Desenvolvedor da Amazon em Seattle, Estados Unidos – Carreira sem Fronteiras #61

Summary

In this insightful conversation, Gabriel shares his experience of living and working in the U.S. as a developer. He discusses the advantages of earning a higher salary and managing finances in the U.S. compared to Brazil, the visa process for his wife, and the complexities of healthcare. Gabriel also highlights his preparation for job interviews, the cultural differences in workplace environments, and funny personal stories. He emphasizes the importance of language skills, particularly English, for career advancement, and offers valuable advice for developers aiming to work abroad.

Takeaways

• 😀 Moving to the U.S. provides a better cost of living compared to Brazil, allowing for a higher standard of living with a similar salary.
• 😀 Work-life balance is easier to maintain in the U.S. due to better financial management, which reduces the constant pressure to earn more just to maintain quality of life.
• 😀 Spouses of individuals on L1B visas can work in the U.S. once they obtain work authorization, which takes about 3-4 months to process.
• 😀 The U.S. healthcare system is different from Brazil's, and most healthcare is covered by the employer’s plan, though individuals still need to pay out-of-pocket for some services.
• 😀 The book 'Cracking the Coding Interview' was recommended as a key resource for preparing for tech job interviews, particularly for companies like Amazon.
• 😀 Learning how to navigate internal tools and systems at a new company is crucial, as many tools are proprietary and not available externally.
• 😀 The work culture in the U.S. is less social than in Brazil, with employees often working through lunch in a more silent and focused environment.
• 😀 A good understanding of English and communication skills, especially in tech interviews, is important when applying for jobs in the U.S.
• 😀 There is a significant learning curve when transitioning from Brazil to the U.S. job market, especially regarding internal company processes and tools.
• 😀 The speaker shared humorous stories from their early experiences, including a mix-up with ordering a dessert and a misunderstanding in an email, which created some lighthearted moments.

Q & A

How does living in the U.S. compare to living in Brazil in terms of financial comfort?

Living in the U.S. offers a significant financial advantage, as the salary goes much further compared to Brazil. The cost of living is lower, and the salary can provide a much more comfortable lifestyle, especially for families.

Can a spouse work in the U.S. if one partner holds an L1B visa?

Yes, a spouse of someone on an L1B visa can work in the U.S. once they receive a work permit, which typically takes about 3 to 4 months after arrival.

How does the U.S. healthcare system differ from the Brazilian system?

The U.S. healthcare system often requires individuals to pay for services out of pocket, even with insurance. Employers typically provide health insurance, but it may not cover everything, unlike Brazil, where most services are covered by a health plan. There are also high out-of-pocket costs for medical visits.

What resources or books are recommended for developers preparing for interviews in the U.S.?

The book 'Crack the Code Interview' is highly recommended for developers preparing for interviews, as it focuses on understanding the logic behind solving problems rather than just memorizing answers.

How is the work culture at Amazon compared to companies in Brazil?

At Amazon, the work culture differs significantly from Brazil, with less social interaction during meals. In Brazil, teams often share lunches, while at Amazon, people tend to work through lunch in silence. Additionally, there are many internal tools at Amazon that require learning, unlike in Brazil.

What are some challenges a new employee might face when joining Amazon?

New employees often face a learning curve with Amazon's internal tools, as they may not be familiar with the specific software and processes used. Additionally, certain licenses or tools are restricted, which can be frustrating for newcomers.

Can you share an example of a cultural misunderstanding at work?

One cultural misunderstanding occurred when the team misinterpreted a request for sharing dessert as a question about splitting the bill. This led to an awkward moment when they received a dessert for three but didn't share it as expected.

What advice do you have for developers moving from Brazil to the U.S.?

It's important to be prepared for the different work culture, especially the use of internal tools at companies like Amazon. Additionally, studying resources like 'Crack the Code Interview' and focusing on problem-solving rather than memorization is crucial for success in interviews.

How does Amazon's work environment compare in terms of team interaction?

In Amazon's work environment, team members often eat lunch separately and work in relative silence, which contrasts with the more social and collaborative atmosphere often found in Brazilian companies.

Why is learning English essential for working in the U.S. tech industry?

English proficiency is crucial for navigating interviews, understanding technical discussions, and collaborating with diverse teams. Additionally, many companies, including Amazon, require strong English skills for success in both technical and interpersonal aspects of the job.