Why People Leave Big Tech: Exploring the Motivations and Challenges

💰Financial limitations: While big tech companies offer high salaries, the potential for extraordinary financial success is limited compared to starting a successful startup.

🔒Lack of autonomy: Engineers may feel like cogs in a machine, unable to make important decisions or pursue their own ideas due to bureaucratic processes and hierarchies.

🌍Limited learning opportunities: In large companies, engineers may be confined to a narrow role or domain, missing out on the chance to explore new technologies and skills.

🚀Appeal of startups: Smaller companies and startups offer engineers the opportunity to have a significant impact, build products from scratch, and gain experience across different roles and domains.

💼Scope and impact: Engineers at big tech companies often work on small parts of a larger system, which can feel less fulfilling compared to the broad scope and ownership available at smaller companies.

Do all engineers who leave big tech start their own companies?

—No, not all engineers who leave big tech start their own companies. Some may join smaller startups or pursue other career opportunities outside of big tech.

Are there any advantages of working in big tech?

—Yes, working in big tech can offer high salaries, access to cutting-edge technologies, and the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals. It can also provide stability and resources for personal growth.

What are the financial prospects in big tech?

—Big tech companies offer competitive salaries and benefits. While extraordinary financial success is rare, engineers can still earn a comfortable income and have access to various incentives and bonuses.

Is leaving big tech a riskier career move?

—Leaving big tech can be considered a career risk, as it involves stepping out of a well-established and secure environment. However, it also presents opportunities for personal growth, learning, and potentially higher rewards.

Can engineers switch back to big tech after leaving?

—Yes, engineers who leave big tech can always decide to return if they desire. They may bring valuable skills and experiences from their time outside of big tech, which can make them attractive candidates for re-entry.

00:00The video discusses why engineers often leave big tech companies after a few years.

06:23Lack of autonomy and limited scope are identified as significant factors that drive engineers to leave big tech.

13:01Financial limitations, when compared to the potential of successful startups, also contribute to engineers' decisions to leave big tech.

19:55The appeal of smaller companies and startups is explored, emphasizing the learning opportunities and broader impact available.

26:49The video concludes with the acknowledgement that big tech offers advantages such as high salaries and access to cutting-edge technologies.