Current: L4 SWE @ Google, 330k TC (HCoL) New: L6 SWE @ Amazon, 420k TC (MCoL) Reasons: - In classic Google fashion, I was down-leveled when I joined Google. I excelled the interview but I wanted it so badly coming from a no-name company in midwest, it clouded my judgement at the time (also I was getting paid 65k / yr). - Current wlb is already bad. I'm in Tech Infra, which is absorbing a lot of ex-Oracle & ex-Amazon senior leaders. I'm already working bad Amazon wlb with free food. - Amazon is offering L+1 (based on level conversion) - I was put on SCI (Support Check-In, Google's Focus program) which blocks/delays promo. I got put on SCI due to "a significant drop in perf". I was excelling for 3 years (SEE, Transformative) then dropped to Significant (average) after I was yet again turned down from promo and lost ambition. - TC might not justify the benefit differences, but a few yrs of grinding would set me up for long-term success Thoughts?
It seems like you don’t enjoy your time at Google so yes you should consider leaving. However, why constrain yourself to Amazon? If you’re already ok with grinding for a few years and not having all the perks of Google, I would shoot for other places- ambitious start ups like Databricks or quant places where you’ll get paid way more than Amazon and learn more.
would say yes for literally any other company but not with the horror stories I hear at Amazon. Change org at G? seems like your skills are already L5
what about his SCI block
There is no such thing as an “SCI block”
As someone at Amazon, I would always say to never join Amazon if you're either at someplace better, or have other options. I would also be wary of where you're told you'll be based from. There are lots of stories of people joining Amazon, and then being told to move to Seattle. Get assurances that your entire team is based in your location before signing anything.
My first thought was: meh, should I tell him? Be aware that promotion process in Amazon is very confusing and it’s natural get rejected more than once. Apart of that, welcome!
he is already L6 not a bad place to stay for a while
Go to Amazon as L6, stay for 2 years if you can avoid PIP, leave for Director somewhere else. No need for promo.
you're on a pip. there's no reason to stay
L4 at Google to L6 at AWS? Hell yeah! Solid move. Go for it.
I mean you are a step away from PIP at Google and are getting an uplevel. It's a win-win
Congrats op!! What's your total yoe?
Ty! 8 YoE
No thanks..
Never take a downlevel no Matter which company unless new comp is 1.5x. Also it's better to switch as a manager since you don't have to write code or even do architectural reviews by yourself. Just lean on your engineers to do the job. Job hopping as a manager is hard. But not the hardest.
I mean his TC 5x'd lol
Being offered to switch to management, divulge some insights on why job hopping as a manager is hard? Less openings compared to engineers?