Hey everyone,

I’d really appreciate any insights on my current situation. I’ve been working at a product-based MNC since graduation and have recently started preparing for a switch, aiming for FAANG or similar companies to bring my compensation up to market standards. I’ve just received an offer from a mid-sized startup I interviewed with.

Background:
College: Tier 2 (NIT)
Experience: ~4 years
Domain: Backend Java, Big Data, Distributed Systems

Current Employer: Product-based MNC
Current Compensation: ~25 LPA (20L Fixed + 4L Variable + Misc)

New Employer: US-based startup (4 years old, <100 employees globally, <10 in India), Hybrid role
Offer: 34 LPA (32L Fixed + 2L PF) + ESOPs (1-year vesting period)
Tech Stack: Node.js, TypeScript – full-stack role

The work-life balance at the startup seems decent based on my chats with current employees. The company appears stable for at least the next year or two. The offer is a decent bump over my current compensation, though not as high as one might typically expect from startups. The ESOPs, for now, are just on paper. Further negotiation doesn’t seem to be an option at this point.

My dilemma:

• Does this seem like a good offer in today’s market for someone with my background and experience?

• Should I accept the offer or continue preparing for FAANG or equivalent opportunities? Staying at my current job while preparing and interviewing for a few months would be much easier than transitioning into a fast-paced startup environment during that time.

Would really appreciate your thoughts. Thanks!