A bit of a long post, but I’d like to share some happy news! I applied to Capital One for a SM of Product role and just signed my offer letter today - I could not be happier. I understand some may look at this as a “downgrade” in some ways, but if you knew how miserable I am in my current role, you’d understand. I (a grown-ass man) cry myself to sleep some nights because of how much I hate my job and manager. On top of the mental health aspect, it’s slightly more TC, significantly higher base salary, position upgrade, and I’m moving from an IC role to People Management one. I must say, I love Microsoft as a company, so it really pains me to leave - I truly believe in the vision here and where the company is headed. But, to say I’ve been miserable in my role here for the past 2 years would be an understatement. My entire org is completely dysfunctional, racist, and I’m set-up for failure. I’m given high rewards every year, but I keep getting the “there’s no budget for promo” excuse. Nobody on my entire product team has been promoted in the 3.5 years I’ve been here - goes to show how much of a shit show it is here. And the cherry on top? My manager is an absolute dick and has the emotional intelligence of a pencil sharpener. Truly the worst human being I’ve ever had the displeasure of working with in a professional setting. I applied internally to a bunch of roles, and went through a few interviews, but I feel like I would essentially be “starting over” in my level and it would take even longer for a promotion with a new team. I figured it’s probably best to leave and start fresh. I truly hope to join Microsoft again one day in the future, but for now it’s goodbye! Current TC: ~224k (~200k after fully vested this year) New TC: ~315k first year | 240k/year onwards Location: Washington DC Metro Area #product #productmanager #microsoft #capitalone
Yoe?
7.5
“emotional intelligence of a pencil sharpener.” Lmao 🤣 Congrats on your new role! Upward and onward!
Thank you!
Curious how do you get manager role without management experience?
In my role at MSFT, I currently lead several vendors on my team. Used that as my experience
What are vendors?
Congrats! I’ve been complaining about C1 lately but starting to feel like things are starting to improve again. Nice TC, what’s your title?
Senior Manager, Product
Thats great for Product SM, congrats!
Good for you OP and good luck in the new job. No job is worth such misery when you have other options. And having a bad manager totally ruins so many things. Boomeranging seems to be the fastest way to level up here anyway.
Just to warn you, there are plenty of awful managers at C1. And there is stack ranking and PIP culture. Congrats on the TC bump, but the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Good luck and wish you the best.
Second this. Capital One is the most toxic place in the world.
Can you walk through the journey, from applying to the offer? Also, did you have any visa restrictions?
Applied via careers website early Jan Contacted by recruiter within a week and scheduled introductory phone call with her. Scheduled hiring manager call the same week. Scheduled round 1 mini product case 2 weeks after hiring manager call Scheduled power day “final” interview 2 weeks after mini product case interview. Received notice I passed interviews 2 days after final power day interview (4 interviews) Was informed the managing vice president also wanted to speak with me before offer was extended. (wtf?) that took a week to schedule - offer extended and signed 2 days after that Entire process was just under 2 months
Looks like you were already prep ready! What was your go to platform for prep?
Place fucking sucks Product talent is especially shitty, so hopefully you can elevate it
I see a google PM just joined as Sr Director, should be good
Which level at MS?
What location?
DC Area - updated post with details
Sounds like mclean, congrats!