Reply:
I would talk to the person you'd be working for. Lay out your concerns openly and honestly, and ask for his or her opinion and advice.

There's a chance the big package will create a whiplash later, but bear in mind that what the company spends to get you is up to the company. They feel you're worth it. If they're giving you cash for the options, it's a one-time payment/expense, not part of your salary (thus not a recurring cost).

If they're substituting options or stock in their company for your old options, to some degree or another that's speculative: You may never see the full value of the paper, so it's a risk for you, too. They're not paying you five times your old salary; that would be another story. You may find that the stock and/or options are worthless in three years. Then who's left holding the bag?

I think your best bet is to talk with your future boss. You might even ask to talk with someone higher up, to address the very question you're asking. Some might say you're looking a gift horse in the mouth, but I think it's a legitimate, honest concern and it ought to be discussed.

By the way, congrats on the fine offer!

Best,
Nick Corcodilos
Ask The Headhunter�

Nick Corcodilos is a nationally recognized headhunter, speaker, and authority on job hunting, hiring, and career success. Nick started headhunting in 1979 in Silicon Valley and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Fast Company, and on CNNfn, CNBC, and MSNBC. Check out his book, Ask The Headhunter: Reinventing the Interview to Win the Job (Penguin/Plume, 1997).

The Croc's got teeth
Each week, Nick Corcodilos shares his iconoclastic perspective on job hunting in The Crocodile�, his column on TechRepublic.com. This week, Nick says call before an interview to make sure the manager has read your resume

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