The final episodes of Younger were full of surprises, and most of them were romantic - from Liza's last-minute makeup (and then breakup) with Charles to Maggie's shocking new romance. However, one of the biggest twists was in Liza and Kelsey's career paths.
Inkubator, as an app, turned out to be a huge idea - and one that got backing from Reese Witherspoon's company, prompting Kelsey to move to LA. Liza, as co-creator of the project, could have gone with her, but chose to stay with Empirical in New York. She'll also be moving up in the world, as Charles has essentially offered her a publisher role while he goes away to write, but was this her best decision, or should she have followed Kelsey to Hollywood?
Inkubator: Complicated Personal Relationships At Empirical
Liza and Charles did manage to work together despite their personal relationship, but it wasn't always easy - and staying at Empirical means staying close to some complicated relationships. Not just Charles (although he is taking a step back), but Diana, should she return, may not be thrilled about her former assistant becoming her boss. Then there's the possibility of accusations of favoritism, getting such a high position because she was Charles's ex... it's not impossible to navigate, but it would certainly be easier to start fresh with Kelsey.
Empirical: Keeps Her Closer To Friends & Family
Kelsey is in a perfect position to move to LA for Inkubator - she's single, a little bit frustrated with New York, and ready for a fresh start. Liza, on the other hand, wouldn't want to move - and Empirical keeps her in the city. Here, she's close to her oldest friends, she's better able to spend time with her daughter, and she's got the possibility of getting back together with Josh.
Inkubator: She Could Work With Kelsey
Despite their arguments over the years, Liza and Kelsey are great friends, and they work together wonderfully. Kelsey is able to bring fresh ideas and her own ambition and perspective, and Liza balances that with her own style and a bit more of a cautious approach.
They created Inkubator out of this great match between minds, and it would definitely be a better creative match than sticking around at Empirical - especially with Charles, Diana, and Kelsey all gone.
Empirical: Suits Her Passion Better
While Liza was instrumental in creating Inkubater, her true passion remains in 'real' printed books. Her love of books is what got her into publishing, and her approach is better suited to traditional publishing. As much as Inkubater was a fun passion project for her, her style is simply better suited to a more traditional work situation, dealing with more traditional publishing.
Inkubator: Being Her Own Boss
The finale didn't explicitly lay out what Liza's job role would be at Empirical, beyond Charles saying he would need someone to 'look after' the company in his absence - but no matter how high up in the company she gets, Liza will still be beholden to the board - and they have proven to be difficult to work with in the past. The creation - and then absorption - of the Millenial imprint is a great example of the frustrations that come from working for someone else, and at Empirical, Liza will be doing just that. However, if she went off with Inkubater, she would be the one in control.
Empirical: More Stability In Her Career
Inkubator has the potential for big rewards and total (or near-total) control, but it also comes with big risks. Like any new business, there is the possibility that the app would fail, or that something would go wrong. However, staying at Empirical is the safer choice in terms of stability.
As a company, they have a long history, they are in a good financial position (by the end of the show, at least), and it will be a solid and reliable job for Liza.
Inkubator: The Money!
A few figures were thrown around in the final episodes, and while no specific number was attached to the project at the end, it's clearly worth a lot of money - with the potential to make even more. Inkubator could well be a multi-million dollar idea, and Liza isn't just giving up the work, she's also giving up the right to her half of that. It is possible that she would keep some kind of option in the company, but it seems that she just signed over the entire thing to Kelsey.
Empirical: Better For Her Resume
This could, admittedly, go either way. Should Inkubator become a multi-million dollar empire, Liza wouldn't need a resume anymore, so it wouldn't matter what is on it. However, Empirical is still a name that is going to look fantastic on Liza's resume - especially if she has the job title to match it. Whether she chooses to stay at the company long-term or not, taking this position would open doors for her in the future, too.
Inkubator: More Room To Grow
It is strongly implied that Liza would be taking over Charles' position at Empirical, and while this is an amazing feat for her, it does put her at the top of the company. She may, of course, be able to move to a new company (and as mentioned, having this role under her belt could help her move up to wherever she wants), but it's still a more limited career path than following Inkubator. As a new concept, as well as a new business, there would be space for Liza to start doing anything she wanted, and so much more freedom to explore any other new ideas she has.
Empirical: It Is What She Always Wanted
At the end of the day, Liza stayed with Empirical because it's what she always wanted. The whole reason that she lied about her age in the first place was to land a job with a publishing house, because she has wanted a career in publishing since she actually was in her twenties. Inkubator may have had more scope (and possibly much more money), but it wasn't Liza's dream, and the role she eventually landed at Empirical was.