Deciding among multiple job offers - advice?

[fell-like-rain]

Edit: this was a time-limited decision that has passed, so I've removed the info

[jrhampt]

Sounds like it's really more of a choice between Govt and BigN.  Does Govt have a pension since no 401k?  If not, I'd really lean more toward BigN because of the short commute/remote and highest pay/best benefits, especially if you're early enough in your career that it would be good to have it on your resume.  One thing you haven't mentioned though is if you think you'll be working roughly the same number of hours/wk at each of these.  If you're making lots of money but also having to work lots of hours that could negate the pay increase.  But if you need to care about what your employer does to be happy (I don't), go with Govt.

[Sibley]

Day to day, how much does it matter if you like the company/work/mission? If that's something that impacts you regularly, then you need to prioritize it. Even if the money isn't as good. Other people however can compartmentalize and it doesn't matter.


Edit: typos

[catccc]

I'm a compartmentalizer, a job is a job, as long as the product isn't a moral deal breaker for me, I'd go for the money.  With the caveat that the elusive "work life balance" is not an issue with any of these options.  Sometimes free meals = don't leave the office, you never need to...

[NorthernIkigai]

Hey, these things are easy and nice to decide when it’s not actually one’s own dilemma… :-) My vote goes to BigN, for the commute and the money. Especially if you don’t have that many years left until you plan to FIRE and/or you don’t mind switching again in a few years’ time if something even better comes along and you can impress your next employer with having worked at BigN.

The bit about actual hours worked is of course a good point, as well as your feeling about the people you’ll be working with: do you look forward to collaborating with them, or are there any red flags? Since you have (very good) options, I’d stay well clear of any potential assholes.

[SweatingInAR]

How close are you to FIRE, if that is one of your life goals? Current net worth and your target net worth in dollars would be helpful.

If you are far enough along that your stash works harder than you can, the difference in salary might only shave a month or two off of your necessary working career. On the other hand, if you are early enough that the compensation makes a big difference and your future resume matters, I would lean toward BigN.

[joe189man]

How close are you to FIRE, if that is one of your life goals? Current net worth and your target net worth in dollars would be helpful.

If you are far enough along that your stash works harder than you can, the difference in salary might only shave a month or two off of your necessary working career. On the other hand, if you are early enough that the compensation makes a big difference and your future resume matters, I would lean toward BigN.

This was kinda my thought, you can do anything for a few years, and that equates to $70-90k more in income over the same time frame. If you end up hating it you can always jump ship after a few years and get a good resume boost, BigN is my vote from a random internet stranger

[bryan995]

BigN.  It is likely the only path to doubling or tripling your income. 

Is Pets private?  Comes with stock options?
Break down the comp by base/bonus/stock :)

Go to the largest tech company that you can. Move up the ranks and gain the necessary skills.  Jump ship every two years to keep salary at market rate. Then when you have enough experience, locate  a series A/B start-up that fits your interest/passion and has the highest chance of success. Join as L6/L7/Principal and accumulate as many options as possible. Retire 4 years later.

That’s all there is to it.

[plog]

Another vote for BigN here. No brainer.

Not to be all GenX grandpa, but -- you kids today and you're missions, oy vey.  I admire your passion for passion and making the world a better place, but I know very few people who get that thru work.  I know quite a few teachers, a court-appointed defense lawyer, some non-profit heads and if you ask them, day to day it's a job just like everyone else putting in time. 

Volunteer at the ASPCA on the weekends, or don't and just donate half the difference of the salaries to them and you have it all.