Microsoft vs FB - comparison
It's been 1.5 years at Facebook, and here's my take on FB as a former MSFTie. I was hired as E6 (was L66 at Microsoft) Microsoft Pros: - Exceptional WLB - Down to earth engineers - Matured Managers - Emphasis on shipping features (as many as possible) Cons: - Slow moving & politics - pay below market Facebook Pros: - Better than Microsoft in every possible way - I have doubled my pay. Our refreshers are highest in the market. Cons: - horrible WLB. 55-60 hours is norm. - lots of hacks in code. - lots of less experienced managers and you need to set expectation and manage up I am considering trying at Google because of bad WLB after June. WLB is taking a toll on me.
There are definitely Facebook engineers working closer to 45 hours (excluding oncall weeks on teams with heavier oncalls) than 55-60 who are doing fine at E5+ but, at the same time, it is definitely nowhere near Microsoft where I could work 35 and get the highest ratings.
MSFT gets a lot of hate here but the WLB cannot be beat. The company is stable, makes billions, and odds are you’ll be able to find a team doing what you are passionate about. They don’t pay top rates, but at some point you do have to ask yourself what matters more; making the extra $100k or having a balanced life.
What is your current compensation?
Why do you work so many hours!?
Wrong. Google refresher is better than FB for average joe.
Can you hit Meets All while working 40hrs?
From my experience yes. But there are strong financial incentives to work more of course. And till E5 it’s up or out
I don't really see the strong financial incentives at Facebook. Exceeded expectations give you 25% more in bonus which is a tiny number. Getting greatly exceeded expectations (100% more in bonus) is very hard. Unless you are a high performer, working 25% more hours for 25% more in bonus doesn't make sense. Btw I was able to hit Meet All with 35 hrs.
Honest question: what are you working on 50-60 hours? More nagging notifications telling us we haven't checked into the restroom close by?
Yes, I have the same question...
WLB isn’t great I can agree with that. I’m also okay with that for now at least.
What org are you in? I've got a pretty good wlb in Seattle and I know a lot that seem to have great ones too.
That's interesting. Thanks for sharing. Im going to join FB soon and this perspective helps. Is wlb bad across the board or is it only few orgs ? Are you based in Seattle?
I am based in Seattle. Most orgs suffer WLB issue
FB has very noticeably smarter and more passionate people, and much better compensation, but there is more stress due to the constant focus on impact and longer hours. Overall a much better place to work.