Then they give you RSU's to try to keep you loyal. I stuck around a toxic place for an extra two years of what was essentially 60-80k of RSUs - right at the end though, their stock TANKED and then it was almost worthless. Then, got laid off LOL. Got my money in the end thru severance and maxxed out banked PTO
Brian, you absolutely hit the nail on the head. Nearing 20 years in corporate America and at nearly 40 years old, I am cooked, man. I’ve been through 8 rounds of layoffs, survived 7, hit by one, multiple mergers and acquisitions, change management, blah blah blah. I am so tired of it. All I want is to be left alone and to just do my job. Enough is enough with this corporate culture nonsense.
I'm 59 and turning 60 soon. I got laid off with a bunch of other people at my firm. I was a little down (for about a day) because I was one of those people who did the right thing over the last 30 years. I'm now retired and love it. my assets being supervised for 8years plus has impacted a lot of exposure in nest egg (in excess of 2.8m), I say that because over those 30 years I was a personal finance junkie and listened to all my mentors (John Bogle, Warren Buffett, David Bach, sometimes Dave Ramsey) haven't spent any of my 401k, Roth IRA, or brokerage cash account. My SS and pension is so far adequate to meet my expenses. I don't want for anything, anyway. My kids will get my swag.
27 years in enterprise software sales and while it pays, it is completely soul sucking and frankly I care less and less about tech as I get older. Tired of drinking the Kool Aid, the idiot bosses, the micro managers, the rah rah rah bs, the unachievable expectations, the constant scrutiny, the stress and anxiety that affects your health and happiness. I am 54 and can't wait for the day I never have to do another QBR, Territory Review, Deal Review, Account planning, etc. There is literally no joy in it at all.
Couldn't agree with you more. I've been told 6 years in B2C software sales multiple times "we'll wait and see how the next quarter goes before making changes (and the next, and the next, and the next...)" and that includes salary. Working from home has been great, but as a sales rep myself, you have no idea how incredibly isolating it is and while it's been literal years since we got a pay increase, the CEO made billions more this year. I used to be a very social, positive, and enthusiastic person. 6 years later, I don't know who I've become because I've been formed now to see things as the glass is half empty and I blame the corporate culture for this.
I was happy in my career until March 6 when my great boss left the company and I now had a new boss. By March 17 I was a problem. By June I was absolutely done. I retired at the end of June. That was a great decision.
I was lucky to have 26 years with a great manager, unfortunately, he was forced out, and the person they brought in was completely different arrogant didn’t listen. Talked over you went behind your back to other employees.. that was it for me luckily I’m 60 years old saved in my 401(k) and put in my two weeks notice. Can’t tell you how good that felt that stress in that building. Im much happier.
Same here. Just returned exactly 1 month ago. In my mid-40s now. Started a RUclips channel to document down my life journey so my kids can remember my voice and my message. I wish you the best. Keep it up!!! 👍 🎉 great message!
I really appreciate you posting this video! I'm 31, and I just got to my "dream job." I work for one of the top companies in my industry - and had to beat over 300 applicants to get my job. I worked pretty much 24/7 to achieve that goal. But once I got there, management kept workers in a constant state of stress and anxiety. But I felt like I couldn't leave because anyone could grab my spot. I feel like my personality has changed so much since I started this job. I've become anxious, hostile, and cynical - because I'm kept in a constant state of competition with my colleagues. Your Amazon story really hits home. Thank you for sharing.
I just left a job where my co-workers lasted about a year and a half. I made it to 2 years before burning out. They worked a lot like amazon - you need to produce the maximum and at some point, we either want to promote you but the vast majority can't handle that pace of producing forever, so they essentially fire (fabricate performance issues) you if you start working at a normal pace. While they increase the work load, the norm is to work harder and if you maintain the previous pace, you're fired. Well, I made them pay me to leave.
I literally cried. The same thing happened to me three months ago. I got a call from my father; he mentioned mom is very sick. I packed the bag and went to see her. Spend 1 month she passed away with cancer ♋️ 😢😢😢😢😢😢
I knew a US Air Force Colonel who served most of his career during the "War on Terror" from within Air Force Special Operations. He had tremendous experience conducting constant deployments and a very high operational tempo. He was hired by Amazon as a manager (I do not remember in what capacity) as he retired from active duty. He lasted approximately one year there. When I asked him why he left so soon and he told me that he was seeing his family less than when he was active duty. Crazy!
YT just recommended this video to me. I live in Seattle, but have no experience working at Amazon. Family members work at Google and I have many years as a vendor at Microsoft, but no Amazon, and I am grateful for that. Amazon sounds like a horrible fit for me. I plan to retire in 6 months, at 63, because I don’t need the paycheck and I am bored to death. Thanks for creating your channel and I look forward to watching your videos going forward.
Thank you for this fabulous video Brian. I have been wanting to quit my great government job recently and this helped me rethink my life a bit. Much love to you. ❤
Thank you for doing this video and for honesty. You cannot get the time back with family and money is not everything. Your right you must be present to win.
This was excellent. These are the thoughts and words I speak each day. I have taken steps to get my wife and I to retire by end of 2025. I now have 3/4 of my salary created via dividends. Compounding will bring me the rest of the way. Thank you. Subbed.
