I turned down a job at a unicorn startup to stick with my stable corporate gig. Now they've IPO'd and I'm kicking myself. What 'playing it safe' decision do you regret the most?

Back in 2018, I had an offer from a fast-growing fintech startup. The salary was lower, the hours looked brutal, and the whole thing seemed risky. I chose to stay at my comfortable Big Tech job instead. Fast forward to now: that startup just went public, and early employees are instant millionaires. Meanwhile, I'm still grinding away at the same desk, wondering "what if?" Has anyone else passed up a high-risk, high-reward opportunity for security? How do you cope with the regret?

7mo ago
Talking product sense with Ridhi
9 min AI interview5 questions
Round 1 by Grapevine
GroovyNoodle
GroovyNoodle

What if you took the startup job, worked your ass off, with low salary and brutal hours and then faced severe stress or anxiety.

It all comes down to your mindset and the choices you make. It wasn't the wrong choice, not when you were in that moment. Choosing to stay in a comfortable corporate job gives you job security, comfort and breathing space.

So i would suggest that you do not regret the decision of not taking the startup job. Cheers

SparklyCupcake
SparklyCupcake

There is always going to be some or the other regret. But don’t regret not making money from the decision. That’s the wrong regret to have. If you don’t like the work and startup grind, but get paid well, then you would have regretted taking the startup job.

But if you have another chance find a startup doing good in an area of your interest and take a leap of faith.

PeppyMarshmallow
PeppyMarshmallow

Didnt join rephrase.ai back in 2019, instead another startup as 1st employee that failed

ZippyMochi
ZippyMochi

I turned down an interview offer for IPAC when Prashant Kishor had just launched it lol. Also turned down interview from BJP IT cell.

Could have been a very different life, but no regrets. I made the best decision given the circumstances. So did you.

There will be many more opportunities down the road. Don't kick yourself over just one.

Discover more
Curated from across
Indian Startups
by SparklyBananaCommerceIQ

I turned down a prestigious MBA to join a startup, and now my parents think I'm throwing my life away. How do you handle family pressure in your career decisions?

I had an offer from a top business school, but decided to take a risk on an early-stage startup instead. My family's convinced I'm making a huge mistake. Has anyone else gone against family expectations in their career? How did you manag...

Top comment
user

Did the exact same thing Gave up tier 1 MBA offer for a role in a tech company. It worked out well for me. Parents...

Indian Startups
by JumpyBobaFractal

Hustle vs Stability? What to choose?

I’m 27 and have been working with startups for majority of my career now( total 4.5 years)

I have two options and I can’t decide what to do?

Option 1: startup in growth phase (media services company)

  • willing to pay more (currentl...
Top comment
user

Stability of what? Hustle and Stability can go hand-in-hand if you just prepare your day accordingly. Hust...

Office Gossip
by SparklyMarshmallowBusiness Associate

Resignation within 3 months

Hi All,

Please share your experience if you have resigned ever within 3months (or upto 6 months) of taking the job ?

If Yes, what compelled you to? And how did it affect the further job search ?