This next question
I’m a recent graduate working for a big tech company. The pay is decent with good benefits and I’m in line for a promotion. However, I’ve been offered a similar role at a start-up in Barcelona. The pay is considerably less, but it’s an opportunity I want to accept. Should I stick it out with the tech group for a few more years experience or book my flight to Spain? Male, 20s
Jonathan’s answer
You have reached a junction in the road or, since someone has offered you this opportunity, a new side road has appeared off your original route and you wonder if you should turn down it.
There is an immediate question of whether to accept the start-up role. But the fact that you want to accept implies you would be open to such a move in principle.
Rather than two choices, you may have more, since each of the two could branch into others. If you are looking to work in a start-up, is the Barcelona option the best? Being offered a role on its own is usually flattering but can be a weak foundation for changing organisation type, language, culture and country all at the same time.
This offer has triggered the excitement of moving abroad, gaining international experience in an attractive city. You would have the chance to learn/improve Spanish, to work in a different culture. You may also feel it is more exciting, compared with staying put.
Given you appear interested in exploring such a move, in both location and organisation type, take time to consider what it is you seek. The start-up seems a riskier approach with a lower salary and perhaps fewer of the benefits that larger, established companies can provide. But at this stage in your career, and depending on your personal circumstances, do you need these benefits? If you’ve established that you could live on lower pay and with fewer benefits, you might prefer to consider all the options now open to you, including this one in Barcelona.
Another route you could explore is with your current employer, which is obviously pleased with your work if a promotion is due. Now, or after you get the promotion, could be a good time to have an open conversation with them about options for working abroad, for example if they have foreign offices or collaborations.
You could also explore if there are opportunities to work in different parts of the organisation that more closely resemble a start-up, whereby there is greater autonomy to come up with and work on new products.
While it may be that one regrets the chances not taken, you have more than two choices before you. The flattering offer in Barcelona may be the best choice you have today, but it also encourages you to review and explore all your options, some of which may still be hidden.
Readers’ advice
Risk is quantified in the eyes of the risk taker. If you are willing to bet on yourself and your development, then seek out the challenge, rather than the comfort. It will pay dividends later. Tamerlane
From Big Tech, it’s easy to go almost anywhere. But if you exit that too early, it’ll be hard to get back in without very solid skills and a great attitude. Staying in Big Tech longer will open doors continuously. SFTH
It pays following your heart, you can always switch to another employer if things don’t work out. But always do due diligence on the start-up. Toxie
Jonathan Black is director of the Careers Service at the University of Oxford. Every fortnight he answers your questions on personal and career development and working life. Do you have a question for him? Email: [email protected]