Senior managers and directors are just middle management - yes, director is rarefied air, but in a recessionary scenario you are just middle management. (IMO that's the tricky part of getting to director, it's generally a necessary stepping stone for those with even bigger aspirations, but the market demand for directors is very thin and a layoff can be devastating to your career). On the flip side, people generally think of VPs and up as strategic hires - it's the start of the zone where you generally won't get laid off unless your entire department ceases to exist (or unless you work at some mega large tech shop with too many VPs). You will probably be more empowered as a VP, but a smaller company will be subject to more resource constraints. If they are very frugal, you might find that being more empowered doesn't actually make your life better because you lack the money to do what you actually think you should do. At a VP level, you'll probably get considerable latitude on negotiation. If you're really concerned about stability, negotiate an exit package upfront. But honestly, doesn't seem like a lot of downside to me, with the caveat that you really are in rarefied air and there isn't much useful advice normies will have for you. Will Larson might have some useful writing on the subject. https://lethain.com/

Thanks a lot for sharing your view. Have another question -- how would this potential move (from a mid-management role at a Tier 1 company to a VP role at a mid-sized company) affect future career prospects and trajectory? Specifically, what kinds of doors does a VP role open up?