Deciding between Apple and Spotify. Comp is nearly the same (~420k). Currently based in EMEA, but have a recently approved H1B via Twitter which allows me to move. Spotify is a Staff role, whereas Apple is ICT4 in an ML team (not Siri). Seems like Spotify scope would be much better - title bump as well as opportunity to lead, plus remote friendly/chill culture that promotes employee wellness. Spotify also allows continuing to work in EMEA for a year and then move to US in a year via L1A (tech lead ~ functional manager?), opening up GC route, whereas Apple would be handcuffed to H1B (born in a country with super long GC waits). However, not sure if I'm ready to take on a Staff role and lots more work that comes with it. Apple will be 3 days RTO at Apple Park, but the team works on cooler shit (can't reveal too much but in the recommendations space). Also potential stability and comp growth at Apple will be higher. Benefits also seem better, and Apple seems to be more resume-friendly than SPOT. Comp is not as big a factor for me as are long term growth, better visa stability. Leaning towards Spotify but what does Blind think? Any merits to picking Apple? How heavy duty is working as a Staff eng at Spotify? Curr tc: 200k (lower than before due to low refreshers/cliff/low pay in EMEA/Elon). Yoe: 5+ with MS/publications in ML #engineering #software #swe #machinelearning #faang
Yoe ?
Added
Poll. But I'd go with Apple. How were the interviews? All lc and sd? Thanks
I would definitely go with Spotify. What is you TC split for Spotify?
Curious to hear your thoughts on why spotify? Base is ~70% for Spotify, ~50% for Apple. Spotify doesn't have bonuses so the rest is equity.
Apple is huge. Most likely, you won't be able to have much impact. Spotify is much smaller, you can have huge impact. ML at Spotify is pretty new. A lot of low hanging fruits to pick. Also, today's money worth more than tomorrow's. Pick the higher cash (hence Spotify). Also, Spotify has smarter/nicer/cooler people than Apple.
Is work life balance is important to you? Is WFH important? If yes, I’d say choose Spotify. Apple would be great to have on your resume but Spotify is good too. Either way you can always reapply later. You can’t go wrong, OP. Good luck!
Which team at Spotify? What about Apple? Everything else similar, I will vote for Spotify. The benefits are great.
Former Spotify employer here who left for a faang. I would go with Apple because it’ll give you more headroom for your career down the road and you’ll make more money overall. They also just pushed back their RTO and I doubt it’s going to be heavily enforced for a while. Spotify has a great culture and it’s a really fun place to work for. To me it came down to who will pay more. At the end of the day it’s just a job and so you gotta do what’s best for your family.
OP, Can you please share your interview experience?
Are you born in a country that has current dates for green card? If yes, you could probably start a green card process relatively soon. Did you discuss that with Apple? Because I understand you wish to immigrate to the US? In terms of money, if offers being equal, I would choose Apple due to stability. I also don't know how are refreshers at Spotify, but at Apple they are top notch in AI/ML.
Unfortunately was born in one of the countries with super long green card waits. Haven't discussed the green card process yet with Apple - when do they typically apply after joining? Spotify refreshers are mostly non-existent from what I know, which is why future comp is pretty much capped at this level.
You can start the process on day 1 if you have applicable status such as H1b, so in your case it's easy. You may have more growth at Spotify, but I'm not sure how their business is gonna perform. They are leaders obviously, I think they will do fine. But it's more risky. I just read that refreshers at Spotify are rare. At Apple, you will face secrecy culture and siloed orgs. In my experience, AI/ML is actually not that bad. It's the youngest org at Apple lead by ex Googler so there is great vibe. It will take you longer to grow for sure. Refreshers are very solid in our org. Of course I'm biased so you know what I'm gonna say :) It seems that the choice is mainly around which work you would enjoy more.