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Figma Job Offer: I Turned Down $475K, Then Accepted My Dream Job
Austin Starks accepted a mid-level software engineering offer at Figma after turning down a senior AI engineering role more than 30 days earlier. In this update, he compares the earlier $475,000-plus package with his new $300,000-plus Figma package and announces that the reasoning behind his decision is coming in part two.
The earlier proposal included 0.6% company ownership and a profit-share arrangement. Its projected millionaire outcome depended on company performance and equity value; it was potential upside, not guaranteed cash. Figures reflect the offers discussed in this October 2026 recording.
Transcript
0:00Last month, I rejected a senior AI engineering position that would pay me over $475,000 per year.
0:10I'd have 0.6% of a $100 million company.
0:16I would have a profit-share agreement with the business, and I would be a millionaire in less than one year.
0:28And now, more than 30 days later, I just accepted the job offer of my dreams.
0:34I'll be making over $300,000 per year as a mid-level software engineer at Figma.
0:41And if you want to know more about my rationale—why did I reject job offer one and accept a lower-paying job—then like and follow for part two.
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