Worth is relative

In recent years, we’ve seen FAANG jobs lose some of their luster, especially from the perspective of startup founders, accelerators, and investors who think FAANG engineers should quit their jobs and start a startup. This blog post isn’t trying to take sides, as both career options are challenging. Starting a startup is no joke – it’s getting easier day by day, but making it successful will always remain difficult as you’re often directionless compared to a job. I believe that one person can choose to live both lives in their lifetime, and we shouldn’t compare which one is best, as personal factors may affect your decision at any given time.

I’m writing this to remind all the FAANG engineers that they’re not worth their paycheck. Yes, even though you’re getting paid well, the company is doing well, and you’re working hard enough. Never equate this to “I’m being valued by my employer, and I am worth it.” Most of you are probably not even worth one-tenth of it.

You might think that working hard and getting paid well means you’re doing something extraordinary. However, that’s not the case – you’re being paid so well from somebody else’s pie. Someone else had to put in a lot of effort so that engineers like you are paid well. Who are these people? They’re the early members of the company, people like the founders, founding engineers of the main company, or any acquisition that happened later on.

You might think that engineers like you are running the company now, but that’s not entirely right. You’re operationally running the company, but somebody gave it the momentum to come this far, and that’s why you’re benefiting from it. It’s a power law.

The reason why your FAANG employer pays you so well is because they can afford to, not because they’re getting the same value from you. The momentum created by those early people is enabling your employer to pay you that well.

Why am I writing this post? Is it to demean anyone? No. Of course, there are exceptions in each FAANG company who will be part of the momentum creators. But very few.

This blog post came out of frustration from hearing FAANG engineers talk – when they talk, they sound like nerds. Which tells me that they’re more proud than they should be.

This reality check is needed – just to make sure you know the market and what you’re worth to someone, so that nobody takes advantage of you.

You’re probably worth more to somebody else. For example, if you start your own venture, you’ll likely be worth more to your startup, your co-founder, your investors, and also your customers and the world. Worth is relative. You’re worth more to your mom than to the government. Even though your employer is paying you a lot, it doesn’t mean they think that highly of you – they’re paying you more because they can afford to.

FAANG jobs are ideal for tech people who prefer not to deal with non-technical matters. These roles suit those who avoid big risks in life but want to earn high salaries. This is not a judgment - it’s simply a good career option. However, it’s important to understand what choosing such a job really means.

However, there are smart engineers out there who are capable of doing much more, and I believe it’s their moral duty to achieve that potential. This post is to make them realize that they’re worth more to someone else, and that’s why they should think about it.