I've been to some early-mid unicorn startup on-sites ..and I see a pattern of late 20 early 30 guys that worked in G or FB for a year and quit to join these unicorns. They seem to possess vast software engineering knowledge...I'm very impressed by these folks. I get the vibe that they feel G and FB are beneath them. But honestly I don't see myself ever approaching this level...I think I'd have to live and breathe code forsaking fitness, hobbies, social activities, etc. Am I correct in this or is this a limiting belief? I know an incredible amount of hard work would need to go in, but I don't know if I'll enjoy it...does this make me a weak engineer?
What would you have to do to reach that level of software engineering knowledge?
Hmm..probably contribute to open source and keep track of new tech...get a Twitter account and follow some influencers. TBH, these sound super boring...I'd rather be in the gym or go out to party in Vegas lol. But at the same time, I like Leetcode and designing highly scalable products. So it's not like I don't like software engineering...
Tbh, I feel this is one case of “not imposter syndrome”. Not everyone can be a superstar developer
Could be some perception bias. They’re going to be talking and asking about their area of expertise for your onsites. So of course they would be a fountain of knowledge in those areas.
Not sure but I see your point.
I’ve got offers from FAANG, but only worked at startups, so here’s my 2 cents. Apparently Uber hasn’t worked out in the best way for me in terms of financial gain, but my personal growth has been great. I’m going for another mid stage unicorn for my next job very soon. It’s always an easy choice to join FAANG because they are like a safety net, where things rarely go too wrong. Unicorns are more likely to be selective of specific talents, more challenging and possibly reward you much more than FAANG, if things take off. That said, risk is obvious too. Smaller team, changing priorities, possibility to fail. It’s a harder choice to make, but if you are clear about what you want, if you believe in the company’s future, if you enjoy startup vibe, you are in a good place to make big impacts. I’m still early in my career, and I’m willing to make the bet I see the future of. If I will ever be tired of hustling, I can always go to FAANG and get stability later in my career. I doubt if that’s gonna happen tho. Once you go startup, you never go back.
I'm not sure how FAANG is a safety net with the PIP culture and politics. This is confirmed by the average turnover rate being below two years. With such high compensation packages that can only be inferred as forced attrition.
It does make them a better engineer, but not a better person. They gained that vast knowledge by giving up time in all those other areas you mentioned. It just depends on what you like more.
It's a valid observation. At my previous companies I was building out entire products or systems often multiple per half. At FAANG I find it is mostly driven by processes, ops, and ladder climbing. There are very few people contributing meaningfully and you can't just walk into those positions.
Google is slow-moving and stifling. It's fine if you want to spend all day slacking off, but if you're the kind of person who wants to change the world then you'll be bored and frustrated.
+1 for many other companies, not just Google.
To answer your question: these folks who are interviewing you control the conversation and have prepared extensively. Many of the questions they ask are from FB/G and are basically scripted, with all possibilities extensively discussed. Many of them wouldn't seem half as smart if the tables were turned.
Seriously?? Wow I never thought of that possibility
Startups are smaller and you can make a bigger impact in them then you can at big companies.