33M, first time joining a tech startup , need advice
TL;DR:
33M, qualified CFA at 31 after a difficult/unstable twenties phase. Currently earning 8 LPA with 10–12 hour workdays. Got an 80% hike offer from a tech startup and already accepted. Worried about startup culture fit, younger IIT/IIM crowd, founder behavior during interview, health/stability, and frequent job changes. Looking for honest advice before joining.
Hi everyone,
I’m a 33-year-old male, qualified CFA at 31. My career path has been quite unconventional and messy compared to peers.
Before qualification, I mostly did freelance accounting/tax work and changed a few jobs. I joined the corporate world properly only after qualification. Currently I’m working around 10–12 hours daily for ~8 LPA.
Now, I have received an offer from a tech startup with around 80% hike, and I have already accepted it. Joining is planned in the second week of June.
A little background:
- Messy twenties with lots of instability
- No family savings/support
- Mother and sister are dependent on me
- Father passed away a few years ago
- I have high BP and weight issues (currently improving through weight loss and medication)
My concerns/questions:
Should I go ahead with this move?
This is a tech startup full of IIT/IIM-type younger crowd and very few finance/accounts people. I’m worried whether I’ll fit into the culture/environment.
The founder himself took my interview. He explained things well and seemed decent, but I also felt he wasn’t fully listening to what I was saying sometimes. Is that a red flag, or am I overthinking?
I’ve already changed 4 companies till now:
- 3 before CFA qualification
- 1 after qualification
Another reason I accepted this is because despite interviews going well elsewhere, I’m not getting selected, and most companies are offering only 20–30% hikes on my current salary.
Would genuinely appreciate advice from people who have moved to startups later in their careers or from finance professionals working in tech startups.
Thank you 🙏🏻