Hi folks, I recently interviewed at HBO and had a really positive experience. The offer they came up with blew my expectations away for my YOE. I’m confused on what to do. I am currently at Amazon as an SDE2. I like my team and project. HBO: TC: 250k (175 Base, 20% Annual Bonus, 75k sign on) Level: Unsure Amazon (Currently at) TC: ~190K Level: L5 (SDE2) I have <2 YOE with Bachelor’s. Both positions are in Seattle Would jumping the gun for such a high pay bump stall my career?
Go for it. You will be working on scaling problems at HBO as well. Might as well give it a try. Also, I think it’s all cash at HBO - right?
Yes, all cash
So Blind protocol is to not include sign on in TC unless it’s Amazon given their base salary caps. For a real comparison, you should amortize that sign on bonus over 2 years or 4 years to get more apples to apples. For an entertainment/media company, it’s nice to see large sign on bonuses. You probably would enjoy your work and life more at HBO but your long term career prospects are probably better at Amazon with that “badge of honor”
Yes, amortizing over 2 years gives me 175 + 37.5 + 35 (annual bonus) = 247.5 Won’t I still be called an Ex-Amazon wherever I go? Besides, I could come back if I don’t like it right? What do you mean by badge of honor?
Clearly I haven’t had my coffee yet. Mistakes all over my post! Didn’t see you were at Amazon. Yes you will have that badge of honor. How much unvested equity do you have outstanding? Unfortunately media companies don’t offer RSUs at lower levels.
What's the location for HBO?
Seattle
I didn't know hbo was in Seattle.
Tc at hbo is not 250... don’t count your sign on
I was doing the math of 175 base + 20% bonus (35k) + 37.5 sign on year 1 = 247.5
20% is guaranteed or average or max?
Easy HBO. You'll get PIP'd at Amazon before three years anyways
Contrary to popular belief, I have loved every bit of my time at Amazon. I do not worry about getting PIP’d
Always refreshing to hear good Amazon experiences. Happy for you OP :)
Always pick the higher TC
Even over potential career growth prospects?
Always pick WLB over everything. Then TC next. That said, HBO is the winner here
Next 2/3 years stocks might be going down due to recession. So having all cash would be better deal.
You can discount this for bias or value it for experience, but I’ve worked both places and quality of life is a whole different world at HBO vs Amazon.
Netflix 😂
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The HBO offer is ridiculously good for 2 YOE Mind sharing details of your role, experience and education?
Yes, it is indeed crazy. The funny part is, I’m not even 2 YOE :/. I joined amazon straight out of college and got promoted rather quickly (1.5 years). Education is just bachelor’s
OP, could I PM you with some questions?