Landing a job in big tech is a dream for many people, but sometimes working in Silicon Valley is not everything it’s cracked up to be. Learning institutions like San Francisco Bay University can train you for the skills you need, but there are certain realities you should know before making a move. Here’s a list of some important things to consider:
Table of Contents
1) The Rise of Big Tech Salaries
It’s no secret that the salaries for software developers have gone up significantly in recent years. Glassdoor reports that a senior software engineer’s average salary is $114,675. Software engineers are also compensated extremely well for working with big tech companies like Facebook, Twitter, Apple, Google, and Amazon.
2) The Competition is Tough
Landing a job at one of the big tech companies is no easy task. With so many people vying for a limited number of positions, the competition can be fierce. As a result, you’ll need to have the perfect skill set and be prepared to work hard if you want to be successful.
3) The Hours are Long
Many Silicon Valley workers put in long hours, often working weekends and evenings. If you’re not prepared to work long hours, then this may not be the right industry for you.
4) The Commute Can be Challenging
The Bay Area is known for its terrible traffic, and the commute from San Francisco to Silicon Valley can often be very frustrating. Make sure you factor in the cost of transportation and time spent commuting when considering a job in the area.
5) The Cost of Living is High
The cost of living in Silicon Valley is notoriously high, and it’s much more expensive to live there than in other parts of the country. If you’re not prepared to pay high rents or mortgages, then you may want to consider looking elsewhere.
6) It’s Not Always Sunny
Although Silicon Valley is located in one of the country’s most beautiful areas, it isn’t always sunny. The weather can be unpredictable, and it’s not uncommon to experience rain or fog during the winter months.
7) The Culture Can be Challenging
The culture in Silicon Valley can be quite competitive and cutthroat. If you’re not prepared to deal with a high-stress environment, then you may want to consider looking elsewhere.
8) It’s Not Just About Technology
Although Silicon Valley is known for its technology companies, there are actually a variety of industries located in the area. If you’re not interested in working in technology, there are plenty of other options available.
9) You Need to Be Able to Code
In order to work in Silicon Valley, you need to be able to code. If you’re not familiar with coding languages like Java or Python, then you’ll need to learn them before making a move.
10) The Job Market is Fluid
The job market in Silicon Valley can be very fluid because of the high demand for talent. If you find a decent job, make sure you keep your skills sharp so that you can move on if necessary.
