Is a big options payoff in the future worth a chronic case of the Mondays now?

Q: I work for a small software company, and my compensation includes stock options. I am about one year into the four-year vesting period. If the company continues to grow, the value of my options could be substantial. Sounds great, right? Well, the problem is I hate my job. I take the stress home, and I have health problems. I'm sticking around solely for the options. How long and how much should I suffer at work for the possibility of a huge payoff?

NICK'S REPLY: Ah, suffering for money. The angst of all time! How much you can tolerate is up to you. But the question you must answer is, Do I need to suffer to be happy and successful?

I have no argument about holding out for the bucks. But your story begs an O. Henry kind of ending: You suffer for years and get the big payoff, but you drop dead from stress, or your spouse dumps you because you've changed so much. Was it worth it? Five years can change a person. Five years of stress can change a person dramatically.

Now let's look at it practically. At this company you will have to work hard for five years for a chance at a big payoff, but there's no guarantee. What if you suffer but never get the reward?

I'd never stick around for any payoff under these circumstances, but that's me. I believe in investing and sacrificing for work you believe in and for a reward. But you must also look at the cost of your investment. Money is important, but so are other things. That is, what else could you accomplish in those five years? Could you start your own business and come close to the expected payoff figure? Could you work with people who pay you in respect instead of big money?

The questions you're asking are life questions, not career questions. You need to step back and view any opportunity in a larger context. Can the four years you're sacrificing be bought?

THE HEADHUNTER TIP:

Ask people who know.

You can look for jobs in ads. But what if you want to work for specialized, privately owned companies that hire mainly through word of mouth?

The best place to find small, local companies is through their external professionals: lawyers, bankers, accountants and other consultants. These are the folks who know business owners and top managers at companies that don't get much publicity. They have a direct, trusted line to decision makers who hire.

Call some of the leading consulting firms in your area, ask for a partner, and explain what kind of company you want to work for. "Is there a company you do work for that you'd recommend as a great place to work?"

This kind of personal referral is how small companies often find their best hires. Ask people who know these companies. If you get that kind of referral, you're golden!

Copyright 2009. Distributed by Universal Press Syndicate

Nick Corcodilos is author of "Ask The Headhunter: Reinventing the Interview to Win the Job" and the host of www.asktheheadhunter.com. He can be reached by e-mail at seattle@asktheheadhunter.com or at North Bridge Group, P.O. Box 600, Lebanon, NJ 08833. Sorry, no personal replies.