what are the key differences? pros vs cons? how to make the switch? tc 125k / mechanical eng
No WLB in Tech. High stress. Ageism is real.
OP, i am looking to make the same move, fwiw.
Where you going? I'm thinking fb or Microsoft
check your DMs :)
Make the jump.
Ur in the same boat what's ur plan
I already left northrop to something outside of defense.
Most important difference - much higher tc. For me it's about 3x when I move to Google next month.
Depends on what you want to work on and where you want to be in 5-10 years. If you truly value the defense work and providing solutions for the DoD work in consumer tech will not be fulfilling. If you value TC and a more open work culture (defense is highly political and conservative stay in your lane mentality) then consumer tech is the way to go. I made the switch and never looked back.
How was the WLB, work pressure in Defense?
WLB is often much better as a defense contractor because you keep track of your hours. It seems common to get straight overtime (extra pay at your regular hourly rate with no OT multiplier) if there is a need too. You may have to jump around companies depending on how contracts for, but from what I've heard there are usually a lot of jobs if you are cleared.
WLB depends on company and even team within the company. Some teams have horrible WLB some teams only work 40 and encourage vacation. It varies greatly.
Defense is slow and political. There are SOPs set and you dont divert from it. Tech is fast paced and a bit less political but you have more freedom. Defense is a bit more conservative and heavy vets. Tech is quite the opposite.