This is one of the questions I get the most.
Over the past decade, I’ve helped a lot of people get into FAANG companies — and also helped a lot of people get out of them. My own perspective has shifted quite a bit over the last 12–18 months.
Big Tech has gone through multiple rounds of layoffs. AI is forcing companies to get leaner and reduce headcount. And with higher interest rates, the days of “growth at all costs” are over. Profitability is the new mantra.
Traditionally, FAANG stood for Facebook (Meta), Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Google. These were the gold-standard destinations for ambitious tech professionals.
But in 2025, when we say “FAANG and equivalents,” we also need to include the new wave of AI leaders: Nvidia, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity. These companies are shaping the next decade of technology and attracting the same kind of talent gravity that FAANG once did alone.
At the same time, the tradeoffs are changing. Many current FAANG employees I talk to are stressed out, frustrated, and fearful. RTO mandates, PIPs, and repeated layoffs have become the norm.
So is it still worth targeting FAANG and equivalents? Like many things in life, the answer is: it depends. It depends on your situation, your goals, and your stage of career.
Use Case 1: Early-Career Professionals
If you’re just a few years out of college, working at a FAANG-equivalent company can still be one of the most valuable experiences you’ll have.
You’ll gain exposure, structured training, and the credibility of a world-class brand name on your resume. Even if you only stay a few years, you’ll come out with a strong foundation, high earnings, and optionality.
For early-career professionals: yes, it’s still worth it.
Use Case 2: Startup Veterans Seeking Stability
Maybe you’ve been a director, manager, senior engineer, or even C-level at a startup. You sacrificed cash comp for equity — but the company’s growth has stalled, and there’s no clear path to IPO or exit.
That likely means you’ve been underpaid for years. If you need financial stability, FAANG and equivalents are still a good option.
Yes, you may need to take a title deflation (e.g., going from VP at a startup to Sr. Manager at Google or Nvidia). But you’ll reset your pay, collect RSUs, and stabilize your personal finances. After a few years of vesting, you can always jump back into startups or entrepreneurship.
Use Case 3: Stalled Inside FAANG
This is a very common story: you’ve been at a FAANG company for years, but you’re stuck at your current level. Your reviews are fine, your comp is good, but you’re not growing — and you feel you don’t belong.
If this is you, you have three options:
- Move to another FAANG company with a promotion: Switch companies to try for a promotion bump. This is hard to pull off but possible.
- Lifestyle maintenance: Keep hopping between FAANG-equivalent firms for comp stability, knowing progression will be slow.
- Break out to a mid-sized growth company: My top recommendation. Companies in the 1,000–10,000 employee range often pay competitively but are more agile, with less bureaucracy. You’ll have more opportunities to grow.
The bolder move: join a startup, especially in AI. Yes, the cash comp is lower, but you’ll gain accelerated skills, bigger titles, and optionality for the future.
Use Case 4: Late-Career Professionals (50s and Beyond)
If you’re in your 50s and beyond, you’re probably more risk-averse and focused on retirement readiness.
In that case, FAANG and equivalents can actually be a great choice. You may not care about title deflation anymore; what matters is high, stable pay and RSUs. Compared to early-stage equity, RSUs from a FAANG-equivalent company are much less risky.
Use Case 5: Mid-Career Climbers (30–50)
If you’re ambitious and want to move up fast, FAANG and equivalents are not where I’d recommend going. Career progression inside Big Tech is notoriously slow, especially at L6/L7 equivalents.
Instead, target a mid-sized growth company or a late-stage startup (Series C/D+). These companies have product-market fit and revenue traction but still need leaders who can accelerate growth.
This is where you’ll get bigger roles, faster promotions, and real ownership.
So… Is FAANG (and Equivalents) Still Worth It?
The answer depends entirely on your use case.
- Yes if you’re early-career and want world-class training.
- Yes if you need to stabilize finances after years in startups.
- Yes if you’re late-career and focused on maximizing earnings before retirement.
- No if you’re mid-career and hungry for rapid growth and promotions.
Big Tech is no longer a guaranteed golden ticket. Layoffs are real. Promotions are slow. The stress is higher.
The bigger lesson: no matter where you work, declare career independence before the next layoff hits. Build optionality through side hustles, keep sharpening your skills (especially in AI), and never rely on one employer to secure your future.
Ready for Your Next Move?
If you’re a current FAANG employee feeling stuck or ready for a change, I can help you design a smart exit plan — so you land your next great job.
If you’re aiming to break into FAANG (and equivalents), I can help you prep and crush those tough interviews — from system design to behavioral questions — so you walk in with confidence.
Visit my coaching page to set up a 15-minute FREE consultation.