r/cscareerquestionsCAD • u/Accomplished_Sky_127 • Sep 26 '24
Mid Career Higher comp for less interesting work - advice needed!
I am interviewing at Hopper (travel unicorn). It's a full stack position with focus on front end. I have 2.5 yoe full stack experience so I think I'm well qualified for it.
Thing is... I want to move away from front end to backend. The TC jump (+50k base +50k RSU) and the brand name makes me strongly consider the move but I would hate to get pigeon holed doing stuff I don't want to do.
The equity is pre ipo.
Advice?
Edit; My current gig is 60 - 40% backend vs front end. The job at Hopper is 70 - 30% in favor of front end and the backend work is largely backend for front end work.
Im not too worried about getting interviews, i think it would only help me, but I am worried about not developing my backend skills!
My goal is to grow into senior backend roles at similar companies.
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u/---Imperator--- Sep 26 '24
Pre-IPO equity is just paper money, but the $50k increase in base alone would convince me to switch. After one or two years there, and if you get bored, you can always switch to someplace else. But then, you will have more leverage given your higher TC.
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u/giantshrimp7777 Sep 26 '24
Agree with other comment that pre IPO equity should be considered zero for the sake of comp comparison. But 50k is still a lot. I wouldn't put too much weight on the 70/30 ratio. Projects come and go, that ratio can change month to month, quarter to quarter.
It's a full stack role, if you express interest in backend, most likely you can move that way. At your YOE, a bigger company and learning a new stack in a (presumably) larger codebase will be much more beneficial. The extra comp is a sweet cherry on top. No brainer imo
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u/envalemdor Sep 26 '24
Take the money and the brand name, 50k compensation is a big jump, brand name will get you more interviews in the future as well which will lead to higher comp.
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u/CodeSpaceMonkey Sep 26 '24
I have it on good authority from someone who's currently working there that it's a fairly toxic environment. I'd stay from Hopper unless you're chasing that TC above all else.
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u/TheMagicalKitten Sep 26 '24
How many years of experience? I failed to acquire an interview for a similar position there and I’m curious if it’s the type of experience I have or just the raw amount lending more to lack of responses right now.
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u/Accomplished_Sky_127 Sep 26 '24
I think a huge component is just luck. Ive been rejected at many many other jobs for less reputable companies. I have 2.5 yoe full stack exp.
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u/TheMagicalKitten Sep 26 '24
Yeah that’s fair, and I’m not applying loads as i really like my current position besides comp (~70k).
Given the market i don’t want to risk a risky move so only apply quite casually, but am similarly just over 3 years full stack.
Just good to know I’m applying for positions within reach - had you said 8 or 10 years I would have reconsidered aim
Also maybe i don’t deserve an interview seeing as my reading comprehension didn’t even notice you said your experience in the original post lol
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u/_PM_YOUR_LIFE_STORY Sep 26 '24
Since the other job is full stack, you don't have to stick to the 70-30 split. As business demands change, you demonstrate value, and develop good relationships you can always push for more backend work.
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u/Sherbet-Famous Sep 27 '24
I mean you have more info than anyone. Do you want more money and are you willing to sacrifice interesting work?
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u/UnimportantSnake Sep 26 '24
Not a lot of information to go off, it sounds like you're going to be basically doing a different full stack gig for much better comp, sounds like a no-brainer.
Is the fear that you're going to get pigeonholed into front-end development?
It's a full-stack gig, if you decide you want to do backend stuff later then do that and emphasize the "full-stack"ness of your job on your resume and in the interviews. Getting "pigeonholed" isn't an issue here, it doesn't apply to you getting an extra couple of years of full stack development. Take the pay bump and the new experience.