How do startup exits affect your career?

2 Role changes

One of the most obvious effects of an exit is that your role might change significantly. Depending on the type and terms of the exit, you might have to adapt to a new culture, a new boss, a new team, or a new vision. You might also have to deal with more bureaucracy, more competition, more pressure, or more uncertainty. Some exits might offer you more autonomy, more responsibility, more growth, or more recognition. Others might limit your creativity, your influence, your learning, or your satisfaction.

3 Compensation changes

Another important effect of an exit is that your compensation might change dramatically. Depending on the type and terms of the exit, you might receive a lump sum, a stock option, a retention bonus, or a salary increase. You might also have to deal with vesting periods, lock-up periods, taxes, or dilution. Some exits might make you rich, others might make you comfortable, and others might make you disappointed.

4 Reputation changes

A third effect of an exit is that your reputation might change considerably. Depending on the type and terms of the exit, you might gain or lose credibility, visibility, network, or prestige. You might also have to deal with expectations, stereotypes, envy, or gratitude. Some exits might boost your personal brand, others might tarnish it, and others might leave it unchanged.

5 Opportunity changes

A fourth effect of an exit is that your opportunities might change significantly. Depending on the type and terms of the exit, you might have more or less options, flexibility, freedom, or risk. You might also have to deal with loyalty, commitment, contracts, or non-compete clauses. Some exits might open new doors for you, others might close them, and others might keep them the same.

6 Exit strategies

The final effect of an exit is that your exit strategy might change drastically. Depending on the type and terms of the exit, you might have to decide whether to stay or leave, when to stay or leave, and how to stay or leave. You might also have to consider your goals, your values, your passions, and your skills. Some exits might make you happy, others might make you unhappy, and others might make you indifferent.