Moving to Amazon London from Amazon India

Amazon / Eng
pabloo

Go to company page Amazon Eng

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Microsoft
pabloo
Dec 21, 2021 20 Comments

I’m a SDE2 at Amazon, joined 3.5years back as new grad and got promoted to L5 an year ago.
I never had plans to move to Seattle and I’m planning to jump ship in India to maximise TC.

But last week, I got an opportunity from Amazon London Advertising Team for SDE2 role with TC: 115k GBP (Wouldn’t go higher than 120k)

TC For India:
Base: 33L
Stocks: ~20L/year
Total: ~53L

TC For London,
Base: 85k GBP
Stocks: 30k GBP
Relocation Bonus: 9k GBP

Now I’m confused:
1. Does 115k GBP have the same level of comfort in life as 50L in India? (In hand is 3.3L in india vs 6.2k GBP in London)

2. Exploring Europe and leaving in an European country is something I wanted. But is it worth moving to London on that TC?

3. Can I change Job and try for FB/G London once I move to London?

4. The weather, issues related to racism, being away from family/friends.

What do you guys suggest?

Yoe: 3.5 (Age 25 and unmarried)
Promo: SDE3 Promo is ~2years away.

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TOP 20 Comments
  • Capgemini / IT
    jackofnone

    Go to company page Capgemini IT

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    Accenture, HCL Technologies
    jackofnone
    I am from India and have been living in Amsterdam for the past 7 years. I would say considering you are young and have no responsibilities, absolutely make the jump.

    It is worth it for the experiences you would have and the travel opportunities in Europe. 115k is def quite good as a salary and you would be able to live very well as a single.

    For comparison of living expenses and differences in lifestyle, plenty of blogs online. You wouldn’t have a king lifestyle in london as 3.3L in India affords, but if I was were you, I would take this offer.
    Dec 21, 2021 3
    • Capgemini / IT
      jackofnone

      Go to company page Capgemini IT

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      Accenture, HCL Technologies
      jackofnone
      Someone else commented “better to find a girl” and “dating is hard”. While I agree it is relatively difficult for brown folks, it is absolutely not impossible. I have multiple brown friends married to Europeans. Keep an open mind, try to integrate and live your life to the fullest. One regret I have at 35 is that I could not travel enough when I was younger, focused on money, growth etc. A couple of more lacs in your bank account will not make you happier, like someone else commented, doing what you love will. Best of luck with whatever you go for!
      Dec 21, 2021
    • Amazon / Eng
      pabloo

      Go to company page Amazon Eng

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      Microsoft
      pabloo
      OP
      Stacking money was fun initially but after a certain time, the happiness quotient decreases.
      Looks like it’ll be Europe😅

      Thanks again for all your input :)
      Dec 21, 2021
  • After a point, the comfort/QoL stays same at a place. If you're living a decent life with 50L in India, going to google or coinbase at 80L wouldn't improve it, except for work. I'd suggest moving to London and explore, live. You won't be able to explore Europe more easily (since UK has a different visa, you'll stills need Shenzhen), but you'll be closer. Dating would be difficult, so getting married/find a girl here before moving is better
    Dec 21, 2021 2
    • Amazon / Eng
      pabloo

      Go to company page Amazon Eng

      PRE
      Microsoft
      pabloo
      OP
      Completely agreed on the points.

      On the dating part, I’m trying to convince my gf via Internal Transfer too. At worst case, we’ll need to travel india-UK every few months.
      Dec 21, 2021
    • Thales
      newus3

      Go to company page Thales

      newus3
      Take her along with you, traveling internationally every few months will not be easy. Anyways good luck in your next gig.
      Dec 21, 2021
  • What's your break up of current base and stocks. That would make it easier to take a decision.
    Dec 21, 2021 1
    • Amazon / Eng
      pabloo

      Go to company page Amazon Eng

      PRE
      Microsoft
      pabloo
      OP
      Amazon TC is base+ quarterly stock vest. I mentioned the average after tax salary for easier calculation.

      For India:
      Base: 33L
      Stocks: ~20L
      Total: 53L

      For London,
      Base: 85k GBP
      Stocks: 30k GBP
      Relocation Bonus: 9k GBP
      Dec 21, 2021
  • That is a good compensation for 3 YOE in london. With your expenses being around 2.5K you will end up with 3.7K Euros saved every month which actually 44 Lacs INR post taxes.
    Dec 21, 2021 4
  • Amazon
    amazon01

    Go to company page Amazon

    amazon01
    Just keep this in mind, in London the taxes on rsu is 52 % . So just factor that in when you are calculating things
    Dec 21, 2021 0