Networth dropped over 50% , never thought I'd make such a mistake.

Hey Redditors,

I wanted to share my experience and get some thoughts from this community about a decision that's been weighing on me.

A few months ago, I moved from VMware to Google. At VMware (soon to be Broadcom), I was in a pretty solid position. Broadcom was offering a generous package, including RSUs and other benefits, which would have been significant for my financial growth. However, I chose Google instead—mainly because of its reputation and the hope for long-term career stability.

Here's where it gets tricky. Taking the Google offer meant a 25% pay cut. On paper, that might not seem like a big deal if you're thinking long-term. But when I look at what I left behind—Broadcom's lucrative RSUs, bonuses, and benefits—I can't help but feel like I missed out. If I'd stayed, my financial situation would have been stronger now.

Why did I make the switch, then?

• I thought about career longevity. Google felt like the "dream company," where I could grow for years without worrying about aggressive cost-cutting measures.
• I wanted to explore new technologies (Kubernetes, GCP, distributed systems).
• I hoped the experience at Google would open up better opportunities down the line.

But now, I wonder if I let the brand name and prestige blind me to the financial trade-offs. Was this a short-term loss for a long-term gain, or just a financial misstep?

Some days, I think about how we calculate career decisions. Should financial growth always take precedence over career satisfaction and growth potential? And is it even realistic to prioritize "career longevity" in this rapidly changing tech world?

For context, I'm 37, married, with an autistic daughter. My family's financial stability is a huge priority for me. While I'm making adjustments to stay on track (investments, savings, etc.), I can't help but feel the sting of what I walked away from.

Have any of you faced a similar situation? How do you balance financial priorities with career growth? Would love to hear your stories or advice.