I Hit 110k today. Thank you for all the knowledge and nuggets you had thrown my way over the last months. Started last month 2024. Financial education is indeed required for more than 70% of the society in the country as very few are literate on the subject. thanks to Brooke Miller for helping me achieve this
She is my family's personal broker and also a personal broker in many families I'm United States, she's a licensed broker and a FINRA AGENT in United states
I just withdrew my profits a week ago, To be honest it was an amazing feeling when the profits hits my wallet I wish I could reinvest but, too much bills
45 years old and im tired. I dont work long hours or anything like that. It's an ok company. I just feel like im wasting and losing time. I've never been interested in climbing the corporate ladder, and at times, I feel like something is wrong with me. I want more time. My own time. And I don't want to have to ask for permission to have my own time.
I've followed your channel for more than a year Brian. I knew you worked at Amazon, but I never realized all the reasons behind for you to quit what I considered an "amazing job". Now I understand I I thank you for this video and the honesty behind it. It really made me think about my priorities. Thank you!
About a decade ago, I was invited to interview at Amazon after passing a difficult tech screening. Before I met with anyone, they sent me some documents about Amazon's company culture. In it, there was something about how you should take blame for mistakes you didn't make, for the sake of the team. In that moment I vowed to never, ever work for Amazon. I don't play games, and I'm unwilling to sell my integrity for a paycheck.
Companies are people, not an asset. Its the people of a company that are not loyal to you, not the company itself. A company its just a name representing a business led by a group of people.
Everyone racing for a position they will hate, its just hilarious. I left a 20 year Carrer as an installer for a nationwide securty company they were good at first but just turned terrible. I took a pay cut to get away from them, best decision ever!
Your last statement in which you said that you wanted to leave bits and pieces of pieces of information for your children and videos so that they can remember your voice. That got me Sir.
I was in this rut for many years, I started working for the electric company in New York City repairing their trucks and cars as well ( lots of heavy equipment as well ) and it was a really nice place to go to each morning. As the years passed by the company changed and became a nightmare, particularly after around 9/11. I didn’t want to just quit because I didn’t want to lose my pension, I mulled through and finally retired roughly 3 years ago and it wasn’t easy at all. I am glad I finished now however if there was no pension I’m sure I would’ve left.
I Worked for G.E., Rockwell Automation & Belden Cables: - all 3 were Just-like what you describe at Amazon. Layoff after Layoff & Eventually QUITTING, I'm now in the same situation as you. I certainly Don't miss the Sociopaths, Sycophants or Narcissists, I just wake up Happy every morning to be a 'Free Man'
Imagine working for 35 years in tech, half of that in FAANG companies surrounding by toxicity and kapos (look it up), and still not being able to have the choice to retire. I'm glad you were able to reach this point of realization AND have the option to let it go. Not all of us can. Not sure what the next steps are, but a paycheck is still required. Can't handle much more of the dehumanizing toxicity of big tech. Not surprisingly many are worked to death and tossed aside as you have said.
I work in IT not Big Tech but I managed the whole network infrastructure for a relatively large law firm. They dumped so much on me I wasn't sleeping at night for days on end, had a massive stroke right at my desk at 52. 6' , 175 lbs, perfect health. Job gave me 2 days off paid. Now the right side of my body is all whacked out for life. But, I still need a paycheck. Sucks out here lately.
Brian, your mom will be very proud of you. Thank for your service to our country. Thank you for all the information you provide regarding investing. My Dad and I enjoy your videos and your valuable content. I’m learning so much. Greetings from NYC ok. God bless you and your family. 😂
It's odd how all corporations seem to fall in this trap. Worklife becomes unpleasant, the pressure is ever-increasing, your time is consistently wasted on endless meetings, you never have enough time, you feel like it's an endless sprint.... in short your motivation is undermined by the very entity that benefits from your motivation. It's not even about having a cushy job. It's just about working in a place that is coherent.
My big global company just annonced up to 14.000 Layoffs over here in Germany. My plan becoming privateer with financel freedom at age 55 is archieved and i originally wanted to quit with calm manners and in good standing. Now im forced to become a real pain in the ass for my employer to get a top place on the list for a layoff compensation. Stupid me was such a nice guy and trustworthy worker all those years. With 700k Euros in the bank no dept and a libertarian mindset, this will be my final battle, and i got a strong urge to make it really hillarious on staging them the true meaning of being the fun in dysfunctional. Improvise, adept, overcome ! ;-)
I'm in France and when I knew they were trying to get rid of me, I just started working really slowly. I didn't make any mistakes, I just produced as little as possible. It took a few months but I finally made them pay me to leave. It's kind of hard to show up knowing you're screwing them. But hey, they've already screwed me so it's all good.
Coffee breaks lol they are a life saver luckily I no longer have to do that anymore I follow your path but I have no family to take care of at the moment all the best to all of you who are looking to get out of the rat race.
"My personal brand at Amazon was this impatient person that disrespected anybody that wasted my time..." I feel this. I used to be so much calmer. Now I feel like I'm turning into a jerk.
It's a tough realization. Unfortunately, a lot of people are stuck in that situation, while some of us can escape. I hope you find the right path for you.
