Trying to think through career paths. How do you evaluate being a high performing Director at Big 4 with decent growth opportunities vs. switching to Associate Ops role in PE where technically a level down but potentially more money?
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Have an offer to go to a series B startup with about 200 total employees. Base comp 275k vs 215k at D. Up for SM this year (second try). Have a strong network. Debating whether slow and steady is the way or if I should shoot my shot and take the risk of startup life. Anyone with experience making that jump? Married with two kids in elementary school if that matters.
Job search check-in: I've had 4 real interviews in the past 2 months (not phone screens). Made it to final round for 3. Two went with internal candidates, the third had me competing against a whole cohort for limited spots. Two were top tech companies, two were mid-sized firms. Getting these interviews took serious work-networking, referrals, outreach. Final round three times and still no offer is discouraging, but I'm staying on it. Anyone else grinding through this?How's it going for you?
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!
There’s a lot more variability on the PE experience. But consulting not a great path going forward
Directionally what is your end goal? Just work backwards and ask yourself if this role will help me get there. Easy to move for more money but how is it advancing your skills to get you closer to that end goal. What is the reason to switch to Associate Ops role vs continuing down the consulting track?
What do future carry opportunities look like at the PE gig?