A Longtime Amazon Employee Reflects on Their Departure: A Journey from Innovation to Discontent

After more than a decade at Amazon, one longtime employee has decided to call it quits—and not quietly. In a candid social media post, they reflected on their 12-year journey at the tech giant and what ultimately led them to walk away.

The Early Days: Embracing the Day 1 Philosophy

The employee joined Amazon in June 2012, a time when the company was still riding high on its "Day 1" philosophy. This mantra, coined by founder Jeff Bezos, symbolized constant innovation and a startup mindset. Employees were encouraged to think big, take risks, and embrace change. For many, this culture fostered a sense of excitement and possibility.

By 2016, the employee transitioned into a fully remote role, a flexibility that was once a hallmark of Amazon’s forward-thinking culture. This arrangement allowed for a better work-life balance and was seen as a progressive move in the tech industry.

The Shift: Signs of Change

However, in recent years, the landscape began to shift. The employee noted, “I saw the writing on the wall.” As Amazon doubled down on its return-to-office (RTO) mandate, the decision to leave became clearer. This move sparked significant pushback from employees across various departments, signaling a growing discontent with the company’s direction.

For this veteran, the change was not merely logistical; it represented a deeper cultural shift within Amazon. The once-celebrated flexibility was being replaced by a rigid structure that many felt stifled creativity and autonomy.

The Breaking Point: RTO and Performance Culture

The breaking point for the employee was not just the RTO mandate but also the increasing pressure from internal systems like stack ranking and performance improvement plans (PIPs). These systems have been criticized for fostering a culture of fear and competition rather than collaboration. “Watching so many people pushed out due to RTO and the PIP culture completely changed how I view the company,” they shared.

The employee’s poignant closing line, “Amazon is definitely a Day 2 company at this point,” encapsulated their feelings of disillusionment. The vibrant, innovative environment they once thrived in seemed to have transformed into a place where employees felt expendable.

Community Response: A Shared Experience

The Internet quickly reacted to the post, with many users echoing similar sentiments. One user remarked, “Joined almost 5 years ago, I’m making my exit at this point too.” Another added, “Same, today was my last day after 6 years. The fact that they are forcing this RTO stuff without even having enough desks and parking for everyone is dumb.”

These comments reveal a growing trend among Amazon employees who feel disillusioned by the company’s recent policies. Many expressed frustration over the lack of adequate infrastructure to support the return to office, highlighting a disconnect between management decisions and employee needs.

The Strain of Leadership Changes

Another user shared their experience, stating, “I gave Amazon two years as an L6. Left after my sign-on bonus paid out. Amazon isn’t what it used to be under Jeff, that’s for sure.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern about leadership under current CEO Andy Jassy. Many employees feel that the company has strayed from its original values and vision.

One former employee elaborated on the challenges faced in their role, describing a chaotic environment where deadlines were frequently shifted. “If it looks like we will meet a launch date, they pull the date in… leaving the rest of us scrambling to find and mitigate new risks,” they explained. This constant state of flux created an insufferable work environment, leading many to seek opportunities elsewhere.

The Future of Amazon’s Workforce

As more employees share their stories of discontent, it raises questions about the future of Amazon’s workforce. The shift from a culture of innovation to one characterized by fear and competition could have lasting implications for employee morale and retention.

The experiences shared by this longtime employee and their peers highlight a critical juncture for Amazon. As the company navigates its return-to-office policies and internal performance systems, it must also consider the voices of its workforce—those who have dedicated years to building the company’s legacy.

In a rapidly changing tech landscape, the challenge remains: how can Amazon reclaim its innovative spirit while addressing the concerns of its employees?