Ex-Google and Meta Engineer Finds Higher Stress, Greater Reward at Meta

Ritendra Datta, a software engineer based in the San Francisco Bay Area, has firsthand experience working at both Google and Meta. His career spanned a decade at Google (2010-2019) and just over four years at Meta (2019-2023). Datta offers valuable insights into the distinct cultures, work environments, and career trajectories at these two tech giants. Datta describes his early years at Google as some of the best in his career. The company was well-funded and driven by a mission, not profit, fostering a collaborative and relaxed environment. At the Google Pittsburgh office, he enjoyed amenities like foosball tables and a music room, where he could unwind with colleagues. This period was characterized by a rare blend of resources and inspiration, making it a highly motivating place to work. However, the atmosphere changed when Datta transferred to the Google Mountain View office in 2014. Although the new location provided better facilities, including lap pools and volleyball courts, the culture shifted towards intense competition and a focus on outpacing rivals. He started feeling complacent and noticed a lack of growth and learning opportunities, leading him to accept a higher-paying offer from Meta in 2019. At Meta, Datta experienced a significant cultural shift. The company’s motto, "move fast and break things," was evident from day one. Tasks and projects were frequently pivoted, and while this resulted in frequent failures, it also spurred rapid innovation. Datta appreciated the good stress that came with the urgency to build compelling products, but he struggled with the bad stress of unclear strategic directions and tight timelines. Both companies brought unique forms of burnout. At Google, the pressure to advance his career and maintain steady progress led to frustration and stagnation. At Meta, the ethical challenges associated with the company’s handling of hate speech and misinformation in 2021 made him question the impact of his work on society. Despite these moral dilemmas, Datta adapted well and found Meta to be a better fit overall, citing greater influence, impact, and financial compensation. Promotions at the two companies were handled differently. Google’s process was initially perceived as fair and merit-based. It involved creating a detailed promotion packet and being reviewed by an independent panel of senior leaders. In contrast, Meta’s promotions were driven by visibility and internal marketing. Employees used an internal social network to post about their achievements, which often intensified competition and made it essential to publicize one’s work. Datta notes that Meta had a stronger feedback system, where everyone could give and receive input on their performance. Jerky behavior was swiftly addressed, and the engineering hierarchy was less transparent, promoting a more egalitarian workspace. Google, on the other hand, placed a higher emphasis on technical expertise and openly acknowledged the status of its engineers, sometimes leading to overrides of decisions based on seniority. Despite finding Meta a better environment in terms of influence and financial gains, Datta ultimately left the company in 2023 to join a startup. He feels this new role aligns better with his career aspirations and personal values. Reflecting on his journey, Datta believes both Google and Meta can be excellent places to work, depending on individual preferences and goals. Industry insiders appreciate Datta’s candid comparison of the two tech behemoths. His observations highlight the evolving nature of corporate culture in the tech sector, where mission-driven environments can shift towards more competitive and financially focused models. Meta’s emphasis on rapid iteration and innovation, coupled with a robust feedback system, may appeal to engineers seeking dynamic and impactful roles. However, Google’s slower, methodical approach and strong focus on technical excellence remain appealing for those who value stability and deep collaboration. Ritendra Datta’s experiences underscore the importance of personal growth, ethical considerations, and company culture in determining job satisfaction. For software engineers looking to make a move, understanding these factors can help them navigate the complex landscape of Big Tech.