Seeking some advice - Recent grad

Question

I'm actually with an offer to work at Microsoft as an entry-level Software Engineer in Redmond. I just graduated (end of 2022), and I live in Brazil.

I'm currently freelancing remotely for a USA-based company, and they pay me 20 USD/hour. That's a huge salary by Brazilian standards for someone who just graduated since converting the salary to BRL makes a big difference. This company wants to offer me a full-time role, paying less than Microsoft, but when converting, it's still a huge salary for my needs here in Brazil.

Thinking about the financial aspect in the short term makes sense to stay in Brazil working remotely for them since I will get paid in USD and spend in BRL. In the long term, it's going to be great if the company goes public since I'm paid with shares as well.

Considering the experience of starting my new life in a foreign country, and the impact of having Microsoft on my curriculum, it makes sense to stay with Microsoft's offer. But I'm afraid of doing things that are not so meaningful or have a great impact on the company, such as in the startup I'm today.

I'm divided. What do you guys recommend to guide my decision on this?

MS TC: 150k USD / year

Startup: 30 USD + 1 share / hour

Bluffalol · Accepted Answer

If you have been working for the same company for about 2+ years or more. Make the jump. Jumping is almost always a good move in many aspects.

Besides the career. Living in a foreign country will be eye opening and make you smarter in life.

19g6xkvic7vfr · Answer

I can advise you only to find out what you want yourself. There are different technics like counting plusses and minuses. And I can just give you some thoughts from my experience and point of view. Working for the corporation might be boring comparing to startup - bureaucracy, dependencies, hierarchy, politics. However, chance of the toxic environment is much higher at startup/scaleup. In a big corporation a lot of things depends of the division/team you're working in. Working in foreign country is definitely stress first years. Working in foreign country is culture and possibilities opening. Moving when you are more flexible is better. I would say it is when you don't have children yet and you have loving partner. And you can always come back if you don't find things as you expected. Count also if you are loyal to that company and what them to help to get IPO. You have some local things unfinished like sick olders or growing siblings. About IPO that might be delayed or never happened, as well it is guess how much you will get but it depends a lot of the westing conditions and price for stock for the time of the westing. Finally, what personality are you - are you adventurist liking trying new things, or stable person that moves small steps to own dream. What is your dream? What is your development plan? If it is maximizing your income than US gives you definitely more options to do it. So collect opinions and points, but decide yourself based on your path, willings and abilities. Best wishes!

LCMaster666 · Answer

I'm also in South America making around $8.5k a month and graduated in 2021 so I understand your context.Just for the opportunity cost, it makes sense to go to Microsoft as your career could grow a lot getting you to make 200-300k which you will never see in Brazil.If you don't want to live outside of Brazil (maybe 2 years) depending on how much you save it might make sense to stay (I'd still encourage you to go as it's a great opportunity to live in another country).Statistically speaking is highly likely that the startup you're working at will never go public (not who knows)

JackieDaytona · Answer

I think the real question to focus on is: do you want to live in Brazil or the US?

You have a great opportunity either way, so give some serious weight to where and how you want to live for the next few years (or longer).

user64456 · Answer

I've been at MSFT 2 years, came from an amazing Start Up and it became clear in the first year that financially, MSFT is in a league that my previous employer couldn't. In relation to their revenue, my old employer paid me a princely sum, but it's just nothing like MSFT benefits, compounding RSU's etc. Give MS a try. If your existing employer really values you, tell them you're going to MS and would like them not to terminate your employment until you've assessed what MS is like for yourself. Start ups are super flexible, and you have nothing to lose.

Seeking some advice - Recent grad

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