Hello Devs!
I have recently stumbled upon a dilemma which I would appreciate your input.
Since I was a kid I had in mind a job which I would have liked to dedicate my life to. However the chances of getting that job were 15 out of 1000 people, so I gave up that dream because of the minimal odds of acceptance and followed my second passion which was technology. Now I have dedicated my entire studies and life to tech and managed to get a job in a FAANG company starting in September. It’s worth noting that I am very passionate and love tech, coding and the community.
However, one day I decided to interview for my dream job as well. This interview process is very lengthy and is done once every 2 years. Without believing it I got an offer again starting in September.
So I am asking what would you do. Would you take a job at FAANG which you know dedicated and studied for a long time or would you reject the FAANG offer and accept your dream job?
Any feedback is appreciated! 😀
Top comments (18)
I think if it's your dream job vs anything else, your dream job should win out, unless your dream job has some known pitfalls.
If the pitfalls are too significant, then maybe it's not your "dream job" in some capacity.
There's also your overall priorities to consider. Your dream job probably doesn't define you as a person, nor should it be your single and only priority for the rest of your life. Consider your overall life goals relative to your dream job, and you might find things don't fully align.
Assuming something like your dream job doesn't pay as well as a FAANG job, then maybe this extra money could help you accomplish other important goals, like financial stability? Or maybe your dream job has some significant risks in regards to job security, or something?
There's more to consider than just "dream job vs FAANG job", and odds are what job you have doesn't define you, so understanding what other life-goals you have in relation to what job you want/need should be considered to make the best choice.
Worse comes to worse, you can always change your mind later after a few years.
Good luck!
Yes you are right! Salary wise both jobs pay approximately the same so with both financial stability is achieved. However, with a job at FAANG I have to relocate as well which I am not that keen about it. So when thinking about the life goals that I have set relocating would set these goals back and also maybe not achieving them.
So I think yes I should prioritize my goals first rather than the job. Thank you for your input it's been really helpful :)
I feel a little background is worthwhile.
When I was growing up, I wanted to be a pilot, and more specifically, a front line airforce pilot in fast jets. I - like many others in multiple countries - were told at the time, that eyesight had to be perfect. Sadly, I have always been long-sighted in one eye, and short in the other - to the extent that they balance out and I've never needed glasses.
So my dream was dead. I spent a chunk of time working through different jobs, and now have a well paid job in tech, multiple decades later.
Just last weekend someone that's known me a long time turned to me with "I really hope that some day, you can fly a plane." My response was "I'm in no rush."
I'm paid well enough that I could afford flight training, and working my way towards something with a jet engine (though obviously it wouldn't be a military aircraft). Maybe that would live up to the childhood dream, maybe it wouldn't. I'm too old now to join the airforce and qualify for front line anyway.
Sometimes, dreams are worth chasing, and sometimes, they end up being a disappointment. I've gone through the "nothing ventured nothing gained" perspective, and to some degree, I still feel that way. I've "ventured" things and had a great time, and I've also "ventured" things and been disappointed.
To me, your question is simple to answer: If you follow your dreams, are your bills still paid? Are the people that you care about still looked after to the same degree as now? If yes... there's nothing but nerves holding you back. If following your dream doesn't work out, you can always come back to a job in tech.
Thank you for your reply, it's really helpful. My dream job is in aviation as well and more specifically an Air Traffic Controller. I have passed my medical exams but now there is a 2 year training course.
Regardless of this the bills are still getting paid and I can look after my people. Also with FAANG I have to relocate as well which I am not that excited about it.
So I think you are right, it's just nerves holding me back and after giving it a lot of thought, I'll accept the job of the Air Traffic Controller. Thanks for the feedback :)
Good luck with it - ATC comes with an awful lot of stress, but some very worthwhile interactions too!
Thanks!
Yes exactly. Very stressful but I find it very interesting and enjoyable with various unique interactions!
If your dream job is not in FAANG, then you should absolutely go with your dream job. It means it should be something big. But also consider your family if they or their life is not getting affected by your dream job, which should not at least in 90% cases.
Yes you are right. The lives of family, friends and relatives are not affected and I can still look after them. Thank you for the input and I think I'll accept my dream job :)
If you'd be getting enough pay and doing things you dreamt about, why bothering yourself with FAANG job? FAANG is there for long and you'll be able to switch later.
(saying someone who works at FAANG)
That's true, thank you for your feedback. After a lot of thinking I'm leaning towards my dream job and not FAANG
Hello, I also thought about whether to choose a dream job or a tech job. But in the end I found a job that combines both. I am talking about a company studyhippo.com/flashcards-by-topics/ , I work here as a content manager. We make quality educational stuff. As a child, I dreamed of becoming a teacher
That's amazing. I am trying to find a way as well to combine my dream job with tech :)
Dream job all the way. FAANG can wait, dont worry. You have required knowledge if you change your mind one day.
Thank you so much for your input. That's what I am thinking as well. And also trying to combine my dream job with tech.
I mean, "FAANG" jobs have mixed reviews in terms of overall happiness. That whole dream job thing seems pretty nice.
Thank you so much for your feedback Ben. Appreciate it :)
Are there any hypothesis about you dream job that might turn out wrong and you being biased?
The only thing that holds me back is that there is a 2 year training course which I have to undertake and pass and I'm not that familiar with the course. It's a carrier in aviation and more specifically becoming an Air Traffic Controller so I have to pass certain exams.