K#12. 3 reasons why I LOVE working in Big Tech (in pictures)
A compilation of my favorite things from working in the best company of 2024
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Today's edition is a bit different. I often get asked what it's like to work in big tech, so I thought I'd give you an insider's view.
While many of the perks I'll mention are common across top tech companies, I'll use Spotify as an example since it's where I work and it's been named one of the best companies to work for worldwide 🤩.
What is it like to work in big tech?
Big tech companies are often great places to work for many reasons. Here are a few key aspects I've experienced:
#1. Employees are treated as humans, not just workers
Many big tech firms understand that employees are humans first, workers second. This is a concept some companies in other industries seem to forget.
At Spotify, and in many top tech companies:
Health comes first: Whether you're sick, dealing with personal issues, or just need a mental health day, taking care of yourself is encouraged.
Flexible time off: Many tech companies offer generous and flexible PTO policies. At Spotify, we can take our paid time off whenever we want, and even national holidays are flexible. I’ve worked on Easter and saved up those days for later use 🐰!
My current planned vacation days for the summer are kind of scattered, but I’m grateful for that flexibility Wellness initiatives: For the past three years, Spotify has implemented a company-wide Wellness Week. It’s a free extra week of PTO where everyone takes off at the same time to recharge. The best part? When we return, there's no backlog of emails or projects waiting to ambush us, because everyone was away. It's like a collective reset button for the entire company.
#2. Caring & fun work culture
Tech companies often foster cultures that value curiosity, authenticity, and individual differences.
At Spotify, people are just... nice. Like, genuinely kind and caring. They're always ready to lend a hand or an ear.
In my experience at Spotify:
Curiosity is celebrated: I used to get bullied at school for asking too many questions. But at Spotify, it's the trait I get praised for the most. At first, I thought they were messing with me, but people here genuinely appreciate a curious mind.
Personal circumstances are understood: Many tech companies are flexible with work hours and personal needs. They understand everyone is different and has different ways of functioning. When I started, I told my manager about my health issues and how I'm more of a night owl. Instead of giving me the side-eye, she actually worked with it. We dodged early morning meetings, and she created this safe space where I could be open about my personal challenges, health included.
Fun is part of the job: It's not all serious business. These people know how to have fun. Everyone is encouraged to be themselves - no fake corporate personalities here. The passion for what we do just spills into everything.
We're in the music business after all, so music is a huge part of our culture. Every year, Spotify throws a big summer party called SpotiFest in all its locations, with live performances by artists in amazing venues.
Our SpotiFest just happened last week actually. (Psst... I also filmed my first-ever VLOG there. Make sure you're subscribed to my YouTube channel so you don't miss it!)
It hit me again how lucky I am to work somewhere that's actually fun. I know not everyone has this, but you don't need to work for a cool tech company to have great coworkers.
Remember, while the specifics might vary, many tech companies strive to create engaging and supportive work environments.
#3. Work-life balance FIRST
Let's be real - we're not farmers or plumbers. What I mean is, for most of us in tech jobs, being in an office isn't necessary anymore.
Big tech companies get this, especially Spotify:
Work from anywhere: Our "work from anywhere at any time" policy is, hands down, one of the best things about working here. I'm writing this newsletter from Morocco, sitting next to my dad in his office. I'm soaking up the sun with an ocean view right in front of me. I'm in a completely different country, but it doesn't affect my work one bit.
Trust in employees: This policy shows that Spotify trusts us to do our jobs well, regardless of where we are. It's a level of respect and empowerment that makes a huge difference in how we approach our work and our lives.
For jobs like ours in data, I really think this should be the norm. It's not asking for much - just the freedom to choose where we park our laptops.
So there you have it - a little peek into why I think big tech can be an awesome place to work in, but if you’re truly curious, I’ll be documenting more of what it’s like on my YouTube channel!
But remember, it's not about the company name; it's about finding a place that values you as a human, fosters a great culture, and gives you the freedom to live your life.
Sometimes we all need a reminder that we deserve better, especially when things get tough. Whether you're just starting out or thinking about a change, don't settle for less than you deserve, regardless of your current circumstances.
PS: I’m not sponsored xD, I just want to inspire you to keep pushing for your career goals!
Also, if you haven’t done it yet:
Please leave a ❤️ or a comment to let me know that you read me, it would mean the world. Until then, see you next week for more data stories 🫶
Last line hit hard to me. "Don't settle for less than you deserve" Thanks for putting all this efforts to educate, give sneek peek of ur daily life. Happy that u recovered from ur ill health. Cheers!