Ask HN: What do I do next?

[confusedtechguy]

I need help. I'm a PM at a somewhat successful mid-size tech company (pre-IPO). I've been here for a couple of years and am vested substantially. Recently, there was a minor re-org which led to some unpleasant dynamics between me and a couple of folks on the team. While the situation has recovered since then, it has left a bad taste in general and things have become too political.

It seems like my options are:

- Stay in the team and suck it up. This stuff happens and one needs to learn to play the game...

- Move to another team within the company. There are options...

- Move to a different company altogether (interestingly, at the same time as the crappy situation at work, a large+successful company reached out with an offer)

- Start my own company. I've done this before and after a couple of failed attempts I guess I've become a little risk averse. Having said that, I met a former colleague who pitched an idea that was IDENTICAL to what I had been thinking off myself... too tempting to be true...

What's weird is that all of these options have presented themselves at the same time. I can't complain. However, I am confused. How do I think about the pros/cons of each of these options? Has anyone been in a similar situation and has advice for me?

[CyberFonic]

Two things jump out for me. 1: pre-IPO and 2: "vested substantially".

If I were in a similar position to yourself, I would carefully analyse the financial pros & cons of staying vs leaving. I see a risk of jumping ship and ruing the decision down the track.

The pre-IPO state might be triggering increased political activity. The scent of money does that to people.

If staying is the better option financially, then moving to another team and learning to play politics better might make your situation easier to handle.

If at all possible, it would be great to find a mentor in a different company but similar industry. There are so many nuances to situations such as yours that it is difficult to suggest viable alternatives without hashing out the many constituent options.

Good Luck!

[confusedtechguy]

thanks for this... great advice re: finding a mentor

[masterzoozoo]

If you are in a financially constrained situation wait for some more time at least till the company goes to IPO. This will save you financially and also will help you in your next venture with more freedom. Since you asked about joining another company, I have a feel that you need to wait for some more time till you get the complete hope of starting on your own. Regarding staying on the same company, talk to an advisor/mentor who knows about the market in your region. All the best on your next venture!

[saluki]

pre-IPO, I would make the best of your current situation, stay in your current team and play the game like a champ.

I would try to make the best of your current situation/team, you might look weak switching teams. Don't rock the boat pre-IPO, consider changing teams down the road.

Stick it out there so you can be around for the IPO (enjoy it/financial gain).

I would wait till you get a windfall from your IPO before you consider starting your own company.

A mentor is always a good idea to have someone in a similar position to bounce things off of, make sure it's someone you can trust.

Enjoy the ride.

[dasigner]

Do you already own the vested stock or are these options for which you'd need to wait for the ipo to be able to strike?

[Im_Talking]

What does your gut tell you?

[confusedtechguy]

moving to another team where i can still have an impact. the company is positioned well for success... i just have a hard time seeing myself in the same team...

[devnonymous]

Hi, here's how I'd break it down:

Firstly, a job and starting your company are two different things. Dissatisfaction with you job should not be the primary reason you should consider for starting up your own company. If you do want to startup your own company consider the reasons why you are risk averse, is it just fear or failure or the fear of the consequences of the failure. If you have the financial appetite to risk a startup and truly believe that you can commit 5-10 years to it (that's how long what most startups take); go for it. Of course this is an over-simplification because there are a thousand other things to consider like your former colleague being a co-founder, where and how you execute etc...

Now secondly, if you decide that starting-up is not for you, here is the thinking I have developed over time. There are 3 factors:

  1. Are you happy with your salary ?
  2. Are you happy doing what your work ? As in do you enjoy it ? 
  3. Are you happy working with the people in the company 
  and your colleagues in particular ?

In my experience, most people quit jobs when at least 2 of the 3 requirements are not met. Having all 3 is of course ideal but 2 are required at the minimum.

So in your specific case, it is obvious requirement #3 is not being met, and if #1 and/or #2 aren't either, will changing to a different team within the company enhance requirements #1 & #2 and also possibly #3 ? If not, look for a job at a different company. If yes, stick around. If however, #1 and #2 are still being met -- stay with the team.

HTH