There a lot of tech companies in Seattle, many of which are growing their head count. I'd say it's just as good a job market as SF or NY, albeit slightly smaller.

I don't buy the BS from the interview/blog article.

No Amazon engineer I know was worried about leaving/loosing their job. All but one said their engineering culture wasn't fun to work in, and they all left before fully vesting... so i wouldn't say they were held hostage in any way.