Ask HN: Stuck in maintenance work at FAANG, worried about stagnation – advice?

1 pointsflu_bar7mo ago2 comments

I’ve been at a FAANG London for 4 years now, having joined straight out of university. The first 3 years were great for learning: my annual ratings thus far have all been "exceeds expectations".

But since then most of my work has been heavy maintenance on a very company-specific tech stack, and the environment has become increasingly political.

I’m on a visa, which adds an extra layer of complication. I need one more year to get ILR (indefinite leave to remain in the UK)

The work feels boring at best, and I’m worried I’m stagnating technically.

I’ve started prepping leetcode and system design, but balancing that with my job feels overwhelming.

Has anyone else been in this position? How did you handle it?

One option I've considered is just putting my head down do what they ask for a few more years, get some extra RSUs in...but I'm tired.

2 comments

nis0s7mo ago

I would focus on doing the best work you can because you’ll get better references that way. A year will end in the blink of an eye. I suggest taking up side projects outside of work hours for mental stimulation.

JojoFatsani7mo ago

Try and do something on the side, or do a homelab. When you interview at startups you’ll need to demonstrate that you can leave your comfort zone and operate without predefined systems around you.

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