Taking a job with a slightly lower pay
Hi there, I make 140k today at a startup at a Senior IC level - I have been here for 4 years and as of recent have felt less happy and motivated at work, and burnt out from the fully remote position, leadership doubts and change exhaustion. We had large layoffs a few months ago as well which definitely caused morale to go down.
I received an offer from what has historically been a dream company of mine, highly established large tech company with a great office in nyc. That said, the offer will be 20k lower in base salary (but offers equity) at a junior IC level, and this is the very top of their band that I already negotiated to. They have way more benefits (free coffee, breakfast & lunch, hybrid schedule, 401k match, bonus, wellness stipend, etc).
The lower base and level downgrade stings, but I think looking at the offer more holistically and the room for growth makes it more appealing. Additionally, I love my current manager and would say that would be the toughest thing to leave along with some great colleagues.
I feel so torn - do I take this new offer??
Posted Aug 7, 2025, 4:47 PM UTC