Is it true that to get to the next level as an SDE from SDE 1 to 2 at Amazon you have to work weekends and put in more than 9-10 hours of work everyday?

There's a common perception that achieving the promotion from SDE 1 to SDE 2 at Amazon requires a significant investment in time and effort, often involving working weekends and long hours. However, the path to this advancement is more nuanced and encompasses a range of key factors beyond just the number of hours worked.

Key Considerations for Advancing to SDE 2

The transition from SDE 1 to SDE 2 at Amazon typically involves a combination of factors, which can vary based on the individual and their team's priorities. Here are some of the key considerations:

Performance and Impact

Consistently delivering high-quality work and having a significant impact on projects is crucial. This includes:

Owning projects and demonstrating technical skills Contributing to key initiatives and delivering results Solving complex problems and driving innovation

Ownership and Responsibility

Amazon places a strong emphasis on ownership. Demonstrating readiness for a higher level involves:

Taking initiative on projects and driving them to completion Managing timelines and resources effectively Addressing challenges and taking responsibility for outcomes

Mentorship and Team Influence

Being a good mentor and helping to elevate your team members can significantly contribute to your case for promotion. This includes:

Sharing knowledge and providing guidance Mentoring new hires and providing constructive feedback Serving as a role model and fostering a positive team culture

Collaboration and Communication

Being well-known within your organization often involves:

Effective collaboration and communication with peers, stakeholders, and management Building strong relationships and contributing to the overall team's success Actively participating in cross-functional projects and initiatives

Work-Life Balance

While it's true that there might be times when working extra hours or weekends is necessary, it's not a formal requirement for promotion. Work-life balance is valued, and sustainable performance is more important than consistently logging long hours. Amazon encourages employees to prioritize their personal well-being, ensuring that they can maintain a healthy work-life balance while still achieving their career goals.

Technical Proficiency

Strong technical skills and the ability to tackle complex problems are essential for advancing. This includes:

Staying updated with the latest technologies and trends Continuously learning and improving your skill set Contributing to technical discussions and knowledge sharing

Feedback and Reviews

Regular feedback from peers and managers and performance reviews play a crucial role in the promotion process. These should include:

Constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement Recognition of achievements and contributions Identification of areas for growth and development

A Personal Perspective

I remember joining Amazon in June 2015 as an SDE1 and was promoted to SDE2 around February 2017. I was promoted 'officially' in May, as it was the old promotion cycle with a new document. Despite the common belief that extra work hours were necessary, I never really worked that many extra hours. Instead, I focused on:

Becoming better at prioritizing my time Ensuring I was working on the right things throughout the day

I was somewhat good at operations, mentored new SDEs on my team, and owned a fairly important project. Given that our organization was growing, I don't think I was necessarily well-known throughout the organization. I believe my promotion was more of a 'right place, right time' kind of situation.

The journey from SDE 1 to SDE 2 is not solely about working long hours or weekends. It's about consistently delivering impact, taking ownership, mentoring others, and maintaining a strong work-life balance. While extra effort can certainly help, the path to promotion at Amazon involves a combination of factors that go beyond just working long hours.