London Comp / Data Engineering Offers / What Next?
Currently a DE at FAANG. 6 YOE. TC ~90k GBP. Am looking at positions outside the firm but I am getting similar comp (mostly because my RSUs are doing well). I want to leave this FAANG due to toxic culture, for my own mental sanity and because I am pretty sure Dev List and Pivot is on its way in June. I got the following offers... {> Other FAANGs - despite referrals I got no interviews except for Google where the interview performance is currently being reviewed. It would be a Strat Ops role though.} > Investment Banking (top 3) DE role - I showed them my actual comp statements and they offered a compensation lower (70k base + up to 10k bonus) than what I was currently on, then withdrew the offer when I tried to negotiate at least the same salary. > Retail firm Senior DE - base is 80k and bonus 20% which is better than what I get now but basically lower than L4 SDE at FB for example (based on posts here). Seems ‘chill’ (10am-5pm) so I could take this and LC too. Good brand in the UK, not well known elsewhere. > Salesforce Business Analyst / Strat Ops roles - TC is 70k base + 15% bonus. > Cloud Architect at Rackspace/no name companies - TC about 90k either full salary or base around 80k + bonus to make up 90k. > Big4 - I requested 90k for a manager level role and they are saying it is too high. Probably 70k TC. I am considering to just stop interviewing entirely, spend 3-4 months head down and LC (and continue to do some freelance stuff on the side for income) and then go for junior SDE positions as this is really depressing me. I’ve been working hard, good companies, progressing well and good reviews, yet comp is basically not shifting at all and seems below/the same as what I am currently on. I feel like I’ve just wasted 6 years sometimes and should ave moved to SDE sooner. :( There are contractor positions which pay 550-700/day which seem better but I wanted a FT position tbh to continue growing my career. I live in London. An alternative is to move to Manchester and take a BI lead type role but salaries are topping out at around 60-70k TC. But cost of living is much better there so 70k in Manchester is way better than 70k in London. A lot of recruiting is frozen anyway so I am stuck in general. My Python skills are rusty hence I’ve not taken up interviews at HFs etc so more am looking for something to spend this year on while I prepare for next year (by then I’ve finished my Masters too). I have no debt and no family and no commitments generally. Thought?
I’m not sure SDE would actually make more.Is it so tough to get around 100k GBP in London ? Also choose a role which will make you stable for the next 1 year.The industry you go into is critical. Also ideally choose a company which would help you transfer to the US after a year so you can make more money
I am not sure. I thought it wasn’t but despite getting interviewed and offers from ‘top firms’ 100k seems high. That is what I tried twice already (hence FAANG) and once I got inside there were all these rules about who could transfer (mostly SDEs only). Hence thinking to just restart. But even to do that, I need to prepare first. I don’t think moving to the US will be easy in the next few years from the UK either way. I’m not fussed about moving, just fed up of earning these numbers and want to see growth and progress for once.
Unfortunately to earn more you will have to move to the US :/ so that should be your primary goal.Maybe do a masters degree in the states
Isn't take home as contractor much higher?
Might be very late reply, but check snowflake or Databricks in london they hire like crazy and pay decent
Which level are you at Amazon? I’m pretty sure a DE IC5 at FB makes more than that in London. What languages and tech are you using as a DE? Did you check McKinsey & co? You can also check if Twilio hires for DE (not sure) and if yes you can dm for referral. Anyway, in general I’d say to settle for less than you make now, except if really strong learning experience/you need to change country for personal reasons etc. You might wanna think that the grasse is greener elsewhere but trust me it’s rarely the case
Level 5. Yeah FB L5 DE makes more but they are not replying to interview me. Also my Python is weak tbf need a little time to refresh. My new manager is making everyone a SQL monkey hence I gotta get out! Yes, Quantum Black, they offered 70k base + 10% bonus quoted when we had the initial call. McKinsey wanted more years (I have 3 YOE as a DE). Twilio don’t have London DE positions. Yeah the comps above are not terrible. I’m just disappointed really at the numbers and want to ensure I choose something and do the right steps going forwards so I’m in a better position next year. :)