Stay loyal to employer or go for IPO at competitor?

[Redherring]

Topic moved

[Indio]

As you're probably aware there are many things that can derail IPO -- bad market timing, etc, though this seems to be getting better with Snap announcing their IPO. If that IPO bombs, it might have a negative impact for a few weeks but the roll back in bank regulations could also help. If a competitor is on track to IPO, couldn't your existing company be considering this route too? Maybe you can negotiate more options with existing company, at a lower valuation, and see if they are going to do a dividend payout in near future and this could generate additional wealth on the way to IPO. If your existing company decides to IPO, they may already be planning it and timing to right after the competitor in order to gain momentum for their stock price or hold off if it is negative.

As for burning bridges, this part is tricky because everyone knows people job hop around looking for bigger payout. When new company IPO happens, there will likely be a holding period before you can start selling stock so you need to know timeframes from them too.

[Stachless]

I'd do it in a heartbeat!

Yes, the new company's IPO could not work out, but you do only have to get rich once.  This seems as likely as a way to do so in as short of a time to do so as any.  You aren't the first person to leave a good job for what could be a better job, so I wouldn't worry too much about burnt bridges (as long as you didn't steal customers, IP, or do anything unethical at new gig).

However...I must ask.  If you are "just barely" a top 1% earner, you are making $400k+.  Perhaps a bit more flexing of your frugality muscles get you FIRED in 2 years anyway without the risk?

[accolay]

Staying with current job and doing great, or getting new job and doing great, with potential to be doing awesome. Not the worst place to be my friend.

Just remember that either way, hindsight's a bitch.

[kissthesky]

I think you should go for it.

Reasons:
- Worst case scenario you will fire in 4 years anyway, so I don't think you need to worry about your long-term reputation in your field
- Being 4 years away from fire you probably have a healthy stash built up so you can afford to do something risky
- Sounds like you want to do it
- YOLO

Good luck!

[Davids]

I would go, worst case scenario is you still end up FIRE in 4 years anyway based on what you are saying.

[Livingthedream55]

Financially I don't see any downside. Stay at current company - FIRE in 4 years.

Move to company B- FIRE in 4 years plus have a chance at an IPO windfall.

Do it!!!!

[Cryocash]

Take everything they say with extreme caution. They want to get you to move, no matter the cost.

My company has been saying IPO in the next 2 years.... for 15 years.

I am thriving and performing in my job despite insane hours. Is matched by very high pay though, bring us to FIRE in 4 years. Top 1 pct earner.

A head-on competitor is trying to get me to join their exec team. Base pay would be same, as the crazy hours, likely. But as they will IPO in next 2 years, there is a huge carrot with a life-changing amount of money. INSTANT FIRE (incl next 2 generations for that matter). Millions.

There are risks. Larger job, new company. And will burn all bridges to current employer and possibly get reputation in my industry. So if all fails, things could be difficult.

What would you do? Go safe (now) or go for the competitor?

[Guesl982374]

What are your job prospects if the competitor fails and you've burned the bridge at the current company?

If you can make +- 10-20% at another company then go for it, worst that can happen is the new competitor fails to IPO, you collect a healthy income for 1-3 years, and you move to a new company for 1-3 years to hit your FIRE number.

If you can't make +- 10-20% elsewhere the I would probably stay put. No use destroying a high paying, stable job/relationship for little gain (1-2 years).

[aschmidt2930]

Tough to say as it's difficult to measure risk/reward from an outsiders perspective. With that said, I'd take the upside.

[Spork]

Take everything they say with extreme caution. They want to get you to move, no matter the cost.

My company has been saying IPO in the next 2 years.... for 15 years.

While I have never been in this situation... I lost count of the number of friends that have been.  One of those friends finally quit the second time his paychecks started bouncing.

"We're going to IPO and make a lot of money" is a company cheer.  Many of them do.  Many of them do not.