Former Amazon Software Development Manager Quits Over Return-to-Office Order
By Pierre Herubel
A former Amazon software development manager has spoken out about his decision to quit the company after being given a return-to-office order that would have required him to relocate across the country. The software manager, who wishes to remain anonymous due to concerns of professional backlash, worked with Amazon for nearly four years before deciding to leave. His identity has been verified Insider.
During his time at Amazon, the software manager enjoyed his work and was excited about the projects and team he was building. However, the company’s strict return-to-office policy became a deal-breaker for him. If it weren’t for this policy, he would have continued working happily at Amazon.
The return-to-office order, issued in February, caused chaos within multiple internal teams at Amazon. Each organization within the tech giant manages the policy differently. Some managers enforced specific return-to-office dates, while others were more lenient.
The software manager found himself reporting to a manager who insisted on an in-person presence in Seattle, despite his most recent promotion allowing for remote work. This requirement clashed with his personal situation, as he and his wife had just purchased their dream property in New York. Moving across the country was simply not an option for him.
In an attempt to negotiate, the software manager shared an estimate of the cost to relocate his family, including livestock, but did not receive a satisfactory response regarding a relocation package.
Furthermore, he discovered from conversations with others that the claim of decreased productivity with remote work was not supported evidence. This messaging from the company’s leadership made it difficult for him to uphold Amazon’s principles while preaching them to his team.
Ultimately, the software manager informed his team members that he would be leaving Amazon if he couldn’t secure an extension to the return-to-office policy. Expecting to be fired, he began searching for new job opportunities.
While there were challenges in finding a new job, the return-to-office policy was the primary reason for his departure from Amazon. He is now working at a startup with a former Amazon colleague, where he is earning a similar base salary but without comparable stock options.
Amazon spokesperson Brad Glasser responded to the software manager’s account stating that the company could not verify the details without knowing the source’s identity. Glasser emphasized that Amazon’s return-to-office plan is intended to benefit customers, the business, and the company culture. He added that team hubs and relocation timelines vary based on individual circumstances, and the company provides support for employees who need to relocate.
The software manager, however, remains firm in his decision and asserts that if his new company were to implement an in-office work policy, he would seek alternative employment.
In conclusion, the story highlights the personal impact of company-wide return-to-office policies and the difficult choices they can force employees to make. While Amazon defends its stance, the software manager’s experience sheds light on the challenges faced individuals who prioritize their personal lives and remote work opportunities.