That's the company culture corrupting you. In corporate environments I wasn't a jerk, but I basically (often lierally) walked quickly or ran everywhere I went. In fact, my work badge was clipped to my pants and had three clips so it wouldn't fly around or fly off. In hindsight I worked in an environment that was unerasonably rushed, and fell into the culture to remain employed When I left I "snapped out of it" and realized how crappy the culture and job was. If you turn into a jerk, they won. The Devil got your soul. If you ever feel your becoming something you shouldn't be or don't want to be, take a day off (fake a sick day if you have to), and imagine you don't work for the company for that day (which is kinda true) and while sitting in the real world think about the job and company from the outside. Then consider quitting.
Great video by the way...those micro changes got me when I was much younger...I no longer was the fun easy going guy. I became a hard ass like you described. Im older now, and have changed. I can't retire but I am getting closer to that goal....Probably hit it when it is actually time to retire sadly...
It's great you recognized the micro changes and made the shift. A lot of people haven't figured it out. I wish you all the best on your goal to retirement. You got this!
“Today as always, men fall into two groups: slaves and free men. Whoever does not have two-thirds of his day for himself, is a slave, whatever he may be: a statesman, a businessman, an official, or a scholar.”- Friedrich Nietzsche
Wow, can I relate to everything you said. I'm 71 but started out working for Jack Welch. Pretty much an Amazon experience. Worked for companies that got bought out by private equity. Exceedingly depressing. Then worked at private equity. Thank God I was really good at investing in the market, made my money and bailed out early. I've never looked back and feel sorry for young people just starting out.
Well said! I felt some of the Jack Welch pain when one of his protege's (Larry Jonston) took over at my first company. It's only going to get more transactional and competitive for each generation.
@@BusinessWithBrian I had to reply. One day, I was interviewing for Director position at a well-known oilfield supply company. Things were going well as I interviewed with various people. Corporate Controller comes in and sits down. I said to him: Are there any GE (this is way after I had worked at GE-nightmare from hell) people in upper management. He looked at me in astonishment and said yes, the CEO was a Welch transplant. I looked at him and said thank you for considering me but couldn't work for them. He asked why and I told him I refused to work anywhere there was a Jack Welch underling in upper management of any Company. He sat me down and said he felt the same way. He though he was going to be the next VP-Finance but this Welch underling had brought his own person, a lady at GE who had been in charge of inventory. She couldn't even read a financial statement. He threw out a lot of money assuring me I would never have to deal with them and was happy to have an anti-Welch comrade. I quit 6 months later out of boredom. The VP called me and asked why I was quitting. I told her she would be better off hiring a monkey who could do repetitive work. Good money, corner office with a coffee bar but it sucked. Glad I'm out of the system.
Such a great video. I can totally empathize everything that you said in this video. I, too, had worked for a similar company for almost a decade where the average turnover was 18 months or less. The culture there was also toxic and it was a norm to put in 60-80 hours a week. In many cases, unexpected work would emerge at deep nights or on the weekends. I was joking with a trusted colleague there that our hourly pay was probably similar to fast food workers if you consider all the overtime and weekend/holiday pay. Luckily, I left that company a few years ago. Best decision in my career. Thank you for sharing your story.
My path is really similar to yours, however I served for 11 years and transferred to a civilian position in the organization. I am having an indexed pension plan, so I am planning to do 20 years. Still 5 to go. Good news is I am having no debt and about 1M$ in assets so far, without my pension included. I should be able to retire at around 2M$ total assets.
Hi Brian, what would you have done differently? I ask bc these bad jobs enabled you to retire early as a millionaire. Would you have been ok working lower paid, lower stress jobs even if it meant not being able to retire until your 60s?
Man, i discovered a series of videos like this at the right time. Was just removed from my position last week. I saw it happening. New lead was mad, everyone was coming to me for questions.. when she would send them to me, when theyd ask her...yeah...i cant explain how stupid it was. After a decade in the ringer, im done. Im sick of seeing the nepotism, and sicophants get rewarded for failing. Im barely surviving on unemployment but I have my sanity, and a hobby that I budget for. Ive thought about driving for lyft to help supplement. Have caught rides from drivers doing just that very thing. This year my dad came down with stage 3 lung cancer, and a dovorce id been fighting for 4 years was finally ending. Im so overwhelmed that I just sat in the floor, head in hands, stressed by by demands, along comes my cat to sit in my lap, and suddenly, the world didnt feel so heavy. Its going to get better and this is life giving me what I have been wanting. Freedom from the desk. Just remember if youre struggling, you can get through this, its going to take all your mental, and creative but, You. Will. Make. It! ❤💪🙏
I guess I have been in the opposite situation. I am an engineer that works for the government (defense related). Although, there have been times in my career of the last 23 years that were terrible and stressful, for the most part, I’ve had a really well-balanced life. Although, I regret sometimes that I could’ve done more in the field of engineering (in terms of being creative), I am also happy that I have not had to deal with the corporate life as you described.
I worked in 7 companies in my life. Multiple burnouts. Only one from 7 was good. I live in a country in development. Working conditions are horrible. Overtime for months. When I started to work in USA it was like a holiday for me.
When you left Amazon, you were vested, which gave you $$$$ in the bank, which gave you options. Most workers don’t get options. Quit your job without another job lined up, become homeless!
