Pros
Working remotely has been such a blessing. Like many, I’ve worked traditional 9-5, in person jobs pretty much all my life. I feel like I have more time to do things and peace of mind. I have a real work-lifestyle balance. I see my family more and can pace my work better.
Everyone on the team has been so gracious in allowing me time to feel comfortable and get situated. I haven’t felt that pressure to get up to speed and learn everything right away, people understand. The team support has been great, asking for help is strongly encouraged, and everyone has been so curious about me as a person. This is my first experience working in a setting like this (largest employer ever worked for, having onboarded completely remote, and never having actually met my coworkers in person). At first, the thought was intimidating and I have experienced a lot of imposter syndrome in the past—like do I actually belong here? Why me? I always had a hard time trying to get a foot in the door with companies like this. It’s extremely competitive and always felt out of reach. But once this opportunity presented itself and I got in, I felt extremely humbled, grateful, but at the same time not sure what to expect.
So far, my team has been extremely understanding and accepting, willing to guide and help me in any way I need, yet at the same time, support me and encourage creative ownership. I cannot say enough, how am so blessed to be here. The pay, benefits, and PTO/vacation are great—at least in my field/position. I’ve never had a more robust employer package available. Overall, even though it’s only been a month, I truly see now how Amazon has a reputation for attracting great people, talent, growth, and leadership. I’m definitely going to be here for the long-haul.
Cons
I honestly cannot think of many, the only thing is the social aspect is missing. I haven’t actually met my coworkers and there aren’t many events or group interactions the way I remember them, naturally, given the current climate of things. The days of simply popping over to someone’s desk and asking a question, or going for morning tea at the work cafe, attending an in-person training, are nonexistent. But I know some people don’t mind that much. I can do without it, but I do miss it sometimes.
