Many people join companies like Amazon and Meta not to stay long-term, but to get a powerful stamp on their resume. They know the high-pressure environment means they can't last, but the initial stock and the brand name are worth it.
I saw this firsthand at Meta. The system is brutal: a performance review every six months and a yearly evaluation that lets go of 10% of the workforce. Despite this, people still join because that “Amazon” or “Meta” on a resume leads to bigger salaries and more stock options elsewhere.
Oracle used to be a different story—a place with good work-life balance but lower pay. Now, with its focus on AI, the pressure is on to cut costs. The plan is to lay off 10% of each team every six to twelve months. This makes it a risky place to be.
This instability is a huge problem for many H-1B visa holders. Constant layoffs can prevent them from applying for their I-140 or Green Card, putting their future at risk.
No longer look for WLB. Just focus on salary, promotion if not run.