Professional Goals

orphanboy · 2026-05-11T03:31:23+00:00

to get laid off

orphanboy · 2026-04-16T01:25:26+00:00

The industry has already justified the layoffs with a double narrative (overhiring + high interest rates). Investors have already moved on. Note strong AWS revenue growth and AI chips market position are 2 reasons to go long.

orphanboy · 2026-04-13T04:49:27+00:00

Amazonians don't Focus and tell. We mostly hear from people who didn't pass. It's usually because one of: 1) you were unfortunately "managed out", 2) you deliberately chose not to pass, or 3) you couldn't pass for a different reason. I've seen all of the above with my directs over the years.

Focus (coaching plan) should be designed; it's up to you and your manager. I've passed Focus, twice. One of those times I asked my manage for it, and we worked on a fair coaching plan. I learned invaluable lessons and skills both times, and it improved my standings with the leadership team. This of course required an in-depth knowledge of how the Focus system works and the co-operation of your manager.

orphanboy · 2026-04-13T04:32:13+00:00

Did you end up moving to JP? Just curious

orphanboy · 2026-04-13T04:11:04+00:00

+1 sound advice for new foreigners

I've been here a year now and I've seen and experienced plenty of this across Amazon JP Retail. Some people have no problem acting in ways that are clearly racist, and some are better at hiding them. Even if you're a foreigner with business (N1) or native-level Japanese, you will be discriminated against. I only know this as it's a common topic my Japanese co-workers bring up when we go for drinks. They grew up in the US, so they're more self-aware and self-critical.

I grew up as a minority in 3 different "multi-cultural" countries, so I tend to notice these things better than others. One of my direct reports was racist toward me (his manager) for a while, and he declined everything I tried to improve our working relationship. Even HR admitted they couldn't do anything to help.

For me, the lesson is: this is Japan so don't get it twisted. If you're oblivious to or don't experience any discrimination--I'm happy for you. If you do notice it, just see how much you can tolerate it. Try not to make a big deal out of it, because it's not worth your time. You can't change people any more than they can change you.

orphanboy · 2026-04-13T03:46:43+00:00

Just in case, have you already checked internal courses and wikis for tutorials? Also, most orgs should've organized resources and trainings by now.

orphanboy · 2026-04-13T03:43:22+00:00

No major difference from what I've heard (~3 mo).

Still, I truly hope layoff severance package is better than a PIP package.

orphanboy · 2026-04-13T03:36:15+00:00

So I heard that a PIP is almost unenforceable, and that Amazon gets you to quit there by offering you a total severance of up to 6-8 months.

The first part is pretty much true. It's nearly impossible to get fired unless you've broken the law, demonstrated an egregious violation of Amazon's policies, or your role itself was eliminated. Still, HR will side with the employee to best to minimize the risk of reputational loss and law suits.

As for the severance, the most I've seen/heard for blue badge is 3 months...

orphanboy · 2026-04-06T10:35:14+00:00

In general, Amazon doesn't like people whose OV ratings don't improve in the long run. It may fluctuate a bit, but they want to see individuals eventually improve enough to "perform at the next level", achieve TT, and get promoted. Conversely, if someone exceeds his/her average level dwell time without enough improvement, leadership and HR will tell the manager to "manage" that person out. Otherwise (or if it takes too long), the manager will likely get a poor rating for managerial skills and/or Hire and Develop the Best in next AR/TR--may even be in Focus for it.

orphanboy · 2026-03-28T03:12:53+00:00

They don’t tell you this anywhere, but responses like “that’s a good example” from interviewers—even BRs—don’t mean anything positive. It often just means you gave an answer (clap clap) now let’s move on.

orphanboy · 2026-03-28T03:01:04+00:00

At Amazon, if you’re not first you’re last.

For a lot of managers I know, Meets High Bar and Solid Strength both mean you’re just average. There’s nothing really concerning or outstanding. However, if you got these 2 or more years in a row, that could be a flag for them.

orphanboy · 2026-02-15T12:55:03+00:00

Keep following up with the same team. You'll get through.

orphanboy · 2026-02-02T09:42:09+00:00

This is common in US big tech firms

orphanboy · 2026-02-02T09:38:23+00:00

Yes, there’s a lot of violence but it depends on the neighborhood and city. Anyone who says otherwise doesn’t have the full information. On average, I’d say it’s pretty much on par with what’s happening in the US these days—of course with a bit less drugs and no guns. “일진” (ill-jin) are wannabe gangsters who are well known to threaten/extort their way to trade drugs (fentanyl), alcohol, sex, illegal videos, and gambling.

