A Bengaluru-based Google engineer recently triggered a heated debate about the true nature of work at major technology firms. His reflections, posted on X, challenged the glossy image portrayed in the popular “day in the life” videos that often flood social media. These short clips usually highlight lavish offices, free meals, and flexible schedules, creating the impression of an effortless and glamorous work environment.
Beyond the First Few Months
According to the engineer, what people see online often reflects only the earliest months of an employee’s journey. During this initial phase, work feels exciting, fresh, and relatively stress-free. However, the reality shifts dramatically after the first year. At that stage, employees begin to handle ownership of projects, manage responsibilities, and face the real pressure of delivering results. The focus moves from enjoying perks to proving value through outcomes, which is what they are truly compensated for.
"Most of the day in the life videos you see on the internet by FAANG engineers are from their honeymoon periods (first 6-12 months). The real game begins after a year when you start owning projects and outcomes for your team and realise that you don’t get paid to just enjoy," he wrote.
Mixed Reactions from the Tech Community
His words struck a chord with many others in the industry, who openly agreed with his perspective. Some noted that discussions around FAANG jobs rarely mention the deep technical and engineering challenges involved. Instead, most of the attention goes to perks and lifestyle highlights, which create an incomplete picture.
Criticism of Social Media Portrayals
Others criticized the way such videos are often used as marketing tools. They argued that these polished portrayals can mislead college students into chasing superficial dreams or investing in substandard courses designed to exploit their aspirations. Once content creators build a strong following, many shift from engineering work to full-time content creation, further reinforcing the illusion rather than reality.
Changing Perceptions
Several people admitted that they once found these glimpses into tech life captivating. The idea of stylish offices, endless snacks, and workplace luxuries seemed highly appealing at first. But over time, the charm has worn off, and many now see these posts as exaggerated portrayals that hide the grind and seriousness of real responsibilities.
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Beyond the First Few Months
According to the engineer, what people see online often reflects only the earliest months of an employee’s journey. During this initial phase, work feels exciting, fresh, and relatively stress-free. However, the reality shifts dramatically after the first year. At that stage, employees begin to handle ownership of projects, manage responsibilities, and face the real pressure of delivering results. The focus moves from enjoying perks to proving value through outcomes, which is what they are truly compensated for."Most of the day in the life videos you see on the internet by FAANG engineers are from their honeymoon periods (first 6-12 months). The real game begins after a year when you start owning projects and outcomes for your team and realise that you don’t get paid to just enjoy," he wrote.
Mixed Reactions from the Tech Community
His words struck a chord with many others in the industry, who openly agreed with his perspective. Some noted that discussions around FAANG jobs rarely mention the deep technical and engineering challenges involved. Instead, most of the attention goes to perks and lifestyle highlights, which create an incomplete picture.Criticism of Social Media Portrayals
Others criticized the way such videos are often used as marketing tools. They argued that these polished portrayals can mislead college students into chasing superficial dreams or investing in substandard courses designed to exploit their aspirations. Once content creators build a strong following, many shift from engineering work to full-time content creation, further reinforcing the illusion rather than reality.Changing Perceptions
Several people admitted that they once found these glimpses into tech life captivating. The idea of stylish offices, endless snacks, and workplace luxuries seemed highly appealing at first. But over time, the charm has worn off, and many now see these posts as exaggerated portrayals that hide the grind and seriousness of real responsibilities.Add 
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