Hey everyone! Help me evaluate this offer. I want to get out of the defense sector and into more “big tech” companies.. Only bonus I have is yearly performance bonuses at my current company (wasn’t given a sign-on or stocks) which is 🥜🥜.. this year I got a 4% increase which is crap but normal in defense companies.. As for Amex, I’ll be coming in at Band 30 engineer 1 (1 level below senior role) @ $135k (same as what I make now), but I’ll be getting a 5k sign on and a higher yearly bonus which is: minimum 10% + company performance bonus + personal performance bonus.. which can be between 30k-40k yearly cash! I would have to move to Phoenix and work hybrid.. sadly leaving my WFH job at my current company. Thoughts on Amex and this decision? Thank you! #engineering #software #swe
I’m sorry but Amex is not a tech company. It’s not worth going to Amex and leaving WFH for a small increase. I would suggest, study for interviews and apply for big tech when hiring picks up.
Even if working for amex is temp (1-2years)?
That would be delaying your actual goal (of getting in to a tech company). There’s always a lot of learning at a new job. A) You could stay and prepare for tech interviews, B) You could join Amex and start preparing once you get hold of things Choice is yours.
It’s hard to put a number but Wfh accounts for 15-20k annually.
they were offering $20 daily for meals and the campus was about 20 minute drive from where I would potentially live. You think it's still the same?
Well that’s a plus, also if you are bored of wfh then may be. Also where you are at geographically, as phoenix’s pretty hot 🥵 at times. There are several factors.. you will be the one who would make this call based on these variables
4% annual raise actually isn’t bad comparing to non-defense companies.
If you dont mind me asking, what is the range you get at NG?
NG company-wise baseline(60% of all employees) was around 2.5% this year lol.
Phoenix is a cheap place to live but it’s HOT! I would do it man. Amex isnt necessarily a big tech company but its not a bad place to work and it will help you get closer to the job you really want. 150k is very nice living in Phoenix. That’s house buying money there.
Thank you for your suggestion! Have you worked for amex or know others that have worked there?
I knew a data scientist we hired from amex. He was good. Idk how amex is for swe work. For data science, they have the best algorithms to catch credit card churners lol. Beyond that idk much about them
Keep interviewing
Stay remote unless you really want to move to Arizona and work for American Express..