@@Dogdays984 on a blue collar job one income with a wife and three kids . We always saved and invested 10 percent of our income so we now have options . Of course we live like our grandparents , 1000 square foot house , a paid for Corolla and 5 bicycles as our main means of transportation .
Amazon hiring the best is questionable to say the least with all due respect. Most of the ones coming from there are just a destructive force. They excel at destroying work culture
I left a good salary, it's been 9 months, moved to a cheap country where I don't have to worry about rent/col. More time and energy to workout and learn from life.
Oh.....it hurt to hear the phone part. I was that guy the first couple of years of my daughter's life. Not a shining moment for me, so I can relate. I hope your dad sees the opportunity he's missing. But I know it's not that simple. Thank you for the comment, it means the world to me.
Amazon is a resume builder company. I would only apply to have it on my resume and learn and look forward to my next job after I gained what I got from Amazon. If the relationship is transactional from their end I will treat them back as transactional on what I can get. In the end we both win. But I will not count on them to be there for me if I want a long term prospect
@@BusinessWithBrian Me too! I showed this to my partner last night, he was so impressed with how you conveyed the experience. He saw the wreck I had become during my time in Amazon. (His nickname for me during that time was ‘amazombie’..so apt!)
Hate to tell you this but if you put a frog in tepid water ad slowly heat the water - when the frog gets too hot it actually does jump out. But I understand your point.
In the drowning moment, your boss is also pushing your head down. This is how working corporate at big tech is like. You have to give up your entire outside life for a “free lunch” and some RSU’s.
"Success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure." Anthony Robbins Nobody enjoys a life of constant frustration, limitation, dissatisfaction and quiet resignation.
In the American corporate market there is no loyalty. There never will be… do yourself a favor and quit and either retire like me or start your own company.
I wouldn't have minded working a bit longer as a software engineer but after 30+ years there wasn't much software engineering as part of the job description anymore, anywhere.
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There is NO REASON TO be loyal to a company. They are never loyal to you.
@@Mikesadventures-m2q they are loyal 2 their investors not monkey slaves
They give you a job and pay you every 2 weeks. So you are loyal until they stop paying you.
Then they give you RSU's to try to keep you loyal. I stuck around a toxic place for an extra two years of what was essentially 60-80k of RSUs - right at the end though, their stock TANKED and then it was almost worthless. Then, got laid off LOL. Got my money in the end thru severance and maxxed out banked PTO
@@kneel1 dude thats a really nice payout. What are you doing now? Grinding in another corporate company or your own thing?
@@adammorra3813 yup still grindin but w/ a startup now
Brian, you absolutely hit the nail on the head. Nearing 20 years in corporate America and at nearly 40 years old, I am cooked, man. I’ve been through 8 rounds of layoffs, survived 7, hit by one, multiple mergers and acquisitions, change management, blah blah blah. I am so tired of it. All I want is to be left alone and to just do my job. Enough is enough with this corporate culture nonsense.
Love my paycheck. Hate my actual job.
That describes be 100%.
Well don't quit your job. Keep the money coming in. Unless you want to be broke as finding a job right now is disasterous.
Me too.
The truth has been told here.
I'm 59 and turning 60 soon. I got laid off with a bunch of other people at my firm. I was a little down (for about a day) because I was one of those people who did the right thing over the last 30 years. I'm now retired and love it. my assets being supervised for 8years plus has impacted a lot of exposure in nest egg (in excess of 2.8m), I say that because over those 30 years I was a personal finance junkie and listened to all my mentors (John Bogle, Warren Buffett, David Bach, sometimes Dave Ramsey) haven't spent any of my 401k, Roth IRA, or brokerage cash account. My SS and pension is so far adequate to meet my expenses. I don't want for anything, anyway. My kids will get my swag.
27 years in enterprise software sales and while it pays, it is completely soul sucking and frankly I care less and less about tech as I get older. Tired of drinking the Kool Aid, the idiot bosses, the micro managers, the rah rah rah bs, the unachievable expectations, the constant scrutiny, the stress and anxiety that affects your health and happiness. I am 54 and can't wait for the day I never have to do another QBR, Territory Review, Deal Review, Account planning, etc. There is literally no joy in it at all.
Couldn't agree with you more. I've been told 6 years in B2C software sales multiple times "we'll wait and see how the next quarter goes before making changes (and the next, and the next, and the next...)" and that includes salary. Working from home has been great, but as a sales rep myself, you have no idea how incredibly isolating it is and while it's been literal years since we got a pay increase, the CEO made billions more this year. I used to be a very social, positive, and enthusiastic person. 6 years later, I don't know who I've become because I've been formed now to see things as the glass is half empty and I blame the corporate culture for this.
Preach! Man, the endless processes and surveillance were so tiring.
24yrs in technology here. I understand your pain 100%. I'm still trying to get to that finish line.
I was happy in my career until March 6 when my great boss left the company and I now had a new boss. By March 17 I was a problem. By June I was absolutely done. I retired at the end of June. That was a great decision.
I was lucky to have 26 years with a great manager, unfortunately, he was forced out, and the person they brought in was completely different arrogant didn’t listen. Talked over you went behind your back to other employees.. that was it for me luckily I’m 60 years old saved in my 401(k) and put in my two weeks notice. Can’t tell you how good that felt that stress in that building. Im much happier.
