Amazon vs. fast growing company
Option A: I have an offer coming in from a fast growing publicly traded company (valuation in the 10-20B range, a "tier 3/4" company on several Blind lists) for an exec level role a notch below C-levels. Expected TC $1.1M, not paper money since it is public, but stock probably overvalued. Org size much smaller than current role, impact high, but now outside of big tech world, and not sure how company will fare in recession. Option B: Currently a senior manager at Amazon. TC 900k. On track for director in next 12-18 months. Stick around for another 12-18 months to make it happen, deal with ongoing Amazon burnout through therapy, meditation and alcohol. Option C: Reject offer A and finish interviewing at FNG where I am likely to end up with another offer in the next month but process is slow and outcome uncertain. Can't make A wait for me to finish process. If I get the offer and it exceeds my current comp, this allows me to get away from burnout, stay in big tech, probably lose a year or two of career progression. Which path would you take? A, B, or C?
You forgot d) - Take year off, figure it out on the back end. Therapy & alcohol to deal with your job? Sounds miserable.
Partially hyperbole. No therapy right now, probably do drink more than I should and in part due to work stress. Definitely at risk of burnout. Taking a year off is not an option. Have kids and have only been making a lot of money over the past 6 months or so, so need to accumulate for a few years. The last several years prior to that was just making enough to cover the bills and pay down debt accrued during a long, very underpaid period working in startups.
You need a break
What’s your YOE?
16 or so.
Take C. Will pay more than 1.1.
I can't believe senior leaders in Amazon also admit that Amazon burns you out...
How does it burn? What's the major concern at that level
A slow week is 45-50 hours. Busy is 60-70. At least 30-35 hours a week of meetings, so most real work is after hours or before hours. 1:1s, design reviews, PRFAQ reviews, LRs, risk reviews, preflights, OP1 planning, etc. Constant stream of emails, chime messages and escalations to deal with. Being on the hook for delivery and invention of multiple large scope products with very thinly staffed teams.
Oh yeah 😁
Option B. Your TC is 10 times the average tech worker. Stop complaining :)
What makes you think you won't get burned out with option A or C. I'd take A IFF I believe in the business of the company.