Why I have ZERO desire to EVER work at FAANG!

Summary

The speaker expresses a strong disinterest in working for 'Fang' companies, referring to big tech giants like Facebook, Amazon, Netflix, Google, and Apple. They criticize the intense interview processes, the focus on trivia-like algorithms, and the high cost of living associated with these companies' locations. The speaker also addresses the prestige attached to working at such companies, suggesting it's overrated and that the work is similar to that in other software development roles. They argue that the high salaries are necessary due to the high cost of living in those areas and express skepticism about the companies' push for employees to return to the office, hinting at a desire for micromanagement. The video concludes with a call for viewers to reflect on the true value of working at prestigious tech companies.

Takeaways

• 🚫 The speaker has no interest in working for large tech companies, often referred to as 'Fang' companies, due to their bureaucratic processes and intense interview requirements.
• 🤔 The speaker questions the value of the 'silly hoops' and algorithm tests during interviews, suggesting they are irrelevant to real-world job tasks.
• 💼 Despite the high salaries, the speaker argues that the cost of living in areas where these companies are based often negates the perceived high pay.
• 🏢 The speaker criticizes the trend of companies wanting employees to return to the office, viewing it as an attempt to micromanage rather than to enhance collaboration.
• 📈 The speaker points out the short average tenure of developers at these companies, suggesting a lack of work-life balance and high burnout rates.
• 🏆 The prestige of working at a 'Fang' company is challenged, with the speaker arguing that it does not necessarily make one a better developer.
• 💭 The speaker expresses a disdain for the corporate culture and the idea of being seen as a 'programming God' just for working at a prestigious company.
• 🌆 The speaker is critical of the company campuses and the expectation to live in high-cost areas, which can lead to a poor quality of life despite high salaries.
• 👵 The speaker reflects on their age and experience, suggesting that the allure of working for big tech companies is more common among younger, less experienced individuals.
• 🔚 The speaker concludes by reiterating their lack of desire to work for large tech companies, valuing personal fulfillment and work-life balance over corporate prestige.

Q & A

What is the speaker's stance on working for large tech companies like Google or Facebook?

The speaker has no interest in working for large tech companies, often referred to as 'Fang' companies, due to their intense interview processes, bureaucracy, and perceived lack of work-life balance.

Why does the speaker believe that the interview process for 'Fang' companies is intense?

The speaker thinks the interview process is intense because these companies interview candidates multiple times to ensure they meet high standards, often testing on algorithms and trivia that may not be relevant to the job.

What is the speaker's opinion on the value of learning algorithms for developers?

While the speaker acknowledges that learning algorithms can improve problem-solving and understanding of time complexity, they argue that many algorithms tested during interviews are not practical and feel like 'stupid trivia'.

Why does the speaker think some people are attracted to working at 'Fang' companies?

The speaker suggests that people are attracted to 'Fang' companies due to the prestige associated with working there, high salaries, and the amenities and perks provided by these companies.

How does the speaker feel about the cost of living and its relation to high salaries at 'Fang' companies?

The speaker believes that high salaries at 'Fang' companies are necessary due to the high cost of living in areas where these companies are based, and that the pay is relative to the location.

What is the speaker's view on remote work and the push to return to the office by 'Fang' companies?

The speaker criticizes 'Fang' companies for wanting employees to return to the office, suggesting it's not for better collaboration but to micromanage and justify the investment in billion-dollar campuses.

Why does the speaker think some people put 'Fang' companies on a pedestal?

The speaker believes that people put 'Fang' companies on a pedestal because they don't know any better, and that the hype is often driven by those who are younger and inexperienced in the industry.

What does the speaker think about the work-life balance at 'Fang' companies?

The speaker implies that work-life balance is poor at 'Fang' companies, with developers often becoming workaholics and having no life outside of work, which can lead to burnout and short tenures.

How does the speaker feel about the prestige of having a 'Fang' company on one's resume?

The speaker is dismissive of the prestige, arguing that having a 'Fang' company on one's resume might make them desirable to some, but it doesn't necessarily make someone a good developer.

What is the speaker's perspective on the culture and environment at 'Fang' companies?

The speaker criticizes the culture at 'Fang' companies, suggesting that they trap employees with amenities and perks, leading to a lack of work-life balance and an environment that can be detrimental to employees' well-being.

What does the speaker suggest as the ultimate goal for developers?

The speaker suggests that developers should not make working at a 'Fang' company their ultimate goal, as it's just a job with high pay relative to the cost of living and similar challenges to any other software development job.