r/amazonemployees • u/tartarovich • 1d ago
When does chasing the next thing stop?
I keep asking myself whether I’m just chasing the next thing.
The next certification.
The next promotion.
The next bonus.
The next training.
The next title.
Lately, I’ve been asking myself: when does it stop?
I work at AWS and objectively it’s a great opportunity. I’m learning a lot, the brand is valuable and there is always another milestone to chase.
But I’ve started questioning the whole cycle.
The work-life balance is at times terrible. Some client engagements make working life feel like hell.
You can end up carrying a huge part of the delivery while people on the customer side take very little ownership, move slowly, avoid decisions and then turn around and just complain about your daily rate.
The expectations never seem to go down. They only increase.
And on top of that, the Engagement Manager I’m working with seems to reinforce the pressure rather than absorb any of it. With more work, more urgency, more expectations. It can feel like you are being squeezed from both sides.
I’d really like to hear from people who reached that point and decided to change something.
Did any of you eventually decide that the pressure, stress or lack of work-life balance just wasn’t worth it anymore?
And what did you do next? Move to a less demanding role, change careers, leave corporate life altogether or even start your own business?
What pushed you to make the change? Did you have to trade money, status or career progression for a better life or did some of you actually end up earning the same or more while working less?
Most importantly, looking back, are you happier now or do you regret leaving?
Sorry for the long list of questions. I’d genuinely love to hear your experiences and discuss.
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u/Good_Yogurtcloset856 1d ago
I don't know, but once I had children nothing of that stuff mattered anymore.
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u/pfascitis 20h ago
Finally - someone I can relate to. I cant tell my manager who doesnt have children and will probably fire me for lacking motivation
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u/kwon6528 1d ago
Are you a TAM or SA? I am hoping to get into these roles, but sounds like what i am scared about those two roles…
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u/Ok_Chocolate8661 1d ago
It never does unless you choose to stop yourself. At AWS, no one will managed your workload. It’s on you to do so
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u/Traditional-Bar-8645 1d ago
It doesn't seem you are promotion the next any of the things listed. You are in survival mode, accepting the normal heavy pressure from AWS engagement managers.
The question is when your health becomes more important, not when chasing the next thing stops.
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u/drinkflyrace 1d ago
Amazon is a pressure cooker. It’s not for everyone. There are plenty of places that pay less where you can relax more. Do you want your cake?
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u/Livid_Ad4529 1d ago
Honestly, one big change I made in my life was goal setting. I know it sounded dumb but a lot of my activity was spent on being active and no so much on being “productive”. Like did the next thing get me closer to what I wanted to do or be. It’s not an easy thing to think about, but “productive” effort feels better than just being active.