Did you ask for a counter from A?

Keeper of The Spirits said:

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Did you ask for a counter from A?

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No. Just informed them I was leaving and they immediately asked if their counter would change my mind. The additional 15% salary increase isn't my hold up. The ownership number (several hundred K) is the issue.

Is the equity fully vested now or after certain period?

Dan Scott said:

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Is the equity fully vested now or after certain period?

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Will be purchased by mother company (optionally) when our EBITA hits "x". At that point will be worth 500k. Based on current growth is expected to hit that in the next 3-5 years.

Dan Scott said:

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It's tough. I'd lean company B. I'd be pissed at company A for underpaying me if they really thought I was worth almost double plus equity. The extra 15% is nice but isn't life changing compared to 75% imo. Sounds weird but to me 15% makes a difference if I'm making 80K but not 200K. And the equity isn't guaranteed and if things go bad, I think you'd be first to get cut. And there was reason you were looking for another job despite being stress free and making good money. Sounds like you're looking for fresh start.

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That's the hard part. I wasn't looking for a new job. Was approached. This was strictly about money.

Captain Winky said:

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What industry do all these high pay low stress jobs exist?

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Haha. Company A is a weird niche high pay low stress gig. Company B will be earning the money.

Howdy Dammit said:

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Dan Scott said:

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It's tough. I'd lean company B. I'd be pissed at company A for underpaying me if they really thought I was worth almost double plus equity. The extra 15% is nice but isn't life changing compared to 75% imo. Sounds weird but to me 15% makes a difference if I'm making 80K but not 200K. And the equity isn't guaranteed and if things go bad, I think you'd be first to get cut. And there was reason you were looking for another job despite being stress free and making good money. Sounds like you're looking for fresh start.

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That's the hard part. I wasn't looking for a new job. Was approached. This was strictly about money.

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Oh I missed where you said you were approached. You're right, makes things tougher.

I can't answer as to what you should do but I can say that the most valuable lesson I learned early on in life is that there is no one in that office more important than you. Not your boss. Not your executive management. Not your colleagues. There is zero moral dilemma here. It's purely business and nothing more. Do what matters to you and to hell with anything else.

You say it was about the money, so if that's the case, then you know the answer.

And….a verbal commitment doesn't mean jack. It's slightly less binding than a handshake deal which is still not meaningful.

The only thing that matters is the policy is of the decision, if any.

BrazosDog02 said:

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I can't answer as to what you should do but I can say that the most valuable lesson I learned early on in life is that there is no one in that office more important than you. Not your boss. Not your executive management. Not your colleagues. There is zero moral dilemma here. It's purely business and nothing more. Do what matters to you and to hell with anything else.

You say it was about the money, so if that's the case, then you know the answer.

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I agree. Just struggling with going back on my word. Really struggling. Also, company B is a former boss and someone I consider a friend.

I'd stay at current company with new deal since you seem happy there, but try to secure guarantees as best you can. From this story, you won't have a problem finding a job making more if things go south. Sounds like you are valuable to many and can choose your lot in life... True that and run with it.

Congratulations on what you've accomplished! And I agree, in this day and age it isn't about moral obligations to your company. If it were, they should explain why they didn't pay you your worth up to now.

aggie_wes said:

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Fk your current company. If they value you that much you'll have a chance to come back and get that equity.

That also sounds like a carrot to get you to say no to new offer and they may screw you on the back end. I would say go, but IF you stay, make sure you have everything in writing and you are good with it BEFORE you tell the other company no.

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This is what I'm currently doing. Have to have everything in writing.

scoop12 said:

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Howdy Dammit said:

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Dan Scott said:

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Is the equity fully vested now or after certain period?

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Will be purchased by mother company (optionally) when our EBITA hits "x". At that point will be worth 500k. Based on current growth is expected to hit that in the next 3-5 years.

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So based on your OP, that is 2x your current salary, meaning you currently make $250k/year in a low stress niche job and are set to make an extra 90% ($475k/year) plus the equity upside? Hmm take the other offer and post a link to company A's career page please.

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Today it is worth 2x my current 'pre raise' salary. It isn't worth 500k today.

I'd be weary of the counter. Sounds great but they could be doing it just long enough to find a replacement now that they know you would leave… I'd make sure that equity vests immediately and cannot be clawed back for any reason.

Working for equity is the prize, IMO, if you believe in the company and their future. Add on the low stress and better salary and seems like a no brainer to stay IF you trust them. Verbal agreements have to be walked back all the time when circumstances change. As long as your company doesn't hold any bad feelings towards you for looking around, there shouldn't be any issue from either company (although people are emotional creatures so never say never). The real question is what would you do if Company B counters again and beats Company A?

Had you asked for a raise in the past and been denied? If you never asked them I wouldn't be offended that they were underpaying. I've learned it's just business. no companies are going to be loyal to you, so go with whatever you feel is best for you and your family in the long run. Just be honest with both companies.

Gigem_94 said:

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Had you asked for a raise in the past and been denied? If you never asked them I wouldn't be offended that they were underpaying. I've learned it's just business. no companies are going to be loyal to you, so go with whatever you feel is best for you and your family in the long run. Just be honest with both companies.

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I had not asked for a raise.

You're getting options. May work may not. If they'd offer you real / common equity then I'd consider it harder.

What is the upside in going to company B in 5-10 years?

Go A low stress.

Having been through a similar situation, I hate counteroffers personally. I would ask B to throw in some equity to sweeten the deal and make your move

Plus with the labor crunch worrying about flight risks isn't necessarily something you can afford to factor. Obviously your relationship with your boss and other senior managers affects this as does how you handled the two week notice but I think you'd be fine staying if you wanted to.

And if the only thing keeping you toward company b is the verbal commitment just tell send them a gram post with respect my decision no dms plz.

In all seriousness your responsibility is to yourself and your family not the companies do prioritize accordingly.

Politely decline company A. Go to B, and if A really wants you back, they will come after you later and no bridges burned.

Howdy Dammit said:

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Work for company A. Good salary. Low stress. No complaints. Was approached and offered 75% raise from company B. Verbally agreed it was enough to jump ship. Put in two weeks today and company A offered a counter of 90% raise and significant ownership valued today at 2x current salary. In a moral dilemma since I verbally committed to company B.

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I have seen this happen several times.

if you believe in Karma or being a decent person- follow through with your commitment

the lesson here is: ASK your current employer if they want to keep you before accepting a second position!

it's not hard.

I would definitely go with B. If things get too stressful you have a friend/boss to confide in to avoid burnout. Use that relationship to your advantage and let them know up front how much more work this will be for you.

75% is a lot and may eventually dwarf whatever ownership you (might) receive.