[USER]

I need some advice. I’m currently earning $110K at a large company, which offers a 401(k) with a 50% match up to $5,000.

However, my new manager is quite difficult to work with; he rarely gives second chances and has fired people immediately.

I’ve received an offer for a new job from a manager I know and respect, which comes with similar benefits, but it’s at a startup.

I’m hesitant because working at a startup may involve more responsibilities and challenges.

Additionally, I have a good reputation with both managers, and I don’t want to decline this opportunity only to find myself in a tough spot if I get fired from my current job.

What do you think I should do?

P.S In path to retire in 14 years

Thank you!

[Amanda]

I’d go with the new offer. Nothing beats having a great manager.

[Sarah]

It’s entirely up to you, but I will never work at a start up again. If the founder is still running the company, runnnnn in the opposite direction.

[Noa]

Ive worked at startup and at large organisation. I felt startup was more productive work and large company was more busy work…

[Grace]

Mental health is significantly more important than anything else. Retaining a toxic manager could be detrimental.

[Jule]

This is a growth opportunity! Working at a start up you wear several hats and what you’d learn in a big company in 5 years, you could learn at a start up in one.

Plus you gain a great manager.

[Heather]

Startups are fun! A gamble, yes – but it could be acquired or it could do belly up. Also, know you will be wearing multiple hats but get loads of experience.

I say go for it!

[Shay]

People don’t quit jobs, they quit bosses. So if you’re having doubts about your boss, I’d run. Plus there’s upside to getting in early with a start up.

[Kacee]

Startups are great! Yes, you may take on more responsibilities wearing different hats but those could give you valuable experience and insights that could be very beneficial down the road with various paths.

Plus you have a great boss (you already know that) and you’ll get in on the low stock prices now before it takes off.

ven if it doesn’t take off later, you still would have been a big fish in a smaller pond which is way more fun than being just one of the smaller fishes in the bigger ponds and all the corporate BS esp if you have a hard manager to please.

Been with both in my time and if I was to do it over again, I would take a startup over a big corp any day.

[Lisa]

If you are one of the first people on with a startup and you believe it is a good company… I would jump on that rocket.

If it looks shaky and the work is really going to burn you…

I would still look at getting a different job.

The current situation… Is try to get out of there.

[Jared]

I would take the job at the startup with the caveats that
1. You understand the investment “runaway” the startup has, i.e.

the number of months of cash burn the startup has before profitability or a new round of funding is required.

2. You are an appropriate spot in your career that you can tolerate the risk of working at a startup (combo of age + family responsibilities/kids)

You might make less at a startup, but all of those “extra responsibilities” will jump start your career growth, which will mean learning faster and more, likely leading to new opportunities either at the startup or elsewhere.

[Joshua]

The startup might be considerably more work than you are currently used to. If you’ve had a traditional job for many years you may not succeed at an entreprenurial venture.

I’d make sure that you have a plan B if you take the startup job and it doesnt work out.

(Ie; have proven that you are able to secure employment at an employer similar to your current one – without the ahole boss)

[Scott]

As long as you give good notice and leave respectfully, the old job will be there. Go for it.

[Kathy]

Sometimes we are stuck on thinking we only have 2 options. I’d leave a job with a bad boss, but if my relationship with the boss was OK for now, I’d take the time and explore ALL my options, and not limiting myself to choosing between the startup and the current job.

[Jon]

Do you have a solid emergency fund? Do you believe in the startup being successful?

Startup is most likely going to be more work.

Can you get stock options/bonus schedule for hitting or exceeding goals?

Make the jump.

[Author]

Posts