Been at FB for a while as an L4 TPM. Knew it was the wrong role from day 1. I’ve been contemplating an internal/external transfer to PM for a while. I recently got an L4 PM offer from Google and I’m going through the team matching process now. I don’t have a team match or comp details yet. Argument for staying at FB is: - Expecting L5 promo this summer. - On a very high visibility team. - Usual benefits of staying in one place: better for my resume, already have context on all the projects etc. Argument for going to Google is: - Get to be a PM now, TPM is a crappy role even when I’m working on cool stuff. - Seems like there’s a path to PM at FB, but it would require re-interviewing, VP approval, and down-leveling. - Expecting a small comp increase. Guessing it will be in the 10-20% range. TC: 270k, YOE: 4 #pm #google #facebook
OP can I DM you? Curious about your transition to TPM
Yes for sure
Op can I ask what was google offer breakdown?
OP, may I ask how you were able to get the interview for PM as a TPM?
I did a PM phone screen 2 years ago. Recruiter reached out recently and asked if I was still interested.
I would probably go to E5 and then ladder transfer to PM, if comp is important. Otherwise, not already trying to ladder transfer to PM at FB is, uh, odd? Why are you hanging out in a job that's a bad fit?
Dont TPMs have to down level when switching to PM?
Need to hit L5 at FB before I can officially transfer. I’ve spoken my PM director about it a few times and he seems pretty supportive. Process is still uncertain so I don’t want to be overconfident.
if TPM has been the wrong job - get out as fast as you can, comp is not everything. Whether internal transfer or G - don’t stay in a role that’s not for you because it will bias your future opportunities. Recruiters are lazy and unimaginative. What you do now biases what they’d consider you for later. It gets harder and harder to switch. If you move to PM initially comp may be lower but you will catch up. TPM comp is low overall and in generally lower in stock grants and refreshers — at any company. So what you are not factoring is actually the refresher comp difference will bridge the salary downlevel pretty fast. Don’t rely on a future promo - it may or may not happen. I’ve had the proverbial “promo happening next cycle” thing and it not happening. Make a choice without counting on promo bc if that doesn’t happen you’d end up screwed. If you really need it to stay - try to slow down google for 4 months. psc ratings come out in approx that time. lol
Do you mind sharing why tpm is the wrong role
Quality bar for the org feels low. TPM leadership is mediocre and out of the loop. Interesting/successful projects are taken over by PMs because they have a management chain and team they can use to push large projects forward. Some of this might be because I'm junior, but I see it happen to L6+ TPMs all the time. Some individuals are talented, but the org has a lot of people tracking unimportant work in spreadsheets.
What do you dislike about being a TPM at FB?
Mostly covered it already 1. Low quality bar for the org means you work with low quality people which isn't fun* 2. PMs take over impactful projects so you're often stuck with work nobody wants to do Feel free to DM me if you have specific questions about it. Happy to rant more * To clarify, working with other TPMs is what I'm unhappy with. As a TPM, it's unavoidable. My product team (Eng, Design, DS, PM, UXR etc) is wonderful and talented.
How much of your TC is your salary? Use that as an indicator of whether you should leave or not
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270k for IC4 TPM is great (I’m assuming stock growth). You sure G will beat that at L4? When is your cliff? If you’re able to pass G’s PM interview you’d likely pass ours as well. If G comes back $300k+ take it. If not, there’s more upside with the FB promo and transfer
Stock growth + refresher. TC was 230k when I joined. I have 2.5 years until cliff. G recruiter thinks they can beat $270k (but who really knows). I agree with you that FB comp would likely be higher than G in a year after promo + refresher. I’m worried that PM internal transfer process is so uncertain with interview, approval and everyone wanting to become a PM.
Agreed that our internal process is really tough. If PM is what you really want to do I say go for it if the money is acceptable. Keep in mind promo at G will be slow