Google vs Microsoft vs Amazon
So, I recently posted about Microsoft vs Amazon offers and everyone asked me to take the Microsoft offer. Now I have a Google offer too and my situation has changed (a bit) with Amazon. This is a big decision (personally) and would really like to get you guys' opinion :) Education: MS YOE: 2 Google: Base: $175k Stocks: $360k over 4 years (25% per year) Perf bonus: 15% Sign-on: $35k TC:. $300k (= 175 + 15% + 360/4 + 35/4) Location: Mountain View, CA Details: L4 ML SWE at either youtube or google search ads Microsoft: Base: $155k Stocks: $225k over 4 years (25% per year) Perf. Bonus: 10% Sign-on: $100k ( 50k each for years 1,2) TC: $252k (= 155 + 10% + 225/4 + 100/4) Location: Seattle, WA Details: Applied Scientist (L62) with Bing Amazon: Base: $175k Stocks: 80 RSUs (5-15-40-40 split) Sign-on: $100k (year 1), $80k (year 2) TC:. $287k (= total compensation over 4 years divided by 4, at today's stock price; ~$292k-$296k-280k-$280k across 4 years) Location: San Francisco, CA Details: L5 ML Engineer (with a confidential team) Note: My Amazon recruiter is willing to get my TC to upto $305k provided I take their offer for sure. Okay, so which one is better?! Not just in terms of exact TC. Here are some questions I am having. 1. Google tc is better only by ~6k compared to Microsoft's just after tax. Is it worth it?! Expected a lot more from Google! 2. I like my Microsoft team the most. Also the role there is considered at much higher standards compared to the other two. Going into a more research role would, I feel, set me up for a much better life in the long run ( I really like research) 3. I tried to get matched to a ML SWE role with Google Brain/Research but couldn't. Can I switch internally IF needed in the future? 4. My google recruiter told me I may get ~33% stock refreshers grant after year 1. Is it true? How likely is it?! 5. I don't wanna talk to my amazon recruiter, get that huge ~20k jump and then renege them. Is it worth considering Amazon?! I liked the team and they are made of hyper-smart people. 5. Any other thoughts? Thank you so much for your valuable time!
Congrats on you offers - Its great that for just 2 yoe Microsoft offered a L62. My personal opinion google > Microsoft > Amazon in your case.
Thanks!
Google's brand looks much better in your resume.
I'd pick Google. 300k for L4 is good and you'll get better refreshers than MS. Amazon is not worth it as a company especially when your have options like Goog and MS.
If you just look at TC, yep, Google is definitely better!
Amazon is a toxic place and they treat employees really, really shitty. Go to msft and thank me later.
Microsoft refresher is something to think about. Vote Google, Microsoft close 2nd. But you can always move later. Congrats, all look like great offers. But remember, to think about your everyday happiness with the team. Just noticed CA location. Based on Cost of Living, I would lean more towards Microsoft.
Yeah, CA taxes are very bad :/ I am considering google and microsoft at the same level too
If you are enthusiastic about research, maybe take MSFT, apply for AS position in AMZN a couple of years later
Or maybe apply even to Google Research or Facebook Research?! That's my thought process. Maybe not in 2 years and not if I really like the team at Microsoft
If there is Google in poll i feel always choose Google if you get less too still choose Google
Haha. Can understand.
Google refreshers are amazing That'll increase your TC every year
Agree! Any rough numbers which you think I would get as refreshers?! Is it 1/3rd?
For l4, I see folks easily making 90k
I’d point out that after tax and COL adjustments you probably come out slightly further ahead financially at Microsoft in the short term. Which isn’t nothing. I’d consider where you want to live and which team you want to work with the most. Otherwise the two options are pretty equal. I’d give a slight edge to Google normally but if you want an applied science role, and you’re really interested in the team at Microsoft just go for it. In the long run you would probably make more money at Google from refreshers and stuff, but if it’s not what you want to do why not take the Microsoft position, get the extra experience and reapply for the role you really want in a couple years?
Yep agree! Also "long" run wouldn't be that long if I was not satisfied with my MSFT tc, I can always apply back to even better positions at Google Research or so
It sounds like you've already made up your mind, but fair warning, Microsoft's refreshers are ass. You'll likely need to boomerang or just go to another company once you hit the 4 year cliff
Made up my mind?! Not at all. On a related note: what is the average refreshers at MSFT?!
I think the target is $12k over 5 years at 62. :)