Wait for promotion or switch teams?
Switching team allows me to get away from manipulative manager and abusive team that I don't like. But, I already spent more than a year and told that I could be promoted in 3 to 6 months. Switching teams means I go at the same level in another team and would have to spend at least a year again proving myself to get promoted. I see people having much less experience than me as L5 (non-SWE role). Switching would mean I remain L5 while others become L6. I am also looking outside at top companies but I haven't prepared yet so I don't want to start interviews right away. Staying in this team is killing me internally though. I am waking up early, not eating on time, and there are constant work related thoughts on my mind. Because of this I can't focus on anything lest preparation for interviews. I am just torn between biting the bullet to get promoted or switching team now for some relief. What would you do if you were in my situation?
If moving teams gets you away from this one, I'd go for it. Besides, who's going to put you up for promotion? Your manager?
'Could be promoted' doesn't guarantee that they will promote you. Typical management speak bullshit. I would look at another team. Make sure you like the manager and more importantly make sure the manager likes you. If there isn't an internal team you like then make the search external
Promo is an artificial growth measure. Pick a team where you’ll learn, grow, and be happy, and the rest will follow.
With manipulative manager and abusive team, what signals gaurantee your promotion? Are your expectations being manipulated? More often than not... Good luck with moving out of that team! And beware of internal transfer blocks - a tool of low-life AMZN managers.
I don't know what your comp is at Amazon, but it seems like your life is a nightmare. I come to work when I want, leave when I want, work on what I choose to, my commute is 6mins and I get paid enough to live like a king in Oregon. You are probably paid more but chances are that if you carry on like that you won't live long enough to spend your money.
Get out of your current team...
Switch if you don't like your team. You get paid your dollar wage and the learning you do which leads to higher dollar wage in future. Maximize your learning and work on stuff you are excited about. A year extra at a level will not matter because youre planning to switch anyways and it's going to be that much harder to get to the next next level. Switch. Don't look back. Learn and solve problems you are interested in.
If the manager could cockblock a promotion I would move. If not, best to stick it out.
Managers can block promotions if they want
Manipulative manager... If I hear those words, I would run, not walk, as far as I can. I was in a similar situation a few years ago. I passed up my opportunity to change teams, and the promotion went to a manager's favorite. Yup, that's the very definition of manipulative & abusive. Move on, move out. Don't let abusive people hold you back with false promises. If they really want to promote you, they can do that now, there is no reason to wait for 3-6 months.
Switch and look for outside opportunities. Switching teams also gain you different experience. Plan to switch companies after three to six months and it will bring you the same results as promotion or even better...