The Amazon Cliff When you join Amazon, you receive a four-year stock package with base salary and bridge cash for the first two years. In year one, you get 5% of your shares; in year two, it's 15%; in year three and four, it's 40%. The value of these shares depends on the stock price at that time. After four years, there is no significant financial incentive to stay due to limited promotions and increased workload without substantial pay raises.
Leaving Amazon After hitting the 'four-year cliff' at Amazon where financial incentives diminish after four years due to limited promotions and increased workload without substantial pay raises, I decided to leave for a new organization that offered better financial growth opportunities as well as mental stimulation from learning something new again.