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Working in big tech has been incredibly disappointing. I'm a mix of a Software Engineer and a Systems Engineer, so finding jobs (and not getting downleveled) is

by kodah 5y ago

Working in big tech has been incredibly disappointing. I'm a mix of a Software Engineer and a Systems Engineer, so finding jobs (and not getting downleveled) is fairly easy. That said, after nearly a decade in tech, and staying at one firm for over three years I have never been promoted without leaving a company. It's not like I don't have major accomplishments either; but politics is a blood sport and either you or your manager must play it. My two cents, it's not worth trying to get promoted. Enjoy what you do and once your RSUs have matured, start your exit by interviewing elsewhere.

bluGill 5y ago
Some big companies are starting to figure out they need a plan to get people promoted before they leave. If so read that closely: it is your roadmap. Often what the map says isn't be a great coder, so put your time into the things on the map.
- kodah 5y ago
  People have long said being a great programmer isn't important in business, but it really is. I don't want to work somewhere where being a great programmer is less important than being a politician. Being a politician in my view is a lot different than having soft skills. Unfortunately, most companies advertise they want great programmers and reward them, but that's mostly a lie.
  - bluGill 5y ago
    Being great at programming is important only if/when they realize it is important. Politics is always important, but if you are not great at something else you may be found out.
pm90 5y ago
> My two cents, it's not worth trying to get promoted. Enjoy what you do and once your RSUs have matured, start your exit by interviewing elsewhere. This is the best advice I've seen so far. I have refrained from playing the political game, have mostly stuck to helping people whenever they needed technical help (as it turns out, technical skills are critical when fixing things : p ) and that has lead to me being naturally included in interesting projects. If I start feeling like I'm not being asked to work on interesting things anymore, its a good sign to start looking elsewhere. I guess I am somewhat fortunate/privileged that there are so many opportunities in tech that I don't have to play politics. Its pretty great though; its not like I can't recognize when others are playing political games, but I chose not to get involved in that world.

by kodah 5y ago

bluGill 5y ago

Some big companies are starting to figure out they need a plan to get people promoted before they leave. If so read that closely: it is your roadmap. Often what the map says isn't be a great coder, so put your time into the things on the map.

kodah 5y ago
People have long said being a great programmer isn't important in business, but it really is. I don't want to work somewhere where being a great programmer is less important than being a politician. Being a politician in my view is a lot different than having soft skills. Unfortunately, most companies advertise they want great programmers and reward them, but that's mostly a lie.
- bluGill 5y ago
  Being great at programming is important only if/when they realize it is important. Politics is always important, but if you are not great at something else you may be found out.

pm90 5y ago

> My two cents, it's not worth trying to get promoted. Enjoy what you do and once your RSUs have matured, start your exit by interviewing elsewhere. This is the best advice I've seen so far. I have refrained from playing the political game, have mostly stuck to helping people whenever they needed technical help (as it turns out, technical skills are critical when fixing things : p ) and that has lead to me being naturally included in interesting projects. If I start feeling like I'm not being asked to work on interesting things anymore, its a good sign to start looking elsewhere. I guess I am somewhat fortunate/privileged that there are so many opportunities in tech that I don't have to play politics. Its pretty great though; its not like I can't recognize when others are playing political games, but I chose not to get involved in that world.