Tech IndustryJan 17, 2022
Amazonabcdeff

Accept Snap Down-level?

Currently L6 at Amazon. TC $310k. 10YOE. Not software. Got a L4 offer from Snap, 20% higher than my current comp at Amazon. Should I take this down-level offer from Snap? My interview performance was admittedly not the best. No way to negotiate for L5 now. Pros: 1. 20% higher TC 2. New technology area. Lots of learning anticipated despite lower level. 3. Better benefits all around 4. Talked to would-be skip manager, he said I am coming in at high-level L4, and would get necessary higher scope projects for L5 promo. Cons: 1. Down-level, less scope. 2. Learning will be more in hands-on work in a new area instead of in how to lead and influence, which I feel like I am learning at Amazon. 3. I see path to Amazon L7 promo in 1-2yrs. Of course, no guarantees like L5 promo at Snap. In terms of promo prospects, I do believe the Snap skip was genuine. But of course, no guarantees on what the future holds. In either companies. At Amazon, I would say I already have built up the trust with leadership, but L7 promo is notoriously hard. At Snap, I have to build the trust from scratch. If I was to bet on myself and say that I will get a promo at either of these companies, L5 comp at Snap might be still better than L7 at Amazon, especially given Amazon’s dumb comp philosophy. But L7 at Amazon would definitely give me more leadership opportunities and could open more doors in the long term. Also there is the other factor of Snap’s stock volatility. The TC gap could widen even further or be erased very quickly. Edit: I forgot to mention that the Snap offer includes $30k/year sign-on RSUs for the first 3 years only. I know a quick promo is far from guaranteed by I would be disappointed in myself if I couldn’t get myself promoted within 3 years. So I consider this almost a non-factor. Also, Amazon TC is after a dive&save, meaning no chance at higher. The Snap offer is out of band. Edit2: Amazon TC is actually $310k then drops to $290k after. This is with the 15% assumed growth removed (Amazon does this even for dive&save) I am past the first 4 years so year 3 is not guaranteed at this point. Edit3: To those of you saying get a better offer, I have to say in my location there are not too many opportunities for my job family. And I don’t want to relocate.

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Select only one answer
Amazon footjob Jan 17, 2022

Amazon is only good for jumping from outside.

Amazon abcdeff OP Jan 17, 2022

I totally empathize with all the Amazon hate on Blind. I see a lot of it myself. But I think I lucked out and am in a good place now with a good manager and good visibility. The TC philosophy tho… it’s pretty ridiculous.

Salesforce chid193 Jan 17, 2022

What is the comp philosophy?

Snap lolnoob Jan 17, 2022

$ matters. Lower level means better wlb. What is not to like?

Amazon CodePi Jan 17, 2022

This is really short sighted thinking. Scope is important. Otherwise he/she could be a highly paid json mover with little satisfaction in the long run. My reccomendation is do a dive and save for comp if you have the trust from leadership. Unless you really dislike the current work

StockX adhdbsbk Jan 17, 2022

Amazon kool-aid at its finest

Fast Enterprises CmSk06 Jan 17, 2022

Tc > level

Amazon lookingnow Jan 17, 2022

Level is important. The scope that you work on now defines your scope in next level or jump. People move around a lot and what is hot will not be hot in a couple of years.

Amazon abcdeff OP Jan 17, 2022

This is what I am worried about. I will be going backwards in Snap in terms of org level influence. Although the fundamental complexity at this new Snap position is much higher so definitely learnings there.

Snap lolnoob Jan 17, 2022

OP this guy is jealous that you’ll make more money. FYI: there is still demand for cobol programmers.

Snap Vest Coast Jan 17, 2022

Never trust the promises of the future promos. The 20% bump may evaporate when the Fed raises rates. Apologies for being salty.

StockX adhdbsbk Jan 17, 2022

Is it a down level if you’re gettting paid more?

Amazon CodePi Jan 17, 2022

Yes for someone who has been operating at L6 amazon scope its a massive downgrade. He can easily get comp adjusted. Curious how many yoe you have?

StockX adhdbsbk Jan 17, 2022

6 and I left Amazon as L6 sweetie

New
got-money? Jan 17, 2022

Lol this is a massive down level. Keep interviewing. L6 at Amazon deserves more respect than that

The Home Depot spidey1 Jan 17, 2022

IMO, 20% TC bump is not worth a down level.

Amazon abcdeff OP Jan 17, 2022

I forgot to mention that the Snap offer includes $30k/year sign-on RSUs for the first 3 years only. I know a quick promo is far from guaranteed but I would be disappointed in myself if I couldn’t get myself promoted within 3 years.

The Home Depot spidey1 Jan 17, 2022

Just think through once - Is 90k + 20% TC bump worth enough to down level and invest 3 Years in the future to reach where you are now ? If you feel the answer is yes, then go for it. P.S: You are an L6 at Amazon, you are worth more, IMO!

Amazon CodePi Jan 17, 2022

^^this. L6 at amazon is a tough nut to crack. You deserve way better opportunities than this

Amazon De5i Jan 17, 2022

Keep interviewing