Amazon

Working at Amazon is like attending the most cutting-edge technology and business school you can imagine. The hiring bar is extremely high, so everyone is extremely talented. Amazon VPs are some of the smartest people you will ever meet. The whole company moves so quickly that every day you are working on a new major initiative. The leadership principles are literally used every day – people quote them in meetings, and the company only focuses on customers, never on competitors. It's quite remarkable. If you get an offer to work at Amazon, take it.

I stayed for over 6 years, which put me above 98% of other Amazonians. (There's a tool called "Old Fart" that compares your tenure to other employees).

Most people only last 2-3 years for several reasons.

First, the pace is relentless, which at first is exhilarating but becomes downright fatiguing.

Second, Amazon doesn't really care about you as a person – only as a productive cog in the machine.

Third, the RSU award program is okay, but total comp is really only great if the stock is climbing 30% a year.

Finally, everyone wants to hire an ex-Amazonian right now.

When you combine these, Amazon becomes an amazing training ground but not a great place to stay long-term.

Amazon's compensation is decent, but many other top-tier companies can match it with better benefits. PTO is weak and employee perks like discounts are non-existent. The 401(k) is limited, and many other companies offer better stock vesting plans. Despite attempted reforms, end-of-year ratings are problematic and promotions are far too bureaucratic.