Can I salvage my career at G or should I look elsewhere?

Google wcwy67
Sep 23 21 Comments

TPM (L4 for 3 years including previous ladder) - Changed ladders and promo time was reset; Making 250k tc
15 yoe and good ratings (not a single CME in 3 years)

Should I continue to pursue my career at G or look elsewhere?

I am confident of doing both TPM and PM work (have MBA from top school)

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 TOP 21 Comments
  • Uber / Eng Hotwheelz
    What do you mean by changed ladders? And why did you do it?
    Sep 23 5
    • Google wcwy67
      OP
      Changed from a non-TPM ladder to TPM; TPM is more Google wide role while the one I was in was specific to a small org within G.
      Sep 23
    • TPM role doesn’t make sense at google. It doesn’t match how other companies work.

      Look in to Product Management.
      Sep 23
    • Uber / Eng Hotwheelz
      @Google, how is it different from other companies?
      Sep 23
    • At other companies there are TPMs who write specs, work with customers or product managers depending on how big their product is, and have deep understanding of how their products work so they can prioritize features and help make design decisions. Here that is all frowned upon.

      At google they only need to vaguely know what their products do because most of their work is about standardizing development practices and automating reporting systems. That work would be a small part in the portfolio of a tpm at other companies, it wouldn’t be their only thing though.
      Sep 24
    • Google ShakeBake
      In HW TPMs here function equivalently with other HW tech companies such as Apple, cannot speak for SW though.
      Sep 24
  • Amazon anion
    Why do you think you need to SALVAGE your career? Was there something bad happened?
    Sep 23 4
    • Google wcwy67
      OP
      TC is way below for yoe and was under leveled by 2 when I joined. Believe in G but growth seems to be incredibly slow for a high performer.

      Super frustrated with not able to work at potential and comp lagging behind.
      Sep 23
    • Google / Eng EIFY
      Given the cost-cutting culture it’s hard to recover from G’s downleveling. Interview prep elsewhere may be a better investment.
      Sep 23
    • Cisco masked-22
      Yeah you signed up for this when you accepted going down 2 levels and knowing that L4 is terminal now..
      Sep 23
    • Google ShakeBake
      OP was probably L5 equivalent elsewhere when they applied to Google and was hoping for L6 offer.

      Agree you should hop jobs if perf suggests promo is a long way away.
      Sep 24
  • Facebook USofFA
    Curious when did you switch? How long in current role?
    Sep 23 2
    • Google wcwy67
      OP
      Not too long ago. First cycle in my current role is coming up.
      Sep 23
    • Facebook solidmeh
      Why not wait until you get your perf review before thinking of leaving? I'd say if you can get L5 by next half, it's worth staying but otherwise maybe explore elsewhere. Although not many companies pay tpms better than google afaik.
      Sep 24
  • Google wcwy67
    OP
    Thanks for all the inputs. Is it a stretch to be right leveled elsewhere (Google L6 equivalent) and expect a 50% upside? I can invest, say, 200 hours in Q4 to get few offers (step change) or spend my time to set me up for Promo (Incremental change).

    My manager suggested it may work by getting a competing offer and threatening to quit.

    It is sad that Google is not able to recognize contributions already made and hiding behind bureaucracy/policy.
    Sep 24 2
    • Facebook USofFA
      For what it’s worth, I’ve been surprised by how sensitive managers are to outside offers. I’ve left 2 jobs and received counteroffers from bosses both times when I told them, but left anyways.
      Sep 24
    • Facebook solidmeh
      More likely if you get an FB offer. With 15yoe you could get IC6 possibly if you don’t tell them your current level.
      Sep 24
  • Amazon blinded007
    250k TC which location?
    Sep 23 1
    • Google wcwy67
      OP
      Bay Area
      Sep 23
  • Google Mwux07
    I feel ya, man. Nothing bad can come out of interviewing. You can re-evaluate on whether to stay or go once you see the offers.
    Sep 26 0
  • AT&T MsdR32
    Do you like what you are doing at Google?
    Sep 24 0

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