Agreed. I always think of the greek word "arete", which (as I understand it) means roughly achieving excellence and living up to your potential. I'm currently

Agreed. I always think of the greek word "arete", which (as I understand it) means roughly achieving excellence and living up to your potential. I'm currently at a big co (though not really a "tech" one, so can't speak to FAANG) and can relate to many of these. I can def see the attraction in taking less money in order to have a better shot at achieving excellence.