Marching towards a long career at Amazon

Amazon / Eng
AprlSun

Go to company page Amazon Eng

AprlSun
Feb 21, 2019 15 Comments

I have been with Amazon for a while. I would be getting a yellow badge if I hang around for another year or so. Doing reasonably ok, but there is always this part of me that yearns for the higher TC at Google/Facebook.

For many reasons (timing, immigration) etc, I never did make the move. It feels like it will get harder to pull the trigger as my career grows (due to the down leveling that usually accompanies the move).

The other yellow/red badges I see around are either L7s or have a path to L7 and beyond. I am not sure if I will ever get there however. Is it folly to try and stick around? Amazon is ok, but it's as everyone knows hardly Nirvana.

Any advice from other blinders who have been in a similar situation?

TC: 260k, 5yoe

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TOP 15 Comments
  • Amazon
    lolwhat

    Go to company page Amazon

    lolwhat
    If you're L6 at 5yoe then you're already doing great.
    Feb 21, 2019 6
    • Amazon / Eng
      AprlSun

      Go to company page Amazon Eng

      AprlSun
      OP
      Yes I am above target, but it's only as good as it lasts. Due to our refresher policy, over the long run, everyone will only get their target comp (barring a stock miracle).
      Feb 22, 2019
    • New / Eng
      sparked

      Go to company page New Eng

      sparked
      What does the refresher policy look like?
      Feb 22, 2019
  • What is a yellow / red badge?
    Feb 21, 2019 3
  • Amazon
    humanne

    Go to company page Amazon

    humanne
    I m a L6 getting to yellow badge in a few months and have a path to L7 defined for 2020. My previous year's comp was 300, this year is 240k and I have asked for a match. I am in the same boat as you and not sure if I should stay and wait for April to see how comp conversation turns out. The good thing is I joined as L5, became L6 2 years ago and I am again up for promotion next year while doing very interesting work. So I am moving in the right direction, but not sure if comp will be matched.
    Feb 22, 2019 1
    • Amazon / Eng
      AprlSun

      Go to company page Amazon Eng

      AprlSun
      OP
      Happy for you, it's great that you have a path up to L7. Hopefully comp works out for you too. Exactly the thing I was worried about - good scope but low comp... moving to other companies may mean higher comp but way smaller scope (esp if you get to L7). If you make a decision to move, ping this thread, I'd like to hear your thoughts πŸ‘
      Feb 22, 2019
  • Amazon
    Gwkg248

    Go to company page Amazon

    Gwkg248
    Lowly yellow badge with L5 😒
    Feb 21, 2019 1
    • Amazon / Eng
      AprlSun

      Go to company page Amazon Eng

      AprlSun
      OP
      I feel you. Our l5s are the backbone of our engineering community. I am sure you are contributing a lot. Can't comment more since I don't know the specifics around your career, but as long as you are enjoying yourself or have good reason to stick around, smiley face! πŸ˜€
      Feb 22, 2019