Same here. Just returned exactly 1 month ago. In my mid-40s now. Started a RUclips channel to document down my life journey so my kids can remember my voice and my message. I wish you the best. Keep it up!!! 👍 🎉 great message!
I really appreciate you posting this video! I'm 31, and I just got to my "dream job." I work for one of the top companies in my industry - and had to beat over 300 applicants to get my job. I worked pretty much 24/7 to achieve that goal. But once I got there, management kept workers in a constant state of stress and anxiety. But I felt like I couldn't leave because anyone could grab my spot. I feel like my personality has changed so much since I started this job. I've become anxious, hostile, and cynical - because I'm kept in a constant state of competition with my colleagues. Your Amazon story really hits home. Thank you for sharing.
I just left a job where my co-workers lasted about a year and a half. I made it to 2 years before burning out. They worked a lot like amazon - you need to produce the maximum and at some point, we either want to promote you but the vast majority can't handle that pace of producing forever, so they essentially fire (fabricate performance issues) you if you start working at a normal pace. While they increase the work load, the norm is to work harder and if you maintain the previous pace, you're fired. Well, I made them pay me to leave.
That job sounds more like a nightmare than a dream job.
@@Jpaintingdesigns Lol it certainly ended up being more of a nightmare.
I literally cried. The same thing happened to me three months ago. I got a call from my father; he mentioned mom is very sick. I packed the bag and went to see her. Spend 1 month she passed away with cancer ♋️ 😢😢😢😢😢😢
My deepest condolences to you, and much love. I couldn't imagine losing my mother.
I hope you find comfort! My condolences
I knew a US Air Force Colonel who served most of his career during the "War on Terror" from within Air Force Special Operations. He had tremendous experience conducting constant deployments and a very high operational tempo. He was hired by Amazon as a manager (I do not remember in what capacity) as he retired from active duty. He lasted approximately one year there. When I asked him why he left so soon and he told me that he was seeing his family less than when he was active duty. Crazy!
As rah rah as we are about patriotism in this country on the surface, the corporate world doesn’t give a damn.
Paid off everything possible and retired very early.
YT just recommended this video to me. I live in Seattle, but have no experience working at Amazon. Family members work at Google and I have many years as a vendor at Microsoft, but no Amazon, and I am grateful for that. Amazon sounds like a horrible fit for me. I plan to retire in 6 months, at 63, because I don’t need the paycheck and I am bored to death. Thanks for creating your channel and I look forward to watching your videos going forward.
Your words show your immense love for your mother and kids. I highly respect these feelings.
Thank you for this fabulous video Brian. I have been wanting to quit my great government job recently and this helped me rethink my life a bit. Much love to you. ❤
Thank you so much for your kind words and extra thanks. I genuinely hope you find the path that's best for you.
Thank you for doing this video and for honesty. You cannot get the time back with family and money is not everything. Your right you must be present to win.
Absolutely!!
Your Amazon experience mirrors my experience at JP Morgan Chase exactly. Brutal. I made it just over two years and that was like 15 anywhere else.
This was excellent. These are the thoughts and words I speak each day. I have taken steps to get my wife and I to retire by end of 2025. I now have 3/4 of my salary created via dividends. Compounding will bring me the rest of the way. Thank you. Subbed.
That is awesome to hear. You're doing great, and sounds like you have a solid plan in place. Thanks for the comment.
@@BusinessWithBrian keep it going man
I Hit 110k today. Thank you for all the knowledge and nuggets you had thrown my way over the last months. Started last month 2024. Financial education is indeed required for more than 70% of the society in the country as very few are literate on the subject. thanks to Brooke Miller for helping me achieve this
I'm surprised that you just mentioned and recommended Brooke Miller, I met her at a conference in 2018 and we have been working together ever since.
The very first time we tried, we invested $1000 and after a week, we received $5500. That really helped us a lot to pay up our bills.
She is my family's personal broker and also a personal broker in many families I'm United States, she's a licensed broker and a FINRA AGENT in United states
I'm new at this, please how can I reach her?
I just withdrew my profits a week ago, To be honest it was an amazing feeling when the profits hits my wallet I wish I could reinvest but, too much bills
45 years old and im tired. I dont work long hours or anything like that. It's an ok company. I just feel like im wasting and losing time.
I've never been interested in climbing the corporate ladder, and at times, I feel like something is wrong with me.
I want more time. My own time. And I don't want to have to ask for permission to have my own time.
You are a good person and honest in all your videos . I am glad I found your channel .
I appreciate that!
I'm close to quitting corporate life. What keeps me is I have a great team. I try to be a good manager to them in return.
I've followed your channel for more than a year Brian. I knew you worked at Amazon, but I never realized all the reasons behind for you to quit what I considered an "amazing job". Now I understand I I thank you for this video and the honesty behind it. It really made me think about my priorities. Thank you!
That makes me happy to hear. I just want to get through to a handful of people to remind us of what's important. Thanks for the note.
I helped new graduates get a job at Amazon. I hope the culture at Amazon has changed as they now advertised work life balance. I maybe wrong
@kevinchen9799 I hope you are not wrong. It all depends on the group and the leadership.
