Bengaluru Google techie calls out viral ‘day-in-the-life’ videos by FAANG engineers: ‘You don’t get paid to just enjoy’

A post by Priyansh Agarwal, a software engineer at Google based in Bengaluru, has ignited discussion about life within major tech firms. Shared on X, Agarwal’s commentary examines the “day in the life” videos frequently circulated online, which he asserts primarily showcase experiences from the initial months of employment with companies like Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google (collectively referred to as FAANG).

Agarwal suggests that these videos often portray a misleadingly glamorous view of work life, which he describes as a “honeymoon period” lasting from six to twelve months. According to him, true responsibilities and challenges arise after this initial phase, when employees begin managing projects and outcomes. He remarked, “You don’t get paid to just enjoy,” highlighting a shift in expectations as employees settle into their roles.

Reactions on social media have largely reflected Agarwal’s sentiments. Numerous tech professionals concurred, pointing out that many influencers do not openly discuss the ongoing efforts required in their positions. Comments ranged from critiques of how these videos may misrepresent reality to a playful acknowledgement that the portrayal can be likened to a movie trailer, with the real challenges appearing later on.