London Comp / Data Engineering Offers / What Next?

Amazon
gYLH88

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gYLH88
Apr 7, 2020 14 Comments

Currently a DE at FAANG. 6 YOE. TC ~90k GBP.

Am looking at positions outside the firm but I am getting similar comp (mostly because my RSUs are doing well). I want to leave this FAANG due to toxic culture, for my own mental sanity and because I am pretty sure Dev List and Pivot is on its way in June.

I got the following offers...

{> Other FAANGs - despite referrals I got no interviews except for Google where the interview performance is currently being reviewed. It would be a Strat Ops role though.}

> Investment Banking (top 3) DE role - I showed them my actual comp statements and they offered a compensation lower (70k base + up to 10k bonus) than what I was currently on, then withdrew the offer when I tried to negotiate at least the same salary.

> Retail firm Senior DE - base is 80k and bonus 20% which is better than what I get now but basically lower than L4 SDE at FB for example (based on posts here). Seems ‘chill’ (10am-5pm) so I could take this and LC too. Good brand in the UK, not well known elsewhere.

> Salesforce Business Analyst / Strat Ops roles - TC is 70k base + 15% bonus.

> Cloud Architect at Rackspace/no name companies - TC about 90k either full salary or base around 80k + bonus to make up 90k.

> Big4 - I requested 90k for a manager level role and they are saying it is too high. Probably 70k TC.

I am considering to just stop interviewing entirely, spend 3-4 months head down and LC (and continue to do some freelance stuff on the side for income) and then go for junior SDE positions as this is really depressing me. I’ve been working hard, good companies, progressing well and good reviews, yet comp is basically not shifting at all and seems below/the same as what I am currently on. I feel like I’ve just wasted 6 years sometimes and should ave moved to SDE sooner. :(

There are contractor positions which pay 550-700/day which seem better but I wanted a FT position tbh to continue growing my career.

I live in London. An alternative is to move to Manchester and take a BI lead type role but salaries are topping out at around 60-70k TC. But cost of living is much better there so 70k in Manchester is way better than 70k in London. A lot of recruiting is frozen anyway so I am stuck in general.

My Python skills are rusty hence I’ve not taken up interviews at HFs etc so more am looking for something to spend this year on while I prepare for next year (by then I’ve finished my Masters too). I have no debt and no family and no commitments generally.

Thought?

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TOP 14 Comments
  • Zynga
    RzzV35

    Go to company page Zynga

    RzzV35
    I’m not sure SDE would actually make more.Is it so tough to get around 100k GBP in London ?
    Also choose a role which will make you stable for the next 1 year.The industry you go into is critical.
    Also ideally choose a company which would help you transfer to the US after a year so you can make more money
    Apr 7, 2020 6
    • Amazon
      gYLH88

      Go to company page Amazon

      gYLH88
      OP
      Yeah I interviewed at Google just waiting.
      I have been referred to FB but they didn’t respond.
      Finance - you saw the IB pay above lol. HF is much better for sure. I just need to ramp up on Python more as I got rusty at FAANG.
      So just trying to find something in the interim or do I even need to?
      Sure will PM you.
      Apr 7, 2020
    • Could be worth checking in with the headhunter to see if there’s anything that suits you, then go from there.
      Apr 7, 2020
  • New
    dbxfx

    New

    dbxfx
    Might be very late reply, but check snowflake or Databricks in london they hire like crazy and pay decent
    Oct 8, 2020 0
  • Sony / Data
    iXgsmg

    Go to company page Sony Data

    PRE
    King
    iXgsmg
    Isn't take home as contractor much higher?
    May 4, 2020 3
  • Twilio
    aightliy

    Go to company page Twilio

    aightliy
    Which level are you at Amazon? I’m pretty sure a DE IC5 at FB makes more than that in London. What languages and tech are you using as a DE?

    Did you check McKinsey & co?

    You can also check if Twilio hires for DE (not sure) and if yes you can dm for referral.

    Anyway, in general I’d say to settle for less than you make now, except if really strong learning experience/you need to change country for personal reasons etc. You might wanna think that the grasse is greener elsewhere but trust me it’s rarely the case
    Apr 7, 2020 1
    • Amazon
      gYLH88

      Go to company page Amazon

      gYLH88
      OP
      Level 5.

      Yeah FB L5 DE makes more but they are not replying to interview me. Also my Python is weak tbf need a little time to refresh. My new manager is making everyone a SQL monkey hence I gotta get out!

      Yes, Quantum Black, they offered 70k base + 10% bonus quoted when we had the initial call. McKinsey wanted more years (I have 3 YOE as a DE).

      Twilio don’t have London DE positions.

      Yeah the comps above are not terrible. I’m just disappointed really at the numbers and want to ensure I choose something and do the right steps going forwards so I’m in a better position next year. :)
      Apr 7, 2020