My path to L8 - AMA
2004 - Moved to US for Masters in CS 2006 - First consulting gig at $30/hr thru H1B shop 2008 - Unemployed half the year due to recession 2011 - Tier 2 Sr SWE ($150k) 2013 - Principal at new IPO ($320k, brutal WLB, left once GC approved) 2013 - Tier 3 Eng Manager (team size 8, $200k) 2014 - Sr Manager (promo) (team size 10) 2016 - Director (promo) (team size 60) 2016 - Sr Director at diff Tier 3 ($350k, 50 people) 2018 - Managed out due to political CPO 2018 - Sr Director at $2B company (boring, $450k) 2019 - FANG L7 ($750k, good WLB) 2020 - Same role, diff org, shit manager 2021 - Google L8 (hiring boom, 150 people, $1.4M) Along the way, I’ve flunked tens if not hundreds of interviews. I’ve never said no to a recruiter as it keeps you in practice or helps you build a connection with them. I’ve had times when I was given a Leetcode medium and just stared at the whiteboard because I’d been managing for 6-7 years and have forgotten a lot. My family thinks I’m successful and in a powerful position at work (lol). In reality, interviews and changing jobs every 2-3 years sucks up a lot of energy and burns you out. The rejections demoralize you. I worry about my job a lot as well as I’m only half way to my target retirement number. I’ll always be comfortable, but the anxiety is real because there are so few jobs available at higher levels. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I survive at this level for 4 years so I can hit my number and retire early. I’m not really putting in enough effort to get to L9 or VP at FANG. I’m past 40 and have other priorities. I know nearly half my life is done, and I want to prioritize my happiness. I do my job and go home. The financial incentive is huge to get to VP - $3/yr minimum, but the energy has run out. We’ll see though. Yesterday was a stressful day at work and made me reflect on my journey so far. I like to write down my thoughts occasionally so I figured I’d write it here. AMA reasonable
If you could go back in time, would you job hop as much as you did?
Nice job buddy.
When did you get your Gc?
If you magically hit your number tonight (and then some), would you go into work tomorrow? What’s your game plan to make VP? Would you just do it long enough to hit your number? Or will you keep milking it
1) No, I’ll likely retire immediately 2) No game plan. No energy to strategize. 3) Yes, and maybe another 2 years to simply spend on some “wants” (a pool, Porsche 911, a couple really expensive trips [African Safari], and donate half)
What are your regrets, if any, along the way? I’m at the beginning of this grind and seem to be plateauing due to politics at the L5/L6 equivalent.
"2011 Tier 2 SWE to 2013 Principal at new IPO" was a big jump, what did you do differently to land that?
How hard is it to break into FAANG now then when u joined?
I peaked out at L7 at a FAANg ($1.1m) and in a break mode. Really loving my time off - spending more with family, travel, having a slow day. We have around $7m, spouse still planning to work for a year or two and then hang boots! I am still not sure whether I want to get back to work - it’s been so blissful since I got laid off!
Do you consider going back home and taking a higher level ther ?
I literally cannot even imagine getting paid $1.4m a year. You’re a badass, good luck! That jump from 18 to 21 is insane.
I feel very fortunate and luck has a huge role to play here. Btw the real magic is beyond these levels. L9 at $2-2.5M, VP $3-$7M, SVP $15M+ Not worth it IMO if you’re in a stressful job at 60 years old.
The "real magic" is relative and never ending. For someone at 50k, 200k is probably the dream. For someone at 500k, it's probably 1mil.
I don't really have a question, but just wanted to thank you! This brings us some hope ❤️