About a decade ago, I was invited to interview at Amazon after passing a difficult tech screening. Before I met with anyone, they sent me some documents about Amazon's company culture. In it, there was something about how you should take blame for mistakes you didn't make, for the sake of the team. In that moment I vowed to never, ever work for Amazon. I don't play games, and I'm unwilling to sell my integrity for a paycheck.
Good on you for listening to your gut.
My manager literally asked me during dinner one time why I am still working. You must have enough stocks now. What a morale boost.
That's funny.......and not surprising.
"You need to be present to win." Exactly.
Companies are people, not an asset. Its the people of a company that are not loyal to you, not the company itself. A company its just a name representing a business led by a group of people.
Companies have forgotten that and label people as asset. Hence the HR department is now called “Human Capital Management”, HCM.
I hated my job for 35 years and now I’m retired I’m looking back as those were the good old days
I'm happy for you. Having retired young, I learned from all work experiences. For me, today is consistently better than yesterday.
I'm at the younger end of GenX and growing up my father's company would throw a Christmas party and a summer party at a different location each year.
Our corporate experiences are very similar. In large firms people are a disposable resource.
Sad but true.
This was one of the most amazing video in this topic! Very professional and informative and eye opening! Great job!!!
Very strong video and sound life advices. Bravo, Brian!
Thanks for the words of wisdom.
My pleasure!
Everyone racing for a position they will hate, its just hilarious. I left a 20 year Carrer as an installer for a nationwide securty company they were good at first but just turned terrible. I took a pay cut to get away from them, best decision ever!
You seem like a very levelheaded down-to-earth person. Great video, will be watching your future videos!
Your last statement in which you said that you wanted to leave bits and pieces of pieces of information for your children and videos so that they can remember your voice. That got me Sir.
Just reading your note out loud....gets me a little.
Great video, Brian! I really enjoyed hearing your story. I just signed up for your newsletter!
Awesome! Thank you!
I retired at 62, zero debt, living frugally below means. Planned for it for more than a decade. After 38 years of work, I had enough.
I was in this rut for many years, I started working for the electric company in New York City repairing their trucks and cars as well ( lots of heavy equipment as well ) and it was a really nice place to go to each morning. As the years passed by the company changed and became a nightmare, particularly after around 9/11. I didn’t want to just quit because I didn’t want to lose my pension, I mulled through and finally retired roughly 3 years ago and it wasn’t easy at all. I am glad I finished now however if there was no pension I’m sure I would’ve left.
I Worked for G.E., Rockwell Automation & Belden Cables: - all 3 were Just-like what you describe at Amazon. Layoff after Layoff & Eventually QUITTING, I'm now in the same situation as you. I certainly Don't miss the Sociopaths, Sycophants or Narcissists, I just wake up Happy every morning to be a 'Free Man'
That's awesome to hear! Good for you.
What a great life-career story for lessons to share with all of us. Thank you for reposting it
Glad you enjoyed it!
Cool! When you have job - you have money , when you have not job - you have a freedom! Win win!
Thank you for being good to us and for bringing us along for the journey.
So nice of you. Thank you.
Imagine working for 35 years in tech, half of that in FAANG companies surrounding by toxicity and kapos (look it up), and still not being able to have the choice to retire. I'm glad you were able to reach this point of realization AND have the option to let it go. Not all of us can. Not sure what the next steps are, but a paycheck is still required. Can't handle much more of the dehumanizing toxicity of big tech. Not surprisingly many are worked to death and tossed aside as you have said.
I work in IT not Big Tech but I managed the whole network infrastructure for a relatively large law firm. They dumped so much on me I wasn't sleeping at night for days on end, had a massive stroke right at my desk at 52. 6' , 175 lbs, perfect health. Job gave me 2 days off paid. Now the right side of my body is all whacked out for life. But, I still need a paycheck. Sucks out here lately.
I really appreciate your honest sharing here! Thank you - you're channel is one of my favorites!
Wow, thank you!
Brian, your mom will be very proud of you. Thank for your service to our country.
Thank you for all the information you provide regarding investing. My Dad and I enjoy your videos and your valuable content. I’m learning so much. Greetings from NYC ok. God bless you and your family. 😂
Oh....that is so kind of you to say. Thank you! Your comment made my day. I wish only the best for you. Thanks.
So true! I'm out in 10 months, which will have me working the corporate life for 36.5 years!
@@robb8773 That's a long time! I have been in for 21 and can't imagine much longer. Nice work.
Thank u I truly needed this wake up call
Love to hear your successful investing story. I am telling myself I must work harder to make my own story as well.
Wow, what a horrifying story. So glad you made the choice and escaped. Love your channel!
Thank you so much!
I always hated answering those questions in interviews about "how great the company is to work for" when what I really wanted to say was "run!".
It's odd how all corporations seem to fall in this trap. Worklife becomes unpleasant, the pressure is ever-increasing, your time is consistently wasted on endless meetings, you never have enough time, you feel like it's an endless sprint.... in short your motivation is undermined by the very entity that benefits from your motivation.
It's not even about having a cushy job. It's just about working in a place that is coherent.
2 years to go before retirement. I already had enough five years ago, but I'm sticking it out. Life is too short.
I also suffer from work burnout. I had 4 Offices and a Corporate building to run. Today I'm working for myself. Our business is now in 25 Countries.
