Pros
Unlike many, I enjoyed my time at Amazon for the most part. I started working in Operations (FC) and then moved into Corporate. I secured a remote contract shortly before the pandemic which, for my neurodivergence, meant I could tackle my working day in the way that best suited me. I could develop and grow the program I managed, and provide support for my internal customers. When Jeff Bezos was still in charge, there was a lot more freedom to get on with your work. You didn't need to go through chains of approvals - you were trusted as an adult to do the job. It meant higher productivity, a more engaged workforce, and better collaborations. + Stock options were always a bonus, and these vested every six months (though for UK staff, you were taxed on them in the US and then taxed again by the UK government).
Cons
-Andy Jassy's influence over the company, in my opinion, has been detrimental to the wellbeing of employees. There's far more red tape, far more senior level approvals for low-level projects, less budget or freedom for that budget (even putting in mileage expenses for a motorway detour led to weeks of justification with the expenses team - it was £5!). -RTO policy has negatively impacted the entire Corp workforce. There aren't enough seats or desks in the main head office locations, so WeWork spaces are being rented out and do not provide the amenities required for so many employees. -It's become a postcode lottery in terms of those who live close to a head office and are able to commute into work - no matter how poorly they perform - are prioritised over those with talent, but in remote locations. The working environment has made many incredibly talented employees leave, which has had a knock-on effect on those who remain. -Senior leaders can be very cliquey. There are certain circles that are essentially a Mean Girls club. -If you're promoted internally, you'll get a lower wage than if someone was hired externally for the same level and role.
