Work Life Balance? Don't even think about it - Area Manager Amazon Employee Review

1.0
6 Jul 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great stepping stone as they hire anyone they can right out of the university. Adopt leadership skills Experience high pressure environment Learn how bureaucracy works within Amazon

Cons

Let's be honest, the retention rate for Area Manager role is pathetically low and there is a reason behind it. Don't be fooled by the large amount of signing bonus, it is simply a way to trap you with money. The offer letter stated that working hours are 10 hours a day and 4 days a week, yep! 40 hours sounds pretty good eh? WRONG! You will never experience anything less than 60 hours a week. Be ready to work 14+ hours a day and 5~6 days straight when your facility calls you in for the mandatory overtime. Yeah, enjoy working additional 14~30+ hours of UNPAID mandatory overtime with nothing in return. This will happen throughout the entire year! You will most likely not learn any technical knowledge, but to tell your Associates work "faster" and “faster”. This role is purely people management, it has nothing to do with real world operation or even supply chain management. All you would do is moving people from one path to another trying to balance the number. With that being said, it is hard to transition your role into something else in the future, because you simply won’t be able to build any relevant skill sets! Work life balance does not exist in Amazon. Imagine after working 12+ hours a day you go home eat, sleep and return to work, do that for 12 months. Amazon will give you endless tasks with lots of stress and bureaucracy. Upper Management team simply don't care about associates, all they see are workers tagged with number, rate, and %. You are the one to decide whether or not it is worth it sell your soul, family, friend, weekend, hobbies, and vacation time in exchange for such an underpay position with long work hours. The career opportunity for this role is strictly limited to Operation, the chance of internal transfer from FC to corporate is slim.

Explore other reviews about Amazon

5.0
4 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great leadership experience, fast-paced environment, strong team environment, and valuable exposure to operations management

Cons

Long hours during peak periods, high performance expectations, and work-life balance can be challenging.

5.0
10 Jan 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Really smart people, a lot of opportunity for growth, always encouraged to be innovative, think big, and create something new. Competitive salary and benefits with other major tech companies. 100% self motivating work environment. No dress code and 4 legged friends are welcome.

Cons

You have to be self motivated. NO ONE will hold your hand and tell you that you're doing a great job. If you need constant affirmations from management, this company isn't for you.

3159
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All