It's a Grind, But You Learn A Lot
My time as a Software Development Engineer at Amazon in Seattle, WA was a real mixed bag. There's a lot of opportunity, but the demands on your time are pretty intense. Work-life balance here can be tough to manage.
You'll definitely grow a ton here. The technical challenges for a Software Development Engineer are top-notch, and you work with smart people. It's a big tech company so the resources are there, and the compensation package is really good.
The work-life balance is a constant struggle. Expect long hours, especially during project launches or peak seasons. The on-call rotations can really cut into your personal time, even with the hybrid work model. It's tough to truly disconnect.
Try to enforce stricter boundaries on work hours, especially for engineering teams. Managers need more support to protect their team's personal time and reduce burnout. A more sustainable pace would benefit everyone.