Everything you described about Amazon sounds just like working at T-Mobile. Glad I got out.
Working at Amazon sounds precisely what it's like to work in the Visual Effects industry.
Love the video! Well done, very powerful message.
Thanks so much!
My big global company just annonced up to 14.000 Layoffs over here in Germany. My plan becoming privateer with financel freedom at age 55 is archieved and i originally wanted to quit with calm manners and in good standing. Now im forced to become a real pain in the ass for my employer to get a top place on the list for a layoff compensation. Stupid me was such a nice guy and trustworthy worker all those years. With 700k Euros in the bank no dept and a libertarian mindset, this will be my final battle, and i got a strong urge to make it really hillarious on staging them the true meaning of being the fun in dysfunctional. Improvise, adept, overcome ! ;-)
I'm in France and when I knew they were trying to get rid of me, I just started working really slowly. I didn't make any mistakes, I just produced as little as possible. It took a few months but I finally made them pay me to leave. It's kind of hard to show up knowing you're screwing them. But hey, they've already screwed me so it's all good.
Coffee breaks lol they are a life saver luckily I no longer have to do that anymore I follow your path but I have no family to take care of at the moment all the best to all of you who are looking to get out of the rat race.
Really insightful video. I appreciate you making it.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for the reminder, Brian!
My pleasure!
…great video. Thanks. Best option is to start your own business and grow it, manage it.
Totally agree!
"My personal brand at Amazon was this impatient person that disrespected anybody that wasted my time..." I feel this. I used to be so much calmer. Now I feel like I'm turning into a jerk.
It's a tough realization. Unfortunately, a lot of people are stuck in that situation, while some of us can escape. I hope you find the right path for you.
That's the company culture corrupting you. In corporate environments I wasn't a jerk, but I basically (often lierally) walked quickly or ran everywhere I went. In fact, my work badge was clipped to my pants and had three clips so it wouldn't fly around or fly off. In hindsight I worked in an environment that was unerasonably rushed, and fell into the culture to remain employed When I left I "snapped out of it" and realized how crappy the culture and job was. If you turn into a jerk, they won. The Devil got your soul. If you ever feel your becoming something you shouldn't be or don't want to be, take a day off (fake a sick day if you have to), and imagine you don't work for the company for that day (which is kinda true) and while sitting in the real world think about the job and company from the outside. Then consider quitting.
Thank you for your service
Much appreciated
Great video by the way...those micro changes got me when I was much younger...I no longer was the fun easy going guy. I became a hard ass like you described. Im older now, and have changed. I can't retire but I am getting closer to that goal....Probably hit it when it is actually time to retire sadly...
It's great you recognized the micro changes and made the shift. A lot of people haven't figured it out. I wish you all the best on your goal to retirement. You got this!
“Today as always, men fall into two groups: slaves and free men. Whoever does not have two-thirds of his day for himself, is a slave, whatever he may be: a statesman, a businessman, an official, or a scholar.”- Friedrich Nietzsche
Wow, can I relate to everything you said. I'm 71 but started out working for Jack Welch. Pretty much an Amazon experience. Worked for companies that got bought out by private equity. Exceedingly depressing. Then worked at private equity. Thank God I was really good at investing in the market, made my money and bailed out early. I've never looked back and feel sorry for young people just starting out.
Well said! I felt some of the Jack Welch pain when one of his protege's (Larry Jonston) took over at my first company. It's only going to get more transactional and competitive for each generation.
@@BusinessWithBrian I had to reply. One day, I was interviewing for Director position at a well-known oilfield supply company. Things were going well as I interviewed with various people. Corporate Controller comes in and sits down. I said to him: Are there any GE (this is way after I had worked at GE-nightmare from hell) people in upper management. He looked at me in astonishment and said yes, the CEO was a Welch transplant. I looked at him and said thank you for considering me but couldn't work for them. He asked why and I told him I refused to work anywhere there was a Jack Welch underling in upper management of any Company. He sat me down and said he felt the same way. He though he was going to be the next VP-Finance but this Welch underling had brought his own person, a lady at GE who had been in charge of inventory. She couldn't even read a financial statement. He threw out a lot of money assuring me I would never have to deal with them and was happy to have an anti-Welch comrade. I quit 6 months later out of boredom. The VP called me and asked why I was quitting. I told her she would be better off hiring a monkey who could do repetitive work. Good money, corner office with a coffee bar but it sucked. Glad I'm out of the system.
Such a great video. I can totally empathize everything that you said in this video. I, too, had worked for a similar company for almost a decade where the average turnover was 18 months or less. The culture there was also toxic and it was a norm to put in 60-80 hours a week. In many cases, unexpected work would emerge at deep nights or on the weekends. I was joking with a trusted colleague there that our hourly pay was probably similar to fast food workers if you consider all the overtime and weekend/holiday pay. Luckily, I left that company a few years ago. Best decision in my career. Thank you for sharing your story.
My path is really similar to yours, however I served for 11 years and transferred to a civilian position in the organization. I am having an indexed pension plan, so I am planning to do 20 years. Still 5 to go. Good news is I am having no debt and about 1M$ in assets so far, without my pension included. I should be able to retire at around 2M$ total assets.
