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Why I Turned Down an AWS Job Offer

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Re: Why I Turned Down an AWS Job Offer

#3
> Note that it’s scoped to Amazon—not just AWS.

Well, it’s also scoped to products that the employee worked on or received Confidential Information about. Not just all of Amazon, full stop. IMO, that’s far more reasonable.

Work only on AWS and get no Confidential Info about other aspects of Amazon and it’s scoped to just AWS for you.

Re: Why I Turned Down an AWS Job Offer

#5
I've also turned down countless Amazon interview offers. In fact, I don't get how I'm still on their recruitment lists after asking several times to be removed.

Amazon has arguably the worst culture out of any large tech company, and generally treats its workers like dirt. Given all my friends that worked for them, almost all have quit within 5 years. Given their abysmal warehouse management, it's no surprise they have the second highest employee turnover out of all Fortune 500 companies[1]. This scummy way of enforcing a "never enforced" NDA is just Amazon doing Amazon things. I mean, just think about the stress and money that must go into fighting a multi-billion dollar corporation in court. Keep away.

[1] https://www.ibtimes.com/amazoncom-has-second-highest-employe...

Re: Why I Turned Down an AWS Job Offer

#7
post #4

How does refusing to sign a non-compete clause typically play out? I imagine it goes back and forth, and I'm trying to imagine a tactful way to do it that doesn't burn the relationship.

It depends on the value you can deliver. If you are valuable enough, a negotiation takes place. If you're a cog, the job offer will be rescinded. Never give notice at your current gig until you've seen everything you'll be required to sign at your new gig.

Re: Why I Turned Down an AWS Job Offer

#8
Amazon is not the only company to sue over this, Microsoft successfully sued as well[0].

In fact, several large companies have pushed to keep these non-competes in place in Washington State[1].

I don't think it's fair to focus only on Amazon. The reality is that in Washington State, this benefits many large corporations ( while being harmful to employees ) so it is the company's incentive to try and keep the non-compete as broad and ambiguous as possible.

[0] https://www.infoworld.com/article/2671108/microsoft-sues-goo...

[1] https://www.geekwire.com/2019/tech-leaders-sound-off-washing...

Re: Why I Turned Down an AWS Job Offer

#9
post #4

How does refusing to sign a non-compete clause typically play out? I imagine it goes back and forth, and I'm trying to imagine a tactful way to do it that doesn't burn the relationship.

I've joined a small company who, upon my request, scoped the non-compete very specifically and added a clause stating that work I produce that did not compete belonged to me.

I've joined a big company who said "this is the contract, sign it"

Re: Why I Turned Down an AWS Job Offer

#10
post #5

I've also turned down countless Amazon interview offers. In fact, I don't get how I'm still on their recruitment lists after asking several times to be removed. Amazon has arguably the worst culture out of any large tech company, and generally treats its workers like dirt. Given all my friends that worked for them, almost all have quit within 5 years. Given their abysmal warehouse management, it's no surprise they ha…

How many friends do you have who worked for a company more than 5 years?

Work for Amazon for 2 years, learn a lot, get paid a lot, move on.

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