I'm almost 27 and still not in FAANG. Have experienced much bad politics and poor work culture in tech, over the last 4 years. Now, as I'm still single and hoping to get settled in the coming years, I'm wondering, if it would be more fulfilling in the long term, for me to focus my time and energy, to get a high paying FAANG job or to look towards entrepreneurship and some form of self-employment? So far, from my experience, it seems that, corporates (no matter how big or prestigious) are all greedy, and replacing you, is just a matter of time. So, is it worth it to spend my remaining 20s in chasing a FAANG job, or should I look for something more sustainable?
what poor work culture? even horrible tech companies are paradise compared to what everyone else experiences
Mandatory on-call. Manager playing manipulative games. Re-orgs due various reasons. Compromising with unreasonable or unpleasant co-workers. Tech may give you more perks and pay but choosing the people and the project is a luxury.
All of those things are extremely minor in the grand scheme of things. This is Why people hate tech workers.
FAANG = cog in wheel + low risk Self-Employed = higher potential + high risk Side Gig = cog in wheel + higher potential + low risk You do the math
I think with self-employment, the risk is in the initial stages. After you have made some progress and success, you aren't getting fired from it.
To do it then. Why are you asking when you seem to already know?
Politics is everywhere, but from my experience, it is worse at FAANG, FAANG wannabes, and hyper growth companies. Also, starting and running a business is hard, and working at corporations generally does not prepare you for that. Working at small to medium sized companies, where you can wear multiple hats, will more likely give you some foundation for when you decide to venture out on your own. You will also likely work with more experienced folks who can give you guidance and aren’t interested in playing politics. You might not get FAANG TC, but generalist experience is worth more long-term if you do ever want to start a business. Also, working a side business while you are working full time is hard, if you are hoping that your business flourishes into something more. My observation is that it’s only worth it if it is a personal passion and something you would do anyway in your free time.
Work for a FAANG company if you can, large company if you can't. Move around within the company as much as you can and learn as much as you can. There is so much to learn on your employer's dime before you go out and make mistakes on your own dime or on your investor's dime. Network as much as you can, travel as much as you can for work. Choose to work with people you can learn from even if the assignment seems kind of shitty. Getting into immediate problem-solving roles like applications engineering is great for exposure to an industry and it's players. Work closely with the buyers whenever you can, so you can get to know the suppliers in your industry. Go to trade shows when you can, not just to look at the shining new tech but to reach out and meet people who are key to your industry.
It pends on your end goal, but if you can land and keep the job... FAANG or walstreet will accomplish the same life style youll probably want in 10 or so years after your business grows enough. Though the business you can end up wasting tons of money and time. Personally, I would give up my faang salary to earn half of my own business. Im not great at business which is why Im here... but I would a million times over rather be a self sustained entrepreneur than over paid cog.
When I was your age I focused on starting my own video game company. I didn't go about it the right way and I was never able to commit to the risk of going independent. If I focused my energy into getting into FAANG, and THEN starting a company, I would have been in FAANG years ago. So I would say get into FAANG first, you'll learn a lot along the way. If you specifically want to start a game company, try to get into the games industry. You'll learn a lot there and a lot of people take that experience (and the network of artists writers etc) and strike out on their own
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As someone who has done this, here is my advice. If you’ve never started a business before, get a high paying job. Then work on a business in your free time. Let the business earn itself the right to make you quit your job, either through profit or showing potential. Most businesses don’t do shit, especially from people who’ve never done it before.
I think a successful or serious business requires more time and focus than what I may be able to provide on the side. Two boats can be tricky.