People spend hours trying to land a job at Google or Amazon.

They rewrite their résumés with AI, use ChatGPT to craft the "perfect" cover letter, and apply to the same companies that get millions of applications every year.

But what if I told you the best jobs in tech aren't even there?

Some of the highest-paying companies don't get a fraction of that attention.

The "Dream Job" Obsession

Big Tech companies have great reputations. They offer free lunches, big offices, and the name that impresses your family.

But they're also the hardest to get into. Less than 1% of applicants make it through. Most people never even hear back.

Meanwhile, other companies that almost no one talks about  --  like Two Sigma, Jane Street, or OpenAI  --  are paying two or three times more.

They care less about where you went to school and more about what you can actually do. Some don't even require a degree if you can prove your skills.

The AI Irony

Here's what's funny: people spend hours using AI to apply for jobs, but not to discover better ones.

They'll use ChatGPT to fix their résumé for Google, but forget that OpenAI itself is hiring.

AI changed everything. What matters now isn't your diploma  --  it's your creativity, your logic, and how fast you learn.

But people are still stuck chasing the same old brands, hoping for a miracle interview invite.

The Reality Check

Here's a rough idea of how salaries actually compare  --  not what people assume when they dream of working at Google.

Big Tech (Google, Amazon, Microsoft)

Starting around $120,000, sometimes reaching $300,000 with bonuses and stock. Great benefits, but incredibly difficult to get in.

Hedge Funds and Trading Firms (Two Sigma, Jane Street)

Average pay starts near $200,000 and can reach $600,000 or more. These companies hire fewer people, but they reward skill and precision more than degrees.

AI Startups (OpenAI, Anthropic, Scale AI)

Around $180,000 to $500,000+, depending on experience. Many roles don't require formal education  --  just proof that you can build and think creatively.

Public Sector or Government Tech Jobs

Typically between $60,000 and $100,000. The pay is smaller, but there's stability and better work-life balance.

Small and Medium Tech Companies

Usually between $40,000 and $80,000, but they're great places to learn fast, grow your skills, and move up quickly.

The logos may look different, but what really matters is what you value  --  security, growth, or freedom.

Why We Keep Making the Same Mistake

It's simple: we follow what sounds safe.

Saying "I applied to Google" sounds impressive. Saying "I applied to a hedge fund" or "an AI lab" doesn't sound as familiar.

But the irony is that those are the places where people grow faster, earn more, and work with real innovation.

There's no single "dream company" anymore. The real dream is freedom, creativity, and being paid for what you can actually do  --  not just where you work.

What the Future Looks Like?

The next big tech stories won't come from Google or Meta. They'll come from small teams working on AI, biotech, and automation  --  people who move fast and think differently.

If you can:

* code,

* understand how systems think,

* or just solve problems creatively,

you already have a shot. You just have to stop chasing the same door everyone else is knocking on.

Final Thoughts

Don't get me wrong  --  working at a big company is great. But it's not the only way to "make it."

If you really love tech, explore what's out there. The world is bigger than Google.

And maybe, just maybe, while everyone's trying to get in, you'll be the one building something new.