L6 SDM -> Sr. IC (outside) with an $80k pay cut to escape babysitting. Am I crazy?
I’m currently an Amazon L6 SDM, and I am completely burnt out from babysitting a team of immature Gen Z / late millennials. I’ve slogged day and night coaching, guiding, and listening to endless whining just to ensure business goals are met. The cost ? I’ve completely neglected my own personal development and regressed technically. ALL THIS WHILE BEING ON A VISA !!
To add insult to injury, I just got a bottom band rating (just escaped LE). I don't even blame my manager— I would have done the same in their shoes. The Amazon management process is just fundamentally flawed, and it's a pathetic position to be in right now.
I now have an offer from another company as a Senior IC. It’s a chance to rebuild my technical chops, stop playing agony aunt, and actually become hire-able again. The catch: it comes with a $60k - $80k annual pay cut .
Am I doing the right thing by taking this TC hit to save my sanity, step away from the toddler wrangling, and future-proof my IC skills ?