Should You Quit Your Job At A Unicorn? | Dalton & Michael Podcast

Market Timing

Evaluating market timing is crucial for employees at late-stage startups considering a career move. Michael Seibel suggests that transitioning to an earlier stage company might offer more opportunities for advancement and equity, as their valuations are less likely to be inflated 1. Dalton Caldwell adds that while such a move might seem counterintuitive, it often proves beneficial in the long run. He advises employees to conduct a thorough analysis of their current company's metrics, such as revenue and product-market fit, to make informed decisions 2.

The dream setup is you go to an earlier stage company that has the same revenue as the unicorn you are leaving, and one 10th the valuation does your option strike prices much.

--- Michael Seibel

   

Signals to Quit

Recognizing signals to quit a failing startup is essential for employees seeking better opportunities. Dalton Caldwell and Michael Seibel discuss the importance of evaluating company performance indicators like revenue growth and user engagement 3. They emphasize that employees often have access to critical information that can reveal the company's true health, such as product analytics and customer retention rates 2. Seibel warns against relying solely on external signals like fundraising announcements, which can be misleading.

We all know these people that want to just tell you their darkest secret, which is they wake up every day and they, like, dream of quitting.

--- Michael Seibel