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Ask HN: Should I join a startup that has a probation period for new employees.

by AbbeFaria on 12/28/21, 9:50 AM with 2 comments

Hi HN community, Need some help in a predicament I am facing in my job hunting. I have on-site interviews ongoing with 6-7 companies but I have received an offer from a startup, bit unsure what to do here.

1. The startup offer is good compensation wise but it has a rider that I have to undergo a 6-month probation period (I am working in India). I honestly don't know what to do here. When I was employed at my previous employer, I had no such condition. And from some Google-fu, I can only see that this is common in IT services based companies (TCS, Infosys etc). The startup is paying good money but its this probation period clause that is ringing alarm bells for me. Also, the tech interview process for the startup was a breeze for me. Didn't get grilled technically that much, compared to some FAANG companies. Also, said startup is paying me what I was getting at my earlier employer, none of the fringe benefits though, its all cold-hard cash.

2. I really don't want to do this but what If I take the startup's offer since I can join a bit late and by that time I should have some onsites over so I could pick then best employer for me. I feel that with the probation period clause they are giving both of us a "parachute" in that either one of us can exit if it doesn't work out for us.

3. Anyone working at a tech startup (helps if you are an Indian one!), can you please explain the rationale behind having a probation period clause. Is it common amongs Indian startups or startups in general ? This startup is <100 person and couple of years old. The employment contract is suspiciusly mum on any details about the probation period. Just says, that the probation period is 6 months from joining.

Right now, I am not working but was previously employed as an SDE in BigTech. So I am aggressively looking to be employed.

  • by UglyToad on 12/28/21, 2:58 PM

    Just chiming in that probation periods are fairly common here in the UK, I think every job I've had has had one (may be different in the 'elite' tier). Details were generally they can let you go (and you can quit) with very short notice (a week or 2) occasionally also with restrictions on using vacation during probation.

    From an employer's point of view it makes sense since tech interviews are such a weak signal and outside of the US most countries have decent employee rights which make it hard to part ways with a poorly matched hire.

    In your situation it sounds more like the compensation is the stumbling block, but you should definitely get clarification on the exact details of the probation period.

  • by crate_barre on 12/28/21, 1:01 PM

    I like #2. Take it, set a late start date and keep interviewing. If nothing comes through, also keep interviewing for six months.

    Life is cruel, I know.