Why I Left a $450k Engineering Role at Netflix: A Personal Journey
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The Illusion of Golden Handcuffs
The term "golden handcuffs" refers to the situation where individuals remain in jobs they wish to leave simply due to financial incentives. I once believed that my role at Netflix would be a lifelong commitment, enjoying top-tier compensation, autonomy, and unlimited paid time off. However, when I decided to leave in May 2021, many were astonished by my choice. My parents, having endured hardships in revolutionary China, felt I was wasting the sacrifices they made to help me succeed in America. Their advice was to be grateful and maintain my position.
The only perspective that gave me pause was from my mentor at Netflix, who cautioned against leaving without securing another opportunity, emphasizing the leverage I held with my high salary.
That thought lingered for just a few days, but I ultimately decided to leave. Now, eight months later, I am completely confident that I made the right choice.
Understanding the True Cost of Golden Handcuffs
The onset of the pandemic in March 2020 stripped away the social aspects of work—connections with colleagues and enjoyable perks—leaving only the job itself. If the work isn’t fulfilling, this reality becomes increasingly apparent. I realized I was not enjoying my role anymore, despite having loved it initially.
My four-year tenure at Netflix as a Senior Software Engineer was a rewarding learning experience at first. The culture was refreshingly transparent compared to the secrecy of my previous job at Amazon. However, as time passed, my engineering tasks began to feel repetitive and uninspired.
I found myself in a cycle of merely copying and pasting previous projects rather than engaging in creative problem-solving. My desire to transition into Product Management grew as I sought a more impactful role. Despite networking and pitching ideas for two years, I faced structural challenges that hindered my progress.
Motivation Declines Amidst a Pandemic
As my search for a Product Management position faltered, I began to feel trapped by my high salary, realizing that I was no longer learning. My team’s focus shifted away from my interests, pushing me toward a path that felt increasingly unaligned with my career aspirations.
Staying in a role that wasn’t a good fit for too long can lead to a significant waste of time—an issue that many overlook. If you remain in a job you wish to leave for an additional two years across multiple roles, that amounts to ten years lost to unfulfilling work.
My lack of motivation affected my performance, leading to disengagement and minimal effort. Eventually, my manager noticed my decline in engagement, culminating in a lengthy performance review that highlighted the need for improvement if I wished to remain on the team.
A Turning Point: Reassessing Priorities
The pandemic served as a critical wake-up call. Witnessing the impact of COVID-19 reinforced the notion that life is fleeting and that delaying dreams could lead to regret. I realized that if I desired change, it had to happen immediately.
I recognized the real price of golden handcuffs: my youth, time, and ultimately, my life. While a salary is a concrete figure, the value of time spent unfulfilled is immeasurable. Fearing that my legacy might reflect a life spent in a job I loathed galvanized my decision to quit.
Final Days at Netflix
I viewed the negative performance review as an opportunity to exit gracefully while securing a severance package. During a one-on-one discussion, I suggested a preemptive severance, explaining how my declining motivation was incompatible with the team's direction.
After discussions with HR, I left Netflix with a severance package in hand. I was finally free from the golden handcuffs.
Life Beyond Netflix
Contrary to my fears, leaving corporate life opened doors I hadn’t anticipated. I connected with other creators and entrepreneurs, and my mental well-being improved as the anxiety of corporate expectations faded. I now embrace the uncertainty of my future, confident that pursuing work that excites me will yield positive outcomes.
Since quitting in May 2021, I’ve taken time to explore life, travel, and focus on my passions. I am committed to working for myself, trusting that my dedication will lead to success.
Playing it safe can often be the riskiest decision of all, as it may prevent one from experiencing potential rewards. As Helen Keller said, "Playing it safe is the riskiest choice of all."
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I’m Michael, a former engineering lead at Netflix turned entrepreneur. I share my journey and insights on web3, career growth, and startups. To stay informed about my future writings, subscribe to my newsletter.
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