Google work pressure

Apr 11, 2021 15 Comments

Is Google rest and vest for an average Joe? Or is everyone smart there so they tend to finish their work in 9 hours? I am getting cold feet before joining, thinking it might be too much pressure to perform.

I am currently at an org where I work 5-25 hours per week, which is aggravating my fears.

Googlers what are your working hours?

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TOP 15 Comments
  • Google
    brainfry

    Go to company page Google

    brainfry
    It really depends org to org. There are some teams at Google where you can truly coast. Others are consistently working after hours. I get by with 10-4. Interview with many managers, try to gauge them, and choose a project that’s not high pressure or external facing if you’re looking for good wlb
    Apr 11, 2021 5
    • Google
      brainfry

      Go to company page Google

      brainfry
      Some people get promo on their first team then switch to a new team. If you’ve been on a team for one year and haven’t gotten promoted and then transfer, expect to start from scratch in the new team (yes it could take longer). Down leveled doesn’t really happen upon transfer if it’s the same job ladder / role
      Apr 12, 2021
    • Axtria
      nD4q6

      Go to company page Axtria

      nD4q6
      Thanks. Does this mean if I change ladders, I need to interview similar to an external candidate, and then the level is decided based on my interview performance which means I might get a lower level?
      Apr 12, 2021
  • Google
    co-CEO

    Go to company page Google

    co-CEO
    Getting into PM is super tough for a SWE and takes years of proving yourself first. They also down level you. Converting like this was my plan initially, until I realized that eng calls the shots even for product decisions, so i remained SWE . But i like to code, so YMMV.

    I find it's chill in most teams I've been at. However, if you don't like to code you're gonna be miserable as a SWE.
    Apr 11, 2021 8
    • Amazon
      NinjaGuru

      Go to company page Amazon

      NinjaGuru
      ^same doubt
      Apr 12, 2021
    • Google
      co-CEO

      Go to company page Google

      co-CEO
      Definitely separate ladders. Theoretically possible to be a l5 on management ladder (Manager I or sth), but very rare. A lot of L6 TLMs are still on the SWE ladder, but from certain level you gotta reinvent Spanner or something to get promoted as an IC / manager on the SWE ladder, so at some point many folks switch to the manager ladder.
      Apr 13, 2021