Equity 101 for Software Engineers

blog.pragmaticengineer.com

23 pointsgregdoesit2 comments

I had no financial acumen when I first joined AWS, paying little to no attention about granted RSU(s) — I was just so giddy to have gotten at job there. Looking back, wished I learned a little more about the compensation model; up until then, I worked jobs that gave you a salary and that was it. A little homework on my part would've helped me understand the fluctuations in my income over the last few years.

I had the same thing happen when I interviewed with AWS, I was so giddy that Amazon would even consider someone like me (non FAANG background ) that I was elated with the offer they gave me.

Luckily I consulted with a few friends and family who knew how this works and they basically said Id be losing money by taking it. In fact my current compensation was better.

Learning how compensation works and getting comfortable with negotiation is very much needed

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