1. For comp over $300K going Big Tech is really the easiest way to do it, though it’s hardly easy to get there. You can get $300K at smaller companies but you have to be very, very good, well networked, and working in an in-demand field.

2. Yes, people are actually get jobs. Hiring managers are actually reading resumes. You need to cut the cord on the Reddits and even HN complaint echo chambers where everyone acts like all job listings are fake and AI will gatekeep you at every corner. Write resumes, review them, apply to jobs, iterate. The worst thing you can do is have unrealistic expectations that you’re going to get the first one or two jobs you apply for and then become disgruntled when that doesn’t happen. Stay away from the cynical echo chambers!

3. Go out and do things. Invite old friends out for lunch. Be active in the world. Reduce time spent at home. Be friendly but not desperate for friends. Accept every invitation that comes your way. Go to events. Social life will come.

The difference with FAANG is that they have stock upside plus $300K+ cash.

$230K and no stock upside? You need to leave right now.

It does not matter how much money you are making, what people in jobs never understand is that you will NOT get that time back again.

> 2. It seems like a crazy time to look for a new job. Everyone seems to be using AI to apply, having their resume vetted by AI and most of the roles being ghost roles. Is anyone actually getting a job? I use AI daily so I see the benefit a tool but it seems like the landscape is bleak

Don't. use. AI. on. your. resume.

It will be tossed onto the pile like all the rest of them and it is not a way to stand out which is the goal of getting hired.

> 3. I'm a male and I feel like I dedicated so much of my life to work that I don't have a lot of friends outside of work, which has really made things feel like I missed out on a lot of the world.

Then your first task is to do some networking and build projects that make money.