When To Join Big Tech

We suggest reframing the question from "Should I join Big Tech?" to "When should I join Big Tech?", since careers are long and dynamic.

Benefits of Joining Early in Career:

• Helps build a strong technical foundation and network when you're still a “blank slate.”
• Younger professionals often tolerate intense work environments better and adapt more quickly.
• Early high compensation can fund future ventures, such as startups or sabbaticals.
• The prestige and connections can accelerate future career moves or entrepreneurial efforts.

Risks of Joining Early:

• You might get addicted to the high salary and lifestyle, making it hard to leave for riskier opportunities like startups.
• Over time, lifestyle creep (e.g., mortgage, luxury spending) can reduce your willingness to take professional risks.

Benefits of Joining Later in Career:

• Allows you to first take bold bets (e.g. startups) when personal financial obligations are low.
• You may be hired at a higher level based on your broader experience—potentially earning more equity than someone promoted internally.
• Helps avoid promotion bottlenecks (e.g. SD2 to SD3 at Amazon, L4 to L5 at Google) by lateral hiring into senior roles.

Risks of Joining Later:

• Financially, the expected value of going solo or taking high-risk paths is lower due to high startup failure rates.
• Missing out on earlier career momentum and brand-building that Big Tech can provide.