10 YOE ex-FAANG/Microsoft: seeking work‑life balance over pay – suggestions

[Arnav]

Hi everyone,

I have about 10 years of experience at Microsoft and other FAANG‑type firms, currently as a senior engineer.

At this point I'm shifting my focus. I'm less interested in maxing out salary or chasing titles, and more keen on a role that gives a healthy work‑life balance – more quality time with family and a sustainable work pace.

I'm open to opportunities in India or abroad, and willing to relocate if needed.

For those who've made a similar move or have insights, what companies or types of companies truly respect work‑life balance, even if the pay is a bit lower?

Your suggestions and experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Gopal]

I'm fresh (0 YOE) and also looking for the same work‑life balance.

[Rahul]

I don't see many tech firms offering good work‑life balance now. Private banks might give better balance.

[Dayanand]

Options are limited – you could aim for FIRE. Earnings in other sectors are low, making it hard to afford a normal lifestyle.

[Tarun]

If you're ex‑FAANG, consider high‑end fractional architect roles or specialised consulting. Your brand name helps, and it lets you control your hours better than a regular SDE‑3 or Staff role. It takes some effort to set up the pipeline at first, but once you have 2‑3 solid clients, the flexibility is unmatched.

[Shilpa]

You could look at non‑tech GCCs – oil & gas (e.g., Exxon, Shell), aerospace (Boeing, Airbus), banks (JPMC, DB, SocGen), mechanical firms (ABB, Honeywell, Caterpillar) or healthcare (Stryker). EU GCCs also tend to have excellent work‑life balance.

[Basavaraj]

I thought Microsoft already had decent work‑life balance.

[Mohaideen]

Joining Dell can give you a decent work‑life balance, though the pay may not match what you earned before.

[Pankaj]

Consider joining a large non‑tech firm – hospitals, manufacturing, media, NGOs – they all have tech departments. Pay is lower, but you'll get good time off.

[Sarika]

In my view, if you're at Microsoft and have supportive leadership, you can negotiate a better work‑life balance with some planning. If not, there are plenty of internal openings throughout the year that might suit you. Jumping ship now could be risky, so avoid negativity on social media, especially Blind.

[Kunal]

Sir, we are young engineers just starting our careers. Please guide or mentor us in your spare time. We would be forever grateful.