Warning Things you Should Know Before Saying Yes To Your Offer - Senior Software Engineer Amazon Employee Review

2.0
19 Oct 2011
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Opportunity to learn how to develop software that is Web Scale.

Cons

Company rewards narcissism over hard work. Encourages people to share the bad about their fellow employees. Management makes most promotion decisions based on heresy rather than direct observation and knowledge. Beware of bonuses offered by Amazon. If you leave before the vesting period you could end up owing Amazon more than you actually received. Example suppose you receive 30K in signing bonuses and relocation expenses, and you decide to leave or are let go before your 24 months is up. Amazon pre-deducts the taxes for your bonuses up front, so you may only actually get a check for 20K and the other 10K goes to the government. If you leave after the tax cycle ends, then Amazon will want back their full 30K and you will have to figure out how to get the rest back from the IRS on your own. Also, even if you pay them the full 30K there is a very high degree of possibility that they will not send you an updated W2 and will hope you just let them keep the 10K tax free. BTW the full 30K would be due and payable within 30 days of termination. They don't call it claw-back for nothing

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5.0
10 Jan 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Really smart people, a lot of opportunity for growth, always encouraged to be innovative, think big, and create something new. Competitive salary and benefits with other major tech companies. 100% self motivating work environment. No dress code and 4 legged friends are welcome.

Cons

You have to be self motivated. NO ONE will hold your hand and tell you that you're doing a great job. If you need constant affirmations from management, this company isn't for you.

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