Switch or stay at Amazon?
Been at Amazon for over a year, currently a sde2 with TC 200 and total 3 yoe. What should be my next step? Manager hinted at possible promotion to senior in the next 2 years... Maximizing TC is my goal. If I were to switch to other companies, what level should I aim for?
Do you enjoy the work you do, the company of people you work with, your manager? Quality of work or your interest/job fulfillment should be a priority in everyone's case. Granted, I know nothing about you but if all these are good and in harmony, I wouldn't switch. If not, considering the gravity of your dissatisfaction or just not liking the work you do, you should switch higher or lower TC. Peace of mind is very hard to achieve man. TC should never be a priority.
If maximizing TC is your only goal than Amazon is most likely not a place for you. Easy.
You're aiming for TC.... you'll be TC min at promotion which means all externals will most likely make more than you. Get a better offer elsewhere if TC is your priority.
Hinting at a promotion? I've been straight up promised promotions with hard dates and they still turn into vapor. That opportunity is less worth than the effort I took to write this. Jump ship, get that TC.
How much TC can I get from jumping ship?
250-270 in Bay. 220-260 Seattle There are offcases where you can go 300k
Hinting possible promotion in 2years. Yea, what a great assurance.
Your performance will determine your Level, not your aim. Try interviewing first.
Performance is the top metric but YOE is a close second metric that is considered. For example, you could ace an interview for principal SDE but if you have 2 YOE people will assume you got lucky and knew the answers
Agreed