I've seen a lot of bad stuff about Amazon on Blind. Do people just troll? Or spoiled with decent WLB and 6 digits TC? I live in 3rd world country and there are no FAANG representatives, it's mostly soulless outsourcing and I feel like I don't have future as SWE here. But I live a decent life here, can buy a new apartment in the capital center every 2 years. I was rejected by Google after onsite and other top companies just auto reject me (perhaps because of the Visa). Taking into account he facts above, I'm thinking to try Amazon, but I'm kinda scared of terrible WLB and toxic culture. Is it really true?
Get an offer then start worrying. It’s really mostly a meme.
I generally have a good manager and good team, in terms of friendliness, and workability. But honestly from the top down you feel pressure to work, and there’s horrible deadlines that you have to meet. At least my manager isn’t hostile with me, but it is a bit overbearing. Considering that they don’t give as much as the same benefits as their counterparts, I feel that its not worth it, at least as an American. If its your only choice then I feel that its doable I suppose, but be honest with yourself on what you’re getting into.
Amazon is a company that has confused great individual contribution as a sign of great manager/leader potential. That leads to pockets where some teams are incredible and others are crappy. With company growth comes the added burden of ensuring only effective leaders are in leadership roles - but that’s not a place where there has been enough time invested by LT. It can feel extremely energizing or completely soulless and that’s why it can be polarizing when you work there.
My org is great. I have very easy work days like 6 hr day work days. The people are great and every one is friendly including my manager. That being said - an expectation is to be super self driven about everything - like you gotta lead those meetings sometimes and you gotta be on top of things that aren't your problems. This process is rewarding - but it's exhausting.
It really depends on the team. I have great work life balance but the work is very boring. I'm not actively developing or designing. It's bad but not in the same where some other Amazonians are working 80+ hours per week and aggressive PIPs.
Most teams drive you to ground but Amazon pays well so people stay at least a year or two. I'm also from a 3rd world country. It was my dream to come to Amazon. Now can't wait to get the f**k out 😄
No, it depends on the org/team. But there are quite a few shitty orgs at the company and the culture rewards assholes. It's a good place to learn and to start your career.