Dear Mike:

I’ve been with my company for five years and hold an equity position. We are actively searching for a buyer, and I really want to participate in the upside if a sale happens. However, the process is moving slowly, and our industry is facing challenges that could make my equity worthless.

Recently, the company extended another round of stay bonuses to select employees, and I was included. I’ve kept my eyes open passively for other opportunities, but the job market in my niche is soft. I’m paid well, and the stay bonuses are compelling, but I fear that the upside I’m hoping for won’t materialize.

Based on your view of the hiring market, what would you do?

Thanks,

Chuck

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Hey Chuck,

You’re in a classic golden handcuffs situation – strong compensation, enticing bonuses, but an uncertain future. The big question is whether your equity position will turn into a real payout or if you’re riding out a situation that ultimately won’t deliver.

Let’s break this down into three key considerations:

Market Timing & Your Leverage: You mentioned that your niche is soft, which means making a move now might not be ideal. That said, hiring markets shift quickly. Are you actively building relationships with industry peers, recruiters, or competitors? Even if job postings are scarce, many executive-level opportunities arise through networking rather than public listings.

The Probability of a Sale: If your company is actively searching for a buyer but facing industry headwinds, the chances of a successful exit depend on factors like financial performance, competitive positioning, and investor appetite. Have leadership or private equity stakeholders shared realistic timelines or buyer interest levels? If the process keeps dragging with no real traction, that’s a warning sign.

The Stay Bonus vs. Market Opportunity: The stay bonus is designed to keep you engaged while the company works through the sale. Since you’re in a niche market with limited opportunities, accepting the bonus while continuing to network could be the best move. However, bonuses don’t change fundamental risks. If your company struggles to sell and cuts start happening, those bonuses won’t provide long-term security.

What Would I Do?

• Take the Stay Bonus, But With a Plan. If the terms are reasonable and you’re confident in collecting it, take the short-term win while continuing to evaluate your options.
• Pressure-Test the Equity Story. Push leadership for transparency, ask about buyer interest, valuations, and realistic exit scenarios. If answers are vague or overly optimistic, that’s a red flag.
• Quietly Ramp Up Your Search. Even in a soft market, the right role can emerge. Focus on networking, not just job boards. Talk to executive recruiters and industry contacts now, so you’re ready if the situation worsens.

If your gut tells you the sale won’t happen, don’t wait for an industry downturn to make a move. Timing is everything as sometimes the best exit isn’t the one you originally planned.

Hope this helps!

Mike

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TNCR Community – what advice would you add to this thread? Do you have a perspective that you can share? Have a career question for Mike? Email him directly at mike.burgett@burgateglobal.com