Dropbox vs. Google. Does working at Google open more doors?
Just got Dropbox and Google offers. I want to take Dropbox, but it is Google...
Offer details (3.5 yoe, both offers are for Seattle):
Dropbox: IC2, ~330k for 1st year, ~290k on average for 4 years.
Google: L4, ~300k for 1st year, ~255k on average for 4 years (due to frontloading).
DBX pays higher. I will be eligible for refresher for my 1st year at DBX. Refresher at G starts 2nd year. But the difference is not significant especially considering DBX is stagnant and GOOG is thriving. Benefits wise, they are comparable. The huge "perk" at DBX is remote first. DBX doesn't have fancy cafeteria anymore, but I am okay with that since I enjoy WFH. In addition, they are giving out 7k for food and wellness per year.
I want to take DBX because I am interested in the work and eng culture is great. I also want to work at a smaller company. In addition, I hate commute and want to WFH. I talked with several teams at G, and got matched with one team. The people and culture seem to be great at G, but I am not interested/excited about the work. Also, promoting to senior seems to be quicker at DBX.
The only reason I am hesitating is because IT IS GOOGLE, and I am fear of missing out this opportunity. I am not sure if I can pass G's interview again. DBX has a high bar but it might not be as high as G. My goal is to become a senior in the next few years, and eventually move to staff level or a management role at some well-known tech. I have no plan to join a start up or have my own business in next 5 or probably 10 years. Would moving to G open more doors for me?
comments
DBX stock is not going to increase, while G stock will continue to grow and grow.
DBX is not growing and opportunities beyond Sr will be limited. So much more opportunity within G. G does everything. Surely you can find something you like, even if you have to transfer teams a year in.
Working at G will be an incredible experience, especially compared to the low morale of a floundering, dying company.
They feel similar to me as far as engineering culture within engineering orgs, but engineering seems to be more respected as an org within G. At DBX, Product org is king.
You already worked at microsoft before and it opened the door to google and dropbox, both pay high tier money, what other doors you need to open exactly? Netflix? Meta? I can assure you that any company will likely give you a chance to interview no matter which one you join and they also won't magically give you 100k more because you joined google before.
But if your goal is to impress people outside of tech, then google is a no brainer.
My pov is that Dbx is much better for employees well-being, prestige for an engineer from either is same, money is higher for sure, i joined at $17 rate so no complaints on stocks either
Current TC $510k and amazing wlb plus perks
I am trying to move out though just to get into FAANG company as Manager coz scope as a manager imho is better at Faang whereas here its very limited n have too much free time on me which was fun at start but not anymore