Currently have 3YOE and thinking about next steps. Wondering if prioritizing FAANG or similarly prestigious companies makes sense so I have that recognition to leverage as I settle further into my career. Thoughts? Just superficial naivety?
Working for FAANG isn't all that prestigious really: combined they employ over half a million people, so how prestigious can it really be? I recommend instead focusing on becoming an expert in your respective field. Write articles. Speak at conferences. Make a name for yourself outside your company. When your next employer googles you, make sure those search results speak for themselves. That will take you a lot further in your career than working a shit job at Amazon 80 hrs/week ever will.
Definitely offers leverage but remember to take a role that makes sense for your career goals (ie; don’t level down just for FAANG)