The Amazon Cliff: Why I Left Amazon

💼When joining Amazon, employees receive a four-year stock package that includes base salary and bridge cash.

💸The stock granted over four years is distributed incrementally, with 5%, 15%, 40%, and 40% allocated each year.

📉The value of shares can vary based on the stock market. High growth can result in financial gain, while plummeting stocks may lead to disappointment.

📈Being promoted at Amazon often means more work and responsibilities but not necessarily substantial financial rewards.

⏳The four-year cliff marks a point where compensation significantly reduces, leading some employees to explore opportunities outside the company.

How is compensation structured at Amazon?

—Amazon offers a four-year stock package that includes base salary and bridge cash. The stock is distributed gradually over the four years.

Do stock options depend on the stock market's performance?

—Yes, the value of shares can fluctuate depending on the stock market. High growth can result in financial gains, while low performance can lead to disappointment.

Are promotions financially beneficial at Amazon?

—Promotions at Amazon often come with increased work and responsibilities but not necessarily significant financial rewards.

What is the four-year cliff at Amazon?

—The four-year cliff refers to the point after four years of employment where compensation significantly reduces, prompting some employees to explore opportunities outside the company.

Why did the speaker leave Amazon?

—The speaker left Amazon due to the lack of financial advantages and promotions despite the additional workload. They found better opportunities and financial rewards elsewhere.

00:00Introduction to the Amazon cliff and the speaker's personal experience.

02:32Breakdown of the compensation structure at Amazon, including base salary and bridge cash.

04:48Explanation of the gradual distribution of stock shares over the four years of employment.

06:40Discussion on the dependence of stock options on the stock market's performance.

08:36Insight into the lack of substantial financial rewards and leverage in promotions at Amazon.