I work at a FAANG company and have consistently performed well above expectations. Instead of recognition or support, I’ve been rewarded with more work and zero help.

Management seems directionless — I’ve asked point-blank where we’re heading and get nothing in return. They ignore the initiatives that actually drive results and instead chase shiny, unproven ideas that "sound strategic." After years of trying to push things forward, I finally realized they don’t want impact — they want safe, predictable mediocrity. So I’ve stopped overperforming. There’s no upside in a system that punishes initiative and rewards inertia.

If you're wondering why big tech feels like it's stagnating, this is a big part of the answer.