Background
I have 8+ years of experience as an Senior Software Engineer in India. I’ve spent a significant amount of time with my current employer, and now I’m planning to move on. I recently received two attractive offers:
Current Employement:
Instabase — L4 (Remote)
Base: 44 (Including PF and Gratuity)
Performance Bonus: 20% (10% on average)
ESOPs: 15L INR per year
Microsoft — L63 (Hyderabad office)
Base: 55 (Including PF and Gratuity)
Performance Bonus: 30% (15% on average)
Joining Bonus: 12 (8+4)
Relocation Bonus: 8 (Tax exempted; will be paid by Microsft)
RSUs: 150K USD (25% First Year and 6.25% per following quarter)
Interview Experience: https://leetcode.com/discuss/post/7403844/microsoft-sse-interview-experience-by-an-4f7m/
Atlassian — P50 (Remote)
Base: 84 (Including PF and Gratuity)
Performance Bonus: 30% (15% on average)
Joining Bonus: 8
RSUs: 130K USD (6.25% per following quarter)
Interview Experience: https://leetcode.com/discuss/post/7403944/atlassian-p50-interview-experience-by-vi-79i3/
Why Atlassian?
Atlassian’s Base Pay comes out to be roughly 53% more than Microsoft's. Also, base is on the higher side for any company in India at this level. It will help me in later switch as well.
The remote option gives me flexibility to work from anywhere, saving commute + enabling work-life balance.
Why Microsft?
Having Microsoft on the resume — given its global reputation and scale — remains a strong long-term value, especially for future switch.
With a big organization like Microsoft, there might be easier opportunities to switch teams/projects compare to Atlassian.
Microsoft’s culture, benefits, and organizational processes are generally more structured, less politics and less PIP culture.
Open for input
I have almost decided to join Atlassian. However, I don’t want to discount Microsft — especially given the long-term stability, brand value, and potential career mobility.
I’m writing this to understand: is there something important I am missing?
If you were in my shoes — with 8+ YOE — what factors would you prioritize, and which offer would you pick (and why)?