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.
$ matters. Lower level means better wlb. What is not to like?
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
Amazon kool-aid at its finest
Tc > level
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.
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.
OP this guy is jealous that you’ll make more money. FYI: there is still demand for cobol programmers.
Never trust the promises of the future promos. The 20% bump may evaporate when the Fed raises rates. Apologies for being salty.
Is it a down level if you’re gettting paid more?
Lol this is a massive down level. Keep interviewing. L6 at Amazon deserves more respect than that
IMO, 20% TC bump is not worth a down level.
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.
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!
^^this. L6 at amazon is a tough nut to crack. You deserve way better opportunities than this
Keep interviewing
Amazon is only good for jumping from outside.
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.
What is the comp philosophy?