Good place to work if you are a manager. Not so great as an associate.
Pros
Amazon does have one of the most easy-going work cultures around. The paid leaves are generous, and no dress code means that you can show up wearing practically anything that is socially acceptable. Work life balance is ok.
Cons
I was really excited and hopeful when I joined Amazon. I was awestruck by the fact that I got to work for such a huge name in the corporate world. However, things turned south after a year and a half. DO NOT let the lack of dress code, perks and easy going work culture fool you - there is a dark side of Amazon which is conveniently concealed by all the above. To start with, the salaries as an SPS Associate are quite disappointing, and just about enough to survive as a single person living independently in a metro city. It does not matter if you are the hardest worker on this planet, if you don't play any politics, you will not get anywhere. I have been working here for close to 2 years, and I saw this happening first hand, when a teammate got promoted in a way that almost seemed inorganic to me, and something that I will never approve of. It is unfortunate that politics and favouritism trumps hard work here, most of the time. Sure, there are good people here as well, but they are few and far between. Moreover, my line of work requires working in rotational shifts and weekoffs, changing every quarter. I have been put on night shift for two consecutive cycles, which is not acceptable, as this was not mentioned in the offer letter, and feels like a manipulation of rules. However, the worst part has to be the night shift allowances. I am not going to mention how much my NSA is, but I can tell you this - it is so shockingly low that it almost feels like an insult. It is nowhere near enough to warrant such an unsustainable lifestyle and is far lower than what many competitors offer. In a nutshell, my daily lifestyle is ruined, with numerous physical and mental health issues exacerbated by these shift cycles, and all this for a disappointing salary and NSA which really makes you think - "What am I doing here?! This is a royal waste of my time and energy!". Having said the above, I am currently looking to bail out of Amazon before it is too late, in search of another job that is more rewarding, sustainable and worthwhile. My message for job seekers - Please think through very carefully before joining Amazon, as if you fail to do so, you may regret it in the future like I am right now.
