Jim Tang began at Google in December 2021 as a New York–based software engineer after a year at American Express. He worked on front-end projects in Google's ads organization, experienced a laid-back schedule with occasional long days when pursuing promotions, and received significant perks like free office food. He earned up to $326,000 in total compensation before taxes over three and a half years. Growing disillusioned with corporate life and authenticity challenges, he quit in May 2025, became a creator and entrepreneur, and traveled to Japan as a digital nomad, finding greater fulfillment.
I started working at Google in December 2021 as a software engineer, based in New York. I spent three and a half years there and earned up to $326,000 in total compensation before taxes, but I became disillusioned with corporate life and, at age 27, I quit and became a creator and entrepreneur, traveling as a digital nomad. It's made me feel more fulfilled.
I worked on the front end of products within Google's ads org. The job was quite laid-back. On a typical day, I'd badge in around 10 a.m. Sometimes, there was a meeting or two a day, but I was usually working autonomously on projects. At times when I was grinding for a promotion, I'd badge out at 7 p.m., but some days, I'd leave early at 4 p.m. Google had great perks, such as free food from office cafés, and free snacks from micro-kitchens.
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