After 5 incredible years at AWS, I have recently decided to join Zscaler. Working at Amazon Web Services is like being on a roller coaster you can’t get off—and surprisingly, you don’t always want to. As someone who's dabbled in everything from Aurora DB to 5G, VPC, Gen AI security, and even filed a few patents (no big deal), I’ve seen it all: the good, the bad, and yes, the downright ugly. But don’t worry—there’s plenty of fun to be had along the way.
The Good: Toys, Talent, and Tech Galore
Let’s kick things off with the good stuff, because there’s a lot of it. AWS is a playground for engineers. Got a project in mind? Chances are AWS already has a tool for it—or they’ll just build one if not. We’re working on cutting-edge projects that make you feel like a tech superhero. From spinning up scalable 5G networks to figuring out how to make AI smarter (or at least less crappy), you get to work on projects that genuinely matter.
And then there’s the budget. Want the latest gadget, software, or some piece of hardware you just *know* will make your project better? AWS says, “Go for it.” It’s basically like having the company credit card but with fewer awkward conversations with HR about your Amazon shopping cart. Plus, there are some fun perks and team events. Finally, the people. AWS hires some of the best and brightest (though not all of them 💀), and it shows. You’re surrounded by talented folks who will not only make you a better engineer but also keep you on your toes. Working here sometimes feels like playing chess with grandmasters, except it’s coding, and instead of pieces, you're moving cloud infrastructure around.
The Bad: Work Hard, Party Less
Now, let’s not sugarcoat it—AWS is not exactly a breezy 9-to-5 with long weekends in between. The workload can be intense. If you're into long, relaxing vacations, this might not be the place for you. Deadlines come at you fast, and the “just one more feature” syndrome is alive and well here.
And then there’s the in-office policy. Remote work? Ha! AWS used to be remote friendly but now it is very much an "office-first" environment, which means you're commuting to stare at the same monitor from a different desk. I mean, we build the cloud, but work in it? Not so fast. The good news is, at least you’ll get the free coffee while lamenting your 1-hour drive.
The Ugly: The Bus-Throwing Olympics
Here’s where it can get… interesting. When you take a bunch of brilliant, talented, and occasionally type-A personalities and throw them into the same room, magic happens. When resources get tight, some people shift into survival mode, and that’s when the infamous “bus-throwing” begins. Not actual buses, of course, but metaphorically speaking, folks start tossing each other under them with Olympic-level skill.
Suddenly, team members might "forget" to invite you to key meetings or give you the correct information , or somehow your name mysteriously disappears from a project presentation. It’s all part of the game to make sure no one looks too good, because heaven forbid someone else outshines them. People can go from collaborative to credit-hogging real fast, and before you know it, you’re wondering why that brilliant feature you designed isn’t being presented by you.
It’s like a corporate reality show—except instead of roses, you’re competing for recognition, and some folks will do just about anything to make sure they're the star of the episode. If you’re not careful, you might find yourself under that proverbial bus, wondering what just happened. Fun times, right?
All jokes aside, working at AWS used to be a blast for anyone who loves cutting-edge tech and wants to say, “Yeah, I helped build that thing you use every day.” Trust me, flexing that never got old. The projects are still huge and exciting, and the impact is real. But now? Well, let’s just say the economy isn’t the only thing that’s feeling a little shaky.
The workload is still intense, and the competition is just as fierce—except now people are clinging to credit like it’s the last snack in the breakroom. And the remote work dream? Nope. It’s office life, every day, with your trusty commute to keep you company.
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