Peer Pressure

Working in Big Tech often means operating in a highly competitive environment filled with extremely talented peers. This creates both motivation and significant pressure, especially due to how performance systems are designed.

• Big Tech companies commonly use forms of stack ranking, where engineers are compared against peers and the bottom 5–15% may face probation (PIP) or termination each review cycle.
• Being surrounded by exceptionally strong coworkers can lead to intense pressure, imposter syndrome, and constant anxiety about staying out of the bottom cohort.
• High performers are often rewarded well, but lower performers may struggle, making the environment feel “dog-eat-dog.”
• Talent density can create problems with limited scope and many strong engineers competing for meaningful work, which can impact evaluations and career growth.
• Some teams have abundant scope and are great for growth, while others (like highly mature products) may have minimal impactful work, worsening peer pressure.