I’m feeling super conflicted in my career right now. I’m pretty fresh out of college (1yoe), and I love swe but want to work for a company that does something I’m passionate about… like I’ve thought about Spotify or Pinterest or something like that. But I feel like I’m trying to figure this all out on my own. I also feel pressure to switch jobs even though I’m relatively happy in my current job, just so I can make more money and hop promos. Is that still the recommended path/ best way for promo/ more tc?
I started my career by working at the same company for 10 years (and it wasn’t a company you’ve heard of in tech). Worked hard, got promoted a few times, and by doing well I was able to keep working on projects that I enjoyed. Yes money is good, but I’ve found that past a certain point more money is not worth the trade off for happiness or work life balance. Do what’s best for you. We can all offer advice, but it’s your life to live!
1 year hop is waaay too early esp at msft! meta is known for fast promo so people can be E5 with 2yoe (really rare tho) and even then they’ll still get downleveled. If you applied now you’d be reentering as a new grad. Beyond that the economy dictates you’d likely be the first if layoffs happened at the new place. I see literally no reason to hop right now. Reevaluate in a year.
I think it’s fine. I have seen people jump companies after doing just 1 year, and they are fine. I am not wasting another year at the company that I don’t like working at. Life is too short.
I was about to add it but didnt - in a normal tech labor market id tell OP to just do it as it’d likely be a tc increase over msft even w/o promo. however in this market, and with minimal experience it is risky. additionally they literally said they are happy there right now - being happy during a recession that will only get worse is a lot more than most people can ask for, ask my old colleagues. I’m just advising caution - feeling out the markets for a few more months obv won’t kill them?