Basically I want to leave IBM because I feel like I'm not learning anymore and I'm being held back by the politics. I think my goals and purpose for possibly leaving is reasonable, I want to find a company where I can grow alot, learn, and be independent to a degree ( Id still appreciate mentorship as I'm in really only in the cusp of my software development careers. My current situation feels like I'm being babied, I'd like to be able to solve my own problems and design and implement with my own technical abilities instead of relying on others. So for all you IBMers I want to know if architecture and designing is strictly a political thing, ie it's something reserved for higher bands and DEs (distinguished engineers for u non big blue Bois) ? Or am I just in the wrong team, without giving too much away my lead is somewhat new to being a lead, and he solves alot of the issues for us or the DEs (over architect) some feature and were left to implement. How does one learn like this? Is this just a me situation? Is this an IBM only thing or could I face this at a company like amazon. I want independence and some responsibility / ownership? Is that something that amazon / large companies that aren't IBM can give? I've been mainly looking at startups because this seems to occur more in those environments ( could be a grass is greener effect though). But larger companies tend to have better mentorship (?) And because people will ask TC 92k but its NC so I live like a poor king. 1 YOE tl:;Dr I want independence, responsibility, ownership and some mentorship. Not to be coddled.
smaller companies dont have these problems, but you have to be more qualified
I think I'm qualified or at least willing to learn what I need, but I don't feel like I'm getting that here. So do larger companies like FAANG++ also have these problems?
How big is your team? My team only has 6 prople, each person has great flexibility and independence
IBM has some niche stuff they are working on which I'm sure would give you more freedom to ideate/create. Hyperledger for example is still experimental imo.
A lot of it is 1 YOE That said, not having been at IBM, it could be the company at well. When I was at one past employer, I was a Senior SWE and I had 15+ YOE but their structures pretty much treat everyone but leads like you describe
I want this, I want that blah blah.., baby talk. Think of what the company and its customers want, and how can you be helpful, son, then the rest will follow
That's a bad way of thinking, ultimately you are your company and you need to do what is best for you and your career, don't get sold on the idea that you need to sacrifice your soul for your company because your company will have no problem spitting you out like a piece of gum if they go under a tough financial time. Get real
Yeah you're the kind of person that works a job for 20 years and get fired due to down sizing. It's always you first in this game. Career choices should be mutually beneficial. I don't believe in sacrificing my growth and learning, nights of extra hours, nights of frustrations without feeling like I'm getting my fair share.
Go startup then come back to big tech
This is a 1 YOE thing. Could happen anywhere but in general lot more will be expected of you at Amazon.
I am okay with that, I think this is the right choice then