you can thrive in the role. You can always come back to a large firm if it doesn’t work out for some reason

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Excellent points! I genuinely appreciate your input!

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As others mentioned, without knowing more context I can tell you a couple of things having gone from a Fortune 500 Tech Seller/Manager to a unicorn startup with a few big logos under our belt.

Pros -
*Building something from the ground up. Its pretty cool I was employee 232 and now we are trying to break 1,000 employees. The company has done a lot.
*I'm very committed to my current company's product and mission. It's something the market has needed in our space for a while.
*Most early start ups don't care of the typical "COGS" metrics (at least at my current company). So naturally they can pay high base salaries, smoothie bars....they just need triple digit YOY growth to show investors.
*If you're motivated and a self starter, you can have career and potential ownership growth.
*Pace of product innovation is off the chart with our company.

Cons -
*There's no hiding at a Startup.
*There's no guarantee of going public in a specified amount of time. Furthermore, it also could be a horrible time to go public in 2 years, who has a crystal ball? I wouldn't bet on that unless they are dangling significant RSUs or immediate equity.
*Immense pressure at a start up for YOY growth in the triple digits, if not more.
*No guarantee of tomorrow. I can't tell you how many people I've run into via my LI network that ended up back at Fortune 500 company because start up lost funding, bad culture, employee wasn't performing at their crazy expectations.
*Crazy pace of work, whether lack of work life balance or making territory plans in 48 hours for the whole year. Sometimes it works, most times, it doesn't. You gotta be happy with the decisions made under pressure.
*No brand recognition of start up, you are truly having to educate the customer (and get them to trust you) from the second you interact with them
*Rules and Policies change on a whim, usually not to benefit you. If you are used to that sort of policy structure at a big company, working at a Startup, especially when changes are made to adversely affect you, no body really cares.

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@Strategic Account Executive 1: This is a well-written, insightful response.

If the opportunity excites you go for it! You have the skills to find something else if it doesn’t work out.

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I’m considering the same thing. The only pause I have is that my current role feels more stable. But that’s the price you pay going to a startup

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Yeah it’s also hard reading IPO success stories from friends lol. I just need to remind myself I’m doing just fine today

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Yes I would. Just leave current employer on good terms. Also good to keep in mind if you come back to the first company you will have increased your skill set as well so it’s a plus and they will be happy to take you back usually in a higher role.

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Agreed, I would go for it but make sure you don't burn any bridges. You gotta move on to better things!

I’m looking to make almost the identical move.

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This move is always worth doing. Just make sure that you have 1) a really strong executive-level Rolodex 2) a well defined and defined Sales Process 3) strong results using #1 + #2. In the land of start-ups, all resources are available to you to help build business, but the way in which those resources are used is entirely up to you. Also, expect that you'll be doing stuff that Marketing, SDRs, SEs (etc.) have been doing for you in the past.

Always! Just make sure that you have 1) a really strong executive-level Rolodex 2) a well defined and defined Sales Process 3) strong results using #1 + #2. In the land of start-ups, all resources are available to you to help build business, but the way in which those resources are used is entirely up to you. Also, expect that you'll be doing stuff that Marketing, SDRs, SEs (etc.) have been doing for you in the past.

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Yes! Startup work is hard but tremendously rewarding, and you’ll be more valuable in the marketplace after that experience. As mentioned above, leave on good terms - IT is a small world.

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Absolutely! And like someone else said, if you don't burn bridges at your current job, you could always go back if things don't work out.

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Agree, do your due dil, verify the tech stack, know the weakness, build the start up , and enjoy the ride

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It depends upon the risk factor and how much you believe in the new startup....though always factor in the worst-case scenario...

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It sounds exciting. Honestly I think it's a good move especially if you feel like your current IT job is stuck in a rut.

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Depends, but Yes. And you can see where I work.

Yes

Really depends what the location of the company is (doesn’t matter if remote working or not), but also the structure of the company. If there’s a heavy focusing on marketing, do it. If you’re going to be the only person on a lonely island, think twice.

This being said, I’m from the UK and always optimistic. It’s in our blood 😂

If you think it is a good match for you, then go for it. Interview the company, see if their standards and Values match yours. If you feel its a good fit, leave your current role on good terms. Never burn a bridge you may need to cross again!

I’ve been in the start up world for almost a decade and I would never go back to a large company. I’m start ups I have the freedom to actually do my job with our all the red tape. Plus the equity can pay off well. I’ve been at three start ups two with successful exists (most recent one grossed me 7 figures worth of stock). It’s just more fun.

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Cognizant cts :6.75 lpa
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I am tech enthusiastic person and will be pursuing tech career for rest of my life.

Which could be the best option right now? Need to switch to product based asap.
I am thinking of joining cognizant as for 43% hike.

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