I am looking for a role where I have more autonomy working with Engineers as a design lead. I often feel I'm doing things, processes, vision decks, etc for my manager more than users or the product. Sometimes I feel like a tool for making them look good. Basically I want a place where I'm less beholden to impressing manager layers. I could go to a small startup obviously (suggestions welcome) but probing if there's a company more stable to try.
Probably FB or Google, from what I’ve heard. I’d say Amazon but it’s hit or miss. Most managers within AWS for instance are hands-off and REALLY want someone who can function independently almost all the time. We have a thorough design language that’s easy to work with, and it’s evolving (look at the Lambda or RDS consoles to get a sense of the components). And we’re extremely customer-obsessed. Amazon Retail is a different story. I found that it was trying to appease empty-headed MBAs most of the time. If you’re interested in AWS, message me. Opportunities in Seattle, SF, Berlin.
Airbnb or a company run by designers where u won’t need to be explaining your worth all the time
FB recruiters & managers claim this is true for them, but ICs I’ve spoken to debate it, stating that PMs run the show. Anyone here from FB design who could speak to it?
Tried FB yet?
Not yet. Interested in impressions of what's it like to work there
FB and Google DMs are pretty hands off. Not so hierarchical where you’re doing work “for them”. You represent your own work. YMMV though.