Career Dilemma. Please help with your suggestions

I am currently working in a Series A funded startup based out of Blr, and we are hopeful to raise another round in a few months (let’s assume this is certain for the sake of discussion). I’m thinking b/w between deciding to stick here for 4-5 years min, and pursuing MBA (aiming for abroad ideally) I am a growth manager right now, with 4 years experience in total, w/ 1.5yr at my present company. I get along with my team very well, think my manager is a great mentor for me right now and really love the product we are building. The growth prospects of the company are pretty good as well and we are very (cautiously) optimistic about raising Series B in this funding winter. My main dilemma comes when I think of money that I can probably earn here or elsewhere if I pursue education further. No matter where I work I’d rather do it for the stock options and give myself a chance at an early age to get to a good financial state asap. At the same time, despite the upfront costs that an MBA brings, there’s sureshot way that I’ll get to a higher pay whereas relying on a Startup’s ESOPs is riskier comparatively. I’ll be walking into my appraisal call in a couple of weeks. I’m paid 20L fixed + 10L ESOPs right now. I studied at a tier 1 institute, not that it matters, but compensation wise I want to be matched to my peers. Is it sensible for me to ask for a marginal fixed comp hike and ESOPs of 30L-40L (is this the right amount to ask for the risk I’m taking) in the hopes of getting wealth - Is this significant enough for me to ditch my other options (or companies)? Or should I stick to standard hikes and pursue an MBA?

Autocorrext

Student

a year ago

10L ESOPs are vested over 4 years or per year?

Somedude

Stealth

a year ago

Got 10L for 4yrs last time. Thinking of getting a higher amount this time around

Soberbot

InMobi

a year ago

Pursue an MBA. I think you know you want money, so best case - you get a job in EU or US (unlikely) Target case - you get a 770+ and go to best US bschool and become rich Worst case - you worry about shit appraisals when they’ll give you peanuts. 30-40 lakh nahi 1.5 cr ka bill aata hai mba ka

Somedude

Stealth

a year ago

30-40L ESOPs I meant Bhai. Thank you for your suggestion 🙏

DevilInTheDetails

Fintech Startup

a year ago

One of the more nuanced questions I've seen on this platform, so kudos on that first. 1. Nobody can really guess how much ESOP's would make you rich, and whether it'll do it at all. If you believe in the company (and your own ability to influence the growth), then go ahead, explain your thesis and ask for it. 2. Otoh, a good abroad MBA will certainly give you a pay package of ₹1.2-1.5C right out of school in an overseas job, but one can only guess whether or not you'll enjoy it as much. MBA is the low risk option, if you're targeting & have the ability to crack top B-schools. What schools do you realistically see yourself getting into? That will play a part in the decision.

Somedude

Stealth

a year ago

Thanks for the reply. I'm aiming for the best ones (being ambitious frens). Main reason being that i belive I might be able to achieve whatever a non T10 B school will get me without an MBA as well.

Somedude

Stealth

a year ago

If I stay what do you think my ask should be? ESOPs wise, considering I'll be putting in 4-5yrs more easily.

LosingmakesnoCents

Stealth

a year ago

Think of it from this perspective : You are quite young in your career. At this stage, I would prioritize learning and growing your problem solving skill sets more than anything. On top of that a great mentor/manager to guide you is like an icing on the cake. Only once you work in a few more companies, do you realise how rare that combination is. In I were you, I would try to learn as much as possible from the current place. Have a growth roadmap created with your manager, where you align on where you want to be 1/2/3/4 and 5 years down the line in terms of responsibility and pay. Keep checking that every 6 months and course correct if needed. You will still have the chance to do MBA later on if you want to, but you would have amassed such a value skill set in problem solving that will be invaluable for any prospective product or company.

Somedude

Stealth

a year ago

Thanks for your suggestion man! 😄

MildMusic68

Stealth

a year ago

Which is the tier 1 institute and what did you pursue in undergrad? Just curious about career paths to plan

Somedude

Stealth

a year ago

Went to IITK, mechanical engineering.

MildMusic68

Stealth

a year ago

Mechanical Engineers don't pursue even if they are from IITK? What do mech engineers from IITK working in the domain are getting paid? Fellow mech engineer trying to not regret life choice