Currently L4 at Google making 340k after stock appreciation, coming up on 5 yoe (1+ at Google) at the end of the year. TC over next couple years should stay around 300-320k assuming stock stays at the same price. I wanted blind’s opinion on whether it’s worth it to look outside for new opportunities at L5/senior level at other top tech companies (FB, Snap, HRT, Uber, Databricks, etc) or if better to grind for L5. I mostly work in frontend/fullstack dev and not a big fan of Google’s frontend development. Any advice much appreciated!
Just be aware that Google puts your level in your title that shows up in background checks, so your future employers will know you were a junior engineer there
I dont think it matters. L4 is still good , i feel. Tell me what you think?
Probably won't matter, just FYI
Def switch. You'll make wayyy more money and will also try something new. You can always go back to G later if you want. I heard Google is not great for frontend.
Isn’t 340k pretty similar to what you’d get at senior elsewhere?
Yes, unlikely to get a big raise. Edit - their WAS true as little as 2 years ago, but the market that fine bonkers. Apparently seniors are routinely getting 400-500k now.
You are making peanuts, you can easily crack fb and others
Since when is 340k peanuts??? Wow
Isn't Google L5 a low hanging fruit for you? My guess is that amount of effort you are going to put in to get E5/similar role at Fb or other companies is likely less than the effort you would need to put in to move from L4 to L5. YMMV
L4 to L5, depends on the team, may not be low hanging fruit. L4 is terminal level at Google, meaning you can coast at L4 and Google will never fire you hence lower incentive for 4 to 5 promo. Personal experience, LC & interviewing around to get that level jump is less stressful and taxing than grinding it out in the same company.
Was in a very similar situation to op. Google L4 making low 300k with stock appreciation. Also frontend/full stack. Got tired of the promo process at Google. Looked around and got several L5 offers from outside. Went to Snap for 500+k TC. I actually like Google for the chill culture but if you want to optimize for higher earning, make other companies make you leave Google to join them for a fat check.
Did you get L5 at snap? Not sure if I’ll be able to interview for L5
Yes, L5 at Snap. Just make it clear to recruiters you are only going to consider/interview for senior roles. Maybe not all the recruiters are going to accommodate you but I'm sure some will.
Yea you should go for senior at 5 yoe. Start leetcoding IMO