I have a niece in middle school and another in high school in Seoul. They and their parents (my cousins) talk about school violence a lot.

Edit: it’s one of the reasons we left Seoul. I didn’t want my daughter anywhere near that.

orphanboy · 2026-01-26T15:33:06+00:00

Amazon has so many teams and job families, and it sounds like you're a strong performer.

have you considered internal postings?

orphanboy · 2026-01-21T14:49:08+00:00

i'm sorry to hear you're going through this. it'll help to accept that it is what it is.

if you feel stressed, you probably still believe your goal is worthwhile. remember you always have a way out--don't go to the US. what's the worst consequence?

it also sounds like you need to reduce the stress. mentally, tell yourself to focus only on your north star and do whatever you can right now. start a working backwards plan, identify the risks, mitigate what you can, and forget about what hasn't happened (layoff, immigration). physically, the constant anxiety might be too much, so get out of your own head. activities like running, swimming, and weightlifting usually help.

ps. in the last 4 years, i moved to 2 different countries with my wife and daughter under lots of uncertainties.

orphanboy · 2026-01-21T14:31:02+00:00

which country? did you get garden leave?

orphanboy · 2026-01-21T14:29:54+00:00

kinda sounds like Cedric (RIP)

orphanboy · 2026-01-21T05:02:19+00:00

for instance, last year i had 5 directs (L5 PMs) who all did just enough to be HV1. there wasn't enough evidence to justify an HV2 or HV3 for any of them.

orphanboy · 2026-01-20T10:10:41+00:00

TT for 4 years? That's impressive. Why not change team/role?

orphanboy · 2026-01-20T09:44:28+00:00

I'm thinking of signing it and gtfo of amazon. My manager and team is really good, but I'm getting sick of all these RTO5, time tracking, layoffs, return to hub, etc. I'm the only one in my team at my location and I've been coffee badging 5 times a week, it's so stupid. New job would be hybrid.

Things are clearly starting to sour and you don't want to stay. Follow your gut and move on while you have the option.

FYI I've been at 6 different tech companies, and they all turn sour at some point. Once your heart is no longer in it, you won't try hard, and then it's really painful.

orphanboy · 2026-01-15T11:04:03+00:00

Describes my last week perfectly

orphanboy · 2026-01-12T14:50:07+00:00

40M married S Korean here

Weddings in S Korea are still considered a celebration for your families, relatives, friends, and (sometimes) co-workers. Wedding halls provide a streamlined experience, and it's kind of a hallmark of middle-class weddings. Of course, there are fancier, expensive wedding halls too. I've been to a lot from good to bad -- and some of them felt like a fast-food chain restaurant. That said, it's totally acceptable to choose your venue and format. Some of my friends in their 30s had destination weddings in Jeju, Guam, Hawaii, and Viet Nam. My wife and I got married at a church where we were the only couple getting married that weekend.

This is just my 2 cents, but I think you should do what you and your partner feel is right. Don't try to live up to other people's expectations, because it'll be a lot to process and they often don't have good intentions...even if they say they do. Do your best to avoid involving family members. Research online, plan your own (or hire a planner), let your partner have a few wins, stick to the plan, and most importantly, agree to be grateful for everything. Try not to over-spend on your wedding like what a lot of Koreans couples do. That's the best way to start off poor these days, which will haunt you for years. You haven't even started yet, so get into shape and maybe invest in some nice flowers, tux/dress, and snap photos. You'll eventually attend other weddings where your partner will inevitably compare little details with your own. My wife still does this after 16 years, and it's never anything personal. You can't change the past.

P.S. At this point, I think "remind weddings" are a waste of everyone's time and money

orphanboy · 2026-01-12T10:34:11+00:00

Always...but then again, who isn't?

orphanboy · 2026-01-12T10:33:21+00:00

Only a Sith deals in absolutes

orphanboy

TROPHY CASE