Amazon Compensation
Considering a switch to Amazon. Plan is to stay there ~2 years to get the experience and brand name on my resume. However I know Amazon isn't the easiest place to work. I'm really (probably too) comfortable currently. Perks are good (free food, unlimited PTO), environment is relaxed. If you were in my position, what (realistic) TC would make you join Amazon. Any advice from current/ex Amazonians would be appreciated. Current TC 150k, 3YOE.
Get an offer and then think about it.
Recruiter told me they want to extend an offer, but I'm trying to decide between 2 teams at the moment. Scheduling calls with their managers next week.
Great, congrats. If you like a team then make the jump! You can experience things first hand and if really needed, you can jump to elsewhere
Why only 2 years?
Avoid burnout? I hear most people only stay one or two years. Also, the vesting schedule is not standard, so assuming I'm leaving in 2 years gives me the worst-case perspective of what my TC will be.
This is not right. Attrition at Amazon has been very low the last two years. Typically folks leave either after their first year if things didn’t work out, or after year four if they haven’t been promoted due to their vesting schedule.
True, but I'm still young in my career, and working at a company like Amazon would help me grow
If it is AWS, they pay way more. Answer is - as high as you are able to negotiate
It's the Alexa org
False. AWS pays the exact same as every other team in Amazon for the same level and role. I’ve worked and hired teams in both AWS and Two other orgs.
I work for Rakuten, Japan's version of Amazon. I'd go to Amazon just to see what it's like. Can't be worse than what I've got now: 20 YoE, 43k TC in Tokyo. I'm sure even paper pushers get paid that much in Seattle.
Interesting read, thanks for sharing! Although since I'm planning to jump in 2 or 3 years anyway (if I join) it doesn't really apply to my situation. It's good to keep in mind though in case I have to stay on for some unforeseen reason. Thanks again.
Agreed, that's true. You never know what might happen. Amazon isn't my first choice, but I will consider them if the TC is much better than my other options. I'm assuming you're considering leaving? Where are you looking to move to?
It's really not as bad as people make it sound. Or maybe it's just my team. I've been at Amazon for a couple of months now so it might be too early for me to say