[rdtsc]

> These colleagues had all been at the company for a while and all had legitimate reasons for resigning unrelated to the revenue slowdown

Obviously not familiar with the particulars, but people don't always say why they are moving on. There is not much of an upside to revealing any negative issues, so it's usually presented as "really wanted to stay, but just found a new exciting opportunity". If all of the sudden 4 people in a few month period "really liked the position, but just found new and exciting opportunities", something else is going on.

[siliconwrath]

I always think of this article in these situations: https://randsinrepose.com/archives/shields-down/

It's an apt metaphor.

[ponector]

>>> The departure cost is always exponentially higher.

And yet no one is going to give you a substantial salary rise unless you sign a resignation letter.

All that questions about the reason why someone wants to leave during recruitment or exit interview are a ceremonial, and people are answering with polite bullshit.

Yes, I'm looking for a new job to get more experience, to grow, to get new challenges. Not because I want more money and we all know it is the easiest way to get it. Not because I have an idiot manager. Etc..

[rdtsc]

> Yes, I'm looking for a new job to get more experience, to grow, to get new challenges.

Indeed. There is no upside to provide any criticism or leave on a negative note. It's the other side of the coin why companies don't provide feedback after interviews, there is no upside for them. Same here. What if some coworkers start another company, or the winds change, etc. It's always better to leave on a positive note regardless of reasons.

Of course when 20% of the team leaves in 3 months "to get more experience and jump on an exciting new opportunity" it would be silly not to read between the lines.

[throwaway632]

Legitimate excuses for leaving. 99% chance what caused them to leave was they saw the writing on the wall and took on a better opportunity.

[epolanski]

The fact that it was veterans leaving isn't just a writing on the wall but probably straight up first hand knowledge.

[datavirtue]

Yes, one must always be sniffing around the books and squinting at the numbers, especially in a startup.