At the wrong gig, with the wrong bosses. I have the misfortune of being at one of those bad places now. I was at a much better place before, where if I went out of my way and saved a couple million, I'd actually be congratulated; boss would even let have the credit.
Never stay at a job where the culture is toxic. Even if the money is better. Nothing eats at the soul like being held down by feckless, petty careerists and control freaks.
I agree that getting out of a toxic culture is a great idea but you can also just check out, give them what they want and save as much money as you can. Especially if your goal is to eventually start your own company.
Ideally, you should be working for a company that pays well and that actually rewards you for doing things that are good for the business. But it does seem like virtually every company has some kind of dysfunction.
Checking out literally turns me into an alcoholic. I can't live like that. I'm not an entrepreneur, I'm just a guy who cares way too much about wanting to do a good job.
I agree though, there is no perfect place; wherever you go, there you are. Still, if you're unhappy, you're not going to be less happy by changing to a better job.
This. 1000x this. Even if it's a FAANG, do it, there's no shame. I had a good run at one, then the culture went to crap due to one of those long boring stories that still can't communicate how...easy it is for things to be awful, even when they shouldn't be.
When they are, just move on. Life's too short. Whatever blows you up with $2 million in savings would blow you up at $500K
Never stay at a job where the culture is toxic. Even if the money is better. Nothing eats at the soul like being held down by feckless, petty careerists and control freaks.