The Shift from Big Tech to Defense: Why Meta Employees Are Choosing Government Roles
In the U.S., employees affected by Meta layoffs or those initiating a tech career change are finding interest in the government/defense industry.
According to data over the past three years on Blind, 11% of ex-employees plan to go into government jobs but 36% actually do.
The Data: Where Tech Talent Goes After Big Tech
- Big Tech --> Startup: 30.8%
- Big Tech --> Another Big Tech: 16.7%
- Tech --> Finance/Fintech: 10.3%
- Big Tech --> AI Company: 3.8%
- Tech --> Healthcare: 2.6%
Interestingly, many ex-Meta employees discuss going to AI companies (85%), but only 3.8% actually end up doing so.
What is the Attraction to Defense Roles?
It’s widely known that government jobs pay less than Big Tech. So why the attraction?
Some users on Blind are seeking tech stability through long-term growth rates.
When it comes down to it, nearly 62% of professionals say they’d rather work at Anduril than a FAANG company in a FAANG vs. Anduril comparison.
The matter of fact is, government jobs are considered cushy and a break from the fast-paced, anxiety-inducing tech and AI companies.
The trend stretches beyond Meta, as many former Amazon employees also made the jump to Anduril.
Work-Life Balance and Job Security
What this shift comes down to is healthy work-life balance and job stability in an otherwise shaky field.
Being an engineer at Meta is only rewarding when you’re not the one affected by the most recent layoffs.
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