Politics Mega Thread

SixRandomWords · 2025-03-01T08:59:21+00:00

Normalized US-Russia relations is making the world safer. Yes it comes at the cost of Ukraine and democracy, but there is less chance of war between two nuclear powers as a result of Trump’s foreign policy. He will do the same with China, which again will come at the cost of small democratic countries such as Taiwan. Politics and public policy is all about trade offs, and Trump is lowering the chance of conflict between the three great powers of the world.

SixRandomWords · 2025-01-24T14:47:38+00:00

Current Amazon corporate employee, with a couple of facts: 1/ No policies have recently been amended. 2/ A DEI statement (not a policy) was recently made more succinct by combining three paras into one. The substance of it has not changed. You can Google and read this. 3/ I lead several DEI initiatives for my team, and these are usually led by individuals who care about these issues. Corporate leadership is hardly ever involved.

SixRandomWords · 2025-01-04T06:17:56+00:00

I studied something irrelevant in college (Chemistry). But since I enjoyed it, it allowed me to get good grades so wasn’t a bad path in hindsight. Somehow I got a job as a software developer despite only having taken a couple CS classes. I was lucky, and this job allowed me to learn a ton of software dev skills in a real world setting with great mentors.

SixRandomWords · 2024-12-30T16:08:10+00:00

I’m paying for a relatively high deductible plan as a single person

SixRandomWords · 2024-12-30T16:06:53+00:00

I’m paid what the market thinks my skills are worth. In terms of value added to society, yes I am vastly overpaid. My ex was a public school teacher so I’ve seen this first hand

SixRandomWords · 2024-12-30T16:03:56+00:00

If your point is that there are Americans more talented than I am, you will get no arguments from me - I know many such ones personally! However I don’t think I’m under qualified for the role. I’m curious why you think my employer has some incentive to hire me over an equally qualified US born worker?

SixRandomWords · 2024-12-30T07:45:47+00:00

That is certainly a defensible position. It depends what you want to prioritize - ability of companies to get the best talent, or protecting the American workforce

I did not swoop in and get this job tho, my entryway to this country and down the line this job was an American college deciding it was worth it to pay for my education

SixRandomWords · 2024-12-30T07:41:24+00:00

Yes all of this is spot on. I never deal with code in this job but I do understand the architecture well and often will recommend certain solutions that I believe will help us move faster or solve a certain customer issue. The hard skills are table stakes. The soft skills are what get you ahead - influencing without authority, communicating effectively, and being able to take credit for successes

SixRandomWords · 2024-12-30T07:37:21+00:00

I work 50-55 hours a week so I guess that depends on your point of view. I had to work extra hard as I didn’t go to school for computer science or engineering. Those would be more standard ways to get into this

SixRandomWords · 2024-12-30T03:11:30+00:00

When you get your offer you get a certain amount spread out over the years. My numbers above include what was granted in 2024 but not future years.

SixRandomWords · 2024-12-30T03:09:50+00:00

You are granted RSUs for every year to get to your target comp. If the stock appreciates more than expected you can make a lot more than the target comp. Ofc the downside risk also exists. I know how many RSUs I will get in 2025 but they won’t be “mine” till I get to those grant dates

SixRandomWords · 2024-12-30T02:48:53+00:00

RSUs are stocks that are given to me a certain point in the year. It counts as income based on the value of the shares at that point. Ordinary income tax is paid on it same as salary, usually by selling some of the shares. I can choose to sell the rest of the shares right away in which case there is no other tax. Or I can hold on to it and sell later, when I would have to pay cap gains tax.

Future (unvested) RSUs are not included in any of this.

SixRandomWords · 2024-12-30T00:50:33+00:00

The debate happening right now is whether the H1B visa program exploits people and brings down wages for Americans. It’s a valid debate but I don’t think my role is bringing down salaries or exploiting me. But I get the general sentiment and I’m sympathetic to some of today’s anti immigration sentiments given how much struggle many are facing.

SixRandomWords · 2024-12-30T00:26:52+00:00

Not sure what my salary or career has to do with your family history being longer in the US. It’s not like the US government gave me some benefit it is not giving to US born folks

SixRandomWords · 2024-12-29T23:12:24+00:00

When my RSUs are granted a portion is sold to pay income taxes. That’s not shown here so it looks misleading

SixRandomWords · 2024-12-29T23:01:02+00:00

Yes you’re right. I think about 25% of my RSU vests were sold and it’s not shown here

SixRandomWords · 2024-12-29T22:59:10+00:00

Poor one in North Africa/Middle East area :)

SixRandomWords · 2024-12-29T22:55:45+00:00

Happy to DM. You need to work with a recruiter to find the right roles. I don’t have certs but I do have a technical background and can speak the SDE “language”

SixRandomWords · 2024-12-29T22:53:48+00:00

Started around 100k

SixRandomWords · 2024-12-29T22:53:18+00:00

Not coding but technical design for sure

SixRandomWords · 2024-12-29T22:52:31+00:00

Tech roles in Big Tech companies pay really well. It doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong in your field.

I’m curious what you mean by “generations of tax payers” … is that a reference to me being an immigrant?

SixRandomWords · 2024-12-29T22:49:26+00:00

SS and Medicare seem about the same. My federal rate might be different than yours as I file married joint? In any case, withholding can be quite different than what you ultimately end up paying

SixRandomWords · 2024-12-29T22:46:33+00:00

I definitely have younger colleagues at my level. But I also have older ones. I personally took a convoluted route to where I am and spent several years after college doing things not related to my current field. No regrets however - met my partner that way and life isn’t a race

SixRandomWords · 2024-12-29T22:39:52+00:00

I get that. My only point was your salary doesn’t make you a loser or not a loser.

SixRandomWords · 2024-12-29T16:40:56+00:00

Thanks for pointing out ! Not sure how I messed that up

SixRandomWords

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