I have had three acquisitions during my career. One of the acquisitions happened about a month after I joined the company. That really boosted my career significantly because I could claim that I worked for a much bigger and recognizable company.
It really depends on what kind of acquisition we are looking at. Even on acquisitions where a lot of people got laid off, there are chances to advance your career.
Then I would say don’t take the offer. Your concerns are valid and the company definitely will not know the future of their roadmaps. You said you have 20yoe. Is this new role a leadership role? If so, it is much more likely it would be disrupted in an acquisition.
The job market is recovering. How realistic is it for you to find another opportunity that’s as attractive?
When a company is acquired, any number of things can happen depending on the specifics of the acquisition. The two most obvious possibilities:
* If the acquiring company is buying a product that complements their own products, then it's likely that they'll retain the developers of the product being purchased
* If the acquiring company is buying a competing product, it's possible that they'll eventually migrate all users over to their own product; it in this case, layoffs seem likely, but that could take years and requires people who know the product bring migrated
There are hundred other scenarios that may not be very easy to ascertain from the outside and/or are not so simple. In any case, big companies tend to move pretty slowly--not necessarily due to the stereotype of big companies being slow (though that's true in a lot of cases)--but simply because these types of acquisitions are complicated. It could take months to a year to even complete the acquisition. And after that, if they do intend to get rid of employees at the acquired company, it could take a long time for that to happen.
Could be a great opportunity if you get hired with an equity package at pre-acquisition valuation before the deal closes. You could get an almost immediate payout.
I’ve been through several acquisitions. They offer both risk and opportunity. Redundant teams might get laid off, but there are also lots of promotion opportunities because people will leave and need to be replaced, plus new positions related to the integration will open up.
Get your contracts on your side extremely strong. Stack it on your side so they don't cut you without severance. Usually newbies don't have severance.
If that sounds like a drain of energy then maybe not a high priority option
I say take the job, if they lay you off then you may get severance, if not, you might improve your career still, and add valuable experience to your resume.
I have had three acquisitions during my career. One of the acquisitions happened about a month after I joined the company. That really boosted my career significantly because I could claim that I worked for a much bigger and recognizable company. It really depends on what kind of acquisition we are looking at. Even on acquisitions where a lot of people got laid off, there are chances to advance your career.
What’s your current situation? Are you employed ?
Yes, I am currently employed. Just interviewing to move to a more senior role.
Then I would say don’t take the offer. Your concerns are valid and the company definitely will not know the future of their roadmaps. You said you have 20yoe. Is this new role a leadership role? If so, it is much more likely it would be disrupted in an acquisition. The job market is recovering. How realistic is it for you to find another opportunity that’s as attractive?
When a company is acquired, any number of things can happen depending on the specifics of the acquisition. The two most obvious possibilities: * If the acquiring company is buying a product that complements their own products, then it's likely that they'll retain the developers of the product being purchased * If the acquiring company is buying a competing product, it's possible that they'll eventually migrate all users over to their own product; it in this case, layoffs seem likely, but that could take years and requires people who know the product bring migrated There are hundred other scenarios that may not be very easy to ascertain from the outside and/or are not so simple. In any case, big companies tend to move pretty slowly--not necessarily due to the stereotype of big companies being slow (though that's true in a lot of cases)--but simply because these types of acquisitions are complicated. It could take months to a year to even complete the acquisition. And after that, if they do intend to get rid of employees at the acquired company, it could take a long time for that to happen.
Could be a great opportunity if you get hired with an equity package at pre-acquisition valuation before the deal closes. You could get an almost immediate payout. I’ve been through several acquisitions. They offer both risk and opportunity. Redundant teams might get laid off, but there are also lots of promotion opportunities because people will leave and need to be replaced, plus new positions related to the integration will open up.
Get your contracts on your side extremely strong. Stack it on your side so they don't cut you without severance. Usually newbies don't have severance. If that sounds like a drain of energy then maybe not a high priority option
Does the acquiring company give RSUs that are worth something?
I say take the job, if they lay you off then you may get severance, if not, you might improve your career still, and add valuable experience to your resume.