I'm being offered the role even though I have a few years management under my belt in start up. Yes amazon has SDM L5! Can someone tell me the disadvantage of L5 SDM (Other than salary)? Few things I read here but not sure: - You don't get respect from L5 SDE since it is HARDER for you to help them to get to L6? - You cant switch your team since no one wants L5 - You still have to work as hard as L6 and do the samething but no power to make decisions? - You are in L5 for at least 1.5 to 2 years before a real chance to go to L6 Thanks for your help TC 180K
Don’t take it. It’s a dying role. Many orgs don’t hire L5 SDMs anymore. If you end up with a bad team you might not have many takers if you want to transfer. Go work somewhere else and then apply again in 18 months for L6 SDM.
YOE?
Did you ever get any offers or calls from a hiring manager about L5 SDM openings?
Did you accept the job?
I am in the same situation, Interviewed for L6/L7 and offered L5. 13 YOE, 5 as Manager. What is the max compensation I can get for L5 in Virginia? Also, how much they pay for L5 to L6 promotion? Should I Join at L5 or wait 6 more months and apply for L6/L7 roles?
Did. you accept the job?
@fmohasse What happened after that? Did they find a team match for you? If yes, how long it took till they find it. I am in the same situation now. Appreciate your advise.
Don’t join as L5 SDM. You’ll need L6 reporting to you to deliver projects of large scope. It’ll be hard to get L6s to report to you, though it’s allowed in theory
Meaning you’ll be stuck managing a team of fresh grads
Nothing wrong with fresh grads. They do better work than half of the experienced people on my team.