Need advice — Join or walk away after tough startup negotiation?
I was upfront before interviews about expecting a significant hike on my current pay, and they initially agreed. But after all rounds and weeks of back-and-forth, the final offer came in lower on fixed, with a big chunk as performance-linked variable pay and some ESOPs.
I know how these “variable” parts usually go in early-stage setups — targets are often unrealistic. So it feels like a lower fixed package disguised with upside.
Now I’m unsure: after such tough negotiations, expectations might already be too high, and in a small company that could backfire if things get tight.
Would you join in this case — or walk away since the comfort already feels off?
I would definitely not join. Give me fixed. Keep max 10% as perf bonus. Keep your ESOPs and stocks to yourself. Gratitude as well. If the number after all this doesn't total to what I was expecting, I'll take the offer letter and go offer shopping since I'm not gonna join anyway as it was their "best offer" post negotiation.
This is a mistake I've done in my current job. I'm never gonna do it. Not revealing anything about my payscale to my next exployer. Will give them my fixed as the min range and fixed+5 as max range.
@Michael_Scofield So they shared the offer intent, waiting for my yes, so that they can send the official letter and other documentation process, so what I am thinking of rejecting the offer intent itself, instead of any offer shopping or anything.
