Data Scientist with a background in Applied Mathematics and Statistics. I worked in banking for the most part. Have worked in small tech startup and Amazon before joining current company. While at Amazon my TC was 300k. Never in my life had I earned so much money! My boss was really toxic. I was stressed AF all the time. Since leaving, I feel so much happier. But I do miss the comp. At my current company, I earn 180k with 30k in bonuses. When you include 401k match, my TC is 225k. Before going the company, I received offers from UBER for 245k TC and declined since I wanted a better WLB and thought UBER would be another Amazon. Now that I’m almost a year at my current company and I feel like I messed up. Although my work hours went down considerably (from 8-10hrs of stressed work at Amazon to 4-6 hours of work M-Thursday, with every Friday off, at my current company) I feel so underpaid, unmotivated, feel like I’m falling behind in my career. I know I can do so much more, but I’m not motivated to do more, take on more projects, or go the extra mile. That said, my manager thinks I’m doing an exceptional job and got very high marks during our latest review. Given my years of experience, I sometimes want to go into leadership. I enjoy helping people grow. But I hate the politics. I feel so lost in my career. At one point, I was THE rising star. Everybody considered me as a thought leader. Sometimes I feel like getting back into big tech and work my butt off to clear $500+ for a few years. Anyone else fee this way? Or has anyone been here before? I don’t know what to do.
You can’t have your cake and eat it too
Why did you start your post with your skin color? I think I know how you feel because I went through a similar thing. Was at Amazon for a long time, then went for a much more relaxed job, and it felt like I was missing out. Since I left on friendly terms I was able to boomerang back. There were other factors involved too. Everyone has their own motivations. Mine is that I want to do the best work of my career based on the talents that God has given me. For me, Amazon is the place to do that. The best advice I can give you is to find what motivates you, and don’t be afraid to go for it.
Agreed. Removed. It was not relevant! Fair enough. For me, it’s to max out my income during my working years.
Dude you’re making over 200k with a very comfortable WLB, other people would kill for that. Quit comparing yourself to others and decide what’s important.
Easier said than done knowing I could bag $200k by working more during my working years (25-45)
Then go do that. What you’re asking is purely personal choice, if you want to grind and maximize TC and spend less time with friends/family/whatever then go for it. Not trying to bag on you, but none of us can know your motivations, drive, priorities, etc. It’s a complex formula that’s different for everybody.
What's your current company? I think in few years I would like to apply. On serious note - just go back. You took a break, can work again now. Look for better team though. Screen asshole and mental folks
Fair enough! I might take the time to do prep interview work or something
Its actually a better trade. 40% reduction in working hours for 30% reduction in salary without PIP stress. You can spend your Fridays on side hustles and still come out way ahead than $500k tc. You say you’re falling behind in career, but your entire post reeks of your insecurity about falling behind in tc.
Yea! I wouldn’t disagree much. Reduction in TC is a mindfuck
If it helps you feel any better… my tc at apple was 450k early last year and I had to quit because of family health issues and move out of state and now working at 215k tc with 2x workload than that of apple. I ended up with a worse trade but at the end of the day family is happy which makes me happy.
Choose your misery..