Tech IndustryDec 20, 2019
Amazonubbe

Friends trivializing my next career move — but are they right?

After 7 yoe at larger tech companies, I'm looking for something else and signed with a startup. I'm not expecting to make much money, and am mostly doing it for the learning experience. I'll be in the senior most band (but not CTO) and I'll be responsible for hiring and overseeing the other engineers etc, though I will still be doing IC work as well. My goal is to be there a couple of years and then take my learnings elsewhere. For some other context I had an offer from Netflix as well (Sr SDE — I know they only hire senior though), but I turned it down because I felt too emotional drained by Amazon and didn't feel like I would be setting myself up for success at a company like Netflix by coming in on an emotional low. They have said the door is open in the future, though. I've started telling my friends about my pending move and the reactions have made me second guess my decision, and I feel so sad and scared. It's not overtly negative, but it's like "good for you! You're chasing what makes you happy and not career success, that's so brave", the underlying message being that they're all aiming for VP/CVP positions and there's no way I can ever achieve that now that I'm taken myself out of the FAANG circuit. They're also pretty weirded out by my decision to turn down Netflix, and a couple of them acted like I might have been dishonest about my offer (cuz who doesn't take that sweet TC, right???). Of course, not all my friends have reacted this way, but it still hurts. But the reason I'm here is not because it hurts — I'm just worried that they may be right? I do want to be successful and aim for positions like that in the long term, but I also don't want to be at Microsoft or Amazon for like a decade in order to get there... but now that I've been observing many of the existing VPs at both companies, seems like that's been the trend? What do you guys think?

Add a comment
Synchrony —.— Dec 20, 2019

Weird flex but ok.

Amazon ubbe OP Dec 20, 2019

Me or them?

Amazon ubbe OP Dec 20, 2019

I don't wanna come across that way if it's me, I'll take out details if it helps people receive my question better

Thumbtack bgse43 Dec 20, 2019

If this bothers you so much, you may not be a good fit for startups

Amazon ubbe OP Dec 20, 2019

I've just never worked at a company that small. I've only ever known the bubble of big companies

Thumbtack bgse43 Dec 20, 2019

Going to a startup is inherently risky. Be prepared for failure more than success (it’s more about the journey in most cases).

Two Sigma ohwellllol Dec 20, 2019

Sure sounds reasonable but if you’re feeling drained would taking some time off be better? Doubt that start up would be allow you to relax more than Netflix.

Amazon ubbe OP Dec 20, 2019

That's fair. I think the difference is that I'll be starting from a place of trust because I know the founders, and they more about thoughtful development than moving at the stereotypical fast pace of a startup. At Netflix I'd be starting from a place of no trust.

Amazon ubbe OP Dec 20, 2019

But yeah it's something to consider.

Intuit OHiMark Dec 20, 2019

I'm an unusual case but I built my tech career at a startup and now I'm on my second big company job. Startups can help you climb the title ladder then go back to the big orgs in a better position. Also sometimes the size and relative nimbleness can be great.

Facebook tAGO84 Dec 20, 2019

TC on Netflix offer, startup and Amazon and I'll give u my opinion

Deloitte PM007 Dec 20, 2019

Yup, OP reveal the bets on table and than I can say which one is good, including startup domain and product scale

Huawei #!36eu Dec 20, 2019

TC or GTFO

New
polymic Dec 20, 2019

Makes sense if the startup is performing very well, and you are passionate about what it’s doing. People will always talk you know. Even if you take Netflix they will say this guy is fried , he/she will always be at risk of lay-off etc

LinkedIn Swwwwwwwee Dec 20, 2019

Fuck those guys, prove them wrong op

New
polymic Dec 20, 2019

In the larger scheme of things , you are very young OP, and some experimentation does not harm as long as your skills grow

Fidelity Investments Andy Jassy Dec 20, 2019

How are you gonna succeed at a startup if you're worried about what other people think of you?

Amazon ubbe OP Dec 20, 2019

You're right.