Amazing video! Agreed with 99.99%!
Hi Brian, what would you have done differently? I ask bc these bad jobs enabled you to retire early as a millionaire. Would you have been ok working lower paid, lower stress jobs even if it meant not being able to retire until your 60s?
Man, i discovered a series of videos like this at the right time. Was just removed from my position last week. I saw it happening. New lead was mad, everyone was coming to me for questions.. when she would send them to me, when theyd ask her...yeah...i cant explain how stupid it was. After a decade in the ringer, im done. Im sick of seeing the nepotism, and sicophants get rewarded for failing. Im barely surviving on unemployment but I have my sanity, and a hobby that I budget for.
Ive thought about driving for lyft to help supplement. Have caught rides from drivers doing just that very thing.
This year my dad came down with stage 3 lung cancer, and a dovorce id been fighting for 4 years was finally ending. Im so overwhelmed that I just sat in the floor, head in hands, stressed by by demands, along comes my cat to sit in my lap, and suddenly, the world didnt feel so heavy.
Its going to get better and this is life giving me what I have been wanting. Freedom from the desk.
Just remember if youre struggling, you can get through this, its going to take all your mental, and creative but, You. Will. Make. It! ❤💪🙏
Friendly feedback: the audio at the beginning is only on the left side. It’s really weird with headphones
@@BrianAnother thought something was wrong with my earpods
Loved your story!
Thank you!!
I guess I have been in the opposite situation. I am an engineer that works for the government (defense related). Although, there have been times in my career of the last 23 years that were terrible and stressful, for the most part, I’ve had a really well-balanced life. Although, I regret sometimes that I could’ve done more in the field of engineering (in terms of being creative), I am also happy that I have not had to deal with the corporate life as you described.
When working for a company, your goal is to move the company forward. In doing so, you will ultimately learn how to move your own company forward
I loved this video! Thank you
American corporate slavery is the most depressing state of life. So fortunate to have escaped it. Horrible people. Mediocrity, licking ass. Disgusting
I worked in 7 companies in my life. Multiple burnouts. Only one from 7 was good. I live in a country in development. Working conditions are horrible. Overtime for months. When I started to work in USA it was like a holiday for me.
When you left Amazon, you were vested, which gave you $$$$ in the bank, which gave you options. Most workers don’t get options. Quit your job without another job lined up, become homeless!
@@Dogdays984 on a blue collar job one income with a wife and three kids . We always saved and invested 10 percent of our income so we now have options . Of course we live like our grandparents , 1000 square foot house , a paid for Corolla and 5 bicycles as our main means of transportation .
I clicked thumbs up even before listening to the first word. ❤
You're too kind. Thank you.
Corporate layoffs will not stop with more tax cuts.
Sadly, i agree. Profits are king in the corporate world. Many started with ideals and a mission, but that faded.
Thank you i needed to hear this
That's good to hear
@@rodolfodelatorre3282 me too
The drowning is what I am dealing with right now in corporate. so true.
Amazon hiring the best is questionable to say the least with all due respect. Most of the ones coming from there are just a destructive force. They excel at destroying work culture
I left a good salary, it's been 9 months, moved to a cheap country where I don't have to worry about rent/col. More time and energy to workout and learn from life.
You've figured it out. Good for you.
This was very helpful to me...thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you!
You bet!
Can’t hear you out my right ear piece. But great info. Thanks
I wish my father was more like you Brian. He works but spends more time with his phone than with his family.
Oh.....it hurt to hear the phone part. I was that guy the first couple of years of my daughter's life. Not a shining moment for me, so I can relate. I hope your dad sees the opportunity he's missing. But I know it's not that simple. Thank you for the comment, it means the world to me.
Amazon is a resume builder company. I would only apply to have it on my resume and learn and look forward to my next job after I gained what I got from Amazon. If the relationship is transactional from their end I will treat them back as transactional on what I can get. In the end we both win. But I will not count on them to be there for me if I want a long term prospect
Really good stuff.
Glad you enjoyed it
The frog analogy is an urban myth, but I still get the point
Your description of what it’s like to work in Amazon was so spot on, and had me rolling on the ground 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Right?!? Not gonna lie, even after watching this 2 years later, it still makes me anxious. So happy I moved on.
@@BusinessWithBrian Me too! I showed this to my partner last night, he was so impressed with how you conveyed the experience. He saw the wreck I had become during my time in Amazon. (His nickname for me during that time was ‘amazombie’..so apt!)
@@carolineb7796 I love the nickname.....I may have to share that with some friends 🙂
@@BusinessWithBrian go forth and share ☺️
Hate to tell you this but if you put a frog in tepid water ad slowly heat the water - when the frog gets too hot it actually does jump out. But I understand your point.
In the drowning moment, your boss is also pushing your head down. This is how working corporate at big tech is like. You have to give up your entire outside life for a “free lunch” and some RSU’s.
"Success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure."
Anthony Robbins
Nobody enjoys a life of constant frustration, limitation, dissatisfaction and quiet resignation.
In the American corporate market there is no loyalty. There never will be… do yourself a favor and quit and either retire like me or start your own company.
I wouldn't have minded working a bit longer as a software engineer but after 30+ years there wasn't much software engineering as part of the job description anymore, anywhere.