I signed a pretty good offer for l4 swe, w comps at l5 level (I have 9 yrs exp). I’ve heard promotions are very difficult at google. Is it bad to stay at l4 for years? Will it make it harder for me to switch teams later down the line? I personally don’t care all that much about climbing the ladder, but I want to stay in good standing in case something happens (eg recession->layoffs)
Comp?
Mid 300s /yr
Its great offer imo
Yup. was surprised, didn’t feel I did all that great in interviews
Nope and nope. R u in engineering? Pretty sure upper end of l5 is much higher
L4 is the new terminal level at Google. There is no harm in being L4.
I’ve heard it’s harder to transfer teams if one stays at l4 for a while and doesn’t promo. Is that not true?
I think 5 is still the terminal level... OP, did you try pushing for a lvl 5?
After four years you won't make over 300 if still level 4.
What are refreshers like for l4 vs l5?
Also can you leave to join another co then come back and get back to high comp?
It all depends on ratings that your manager assigns to you every 6 months.
Were you interviewed at L5? I.e. Did you have 1-2 system design interviews?
1.5 design but I bombed the full design because it focused entirely on db partitioning (I work on mobile)
Sounds like you were evaluated at L5 but didn't pass the bar and got an L4 offer. Try to get involved in projects with a design aspect to build and demonstrate those skills (i.e. Gathering requirements, building consensus, making trade-offs.) There's no expectation to make L5 any more, but I think everyone should give it their best shot.
It is bad to stay an l4 for many years. But you just join now. It is not that hard to go to l5, just make sure that you have a good manager to guide you. Start working first :) good luck
How many years is it bad to stay at L4 for? 5+?
OP: Can you update on your experiences so far? Are you still at L4 or have you moved to L5? Was it harder to get projects with the L5 scope to show your ownership?
Shut up
Wut?