As someone that works for one of those companies and has been in the industry for nearly two decades I'd say NO... not worth it. Spent 15 years at Non-MAANG companies and thought things might be different taking this job. While I don't have the explain architecture or basic IT concepts the work life balance is a mess. Not to mention the lack of understanding of how customers use the tools we create is mind-boggling.

My recommendation is to find a company where you are given room to explore and grow and change companies every 3-4 years. Spend a few years contacting doing solution architecture after you've become a team lead.

It true that you can earn crazy money as you move up at one of the MAANG companies but once you hit Sr. Engineer the odds of you making principle (ie 750k+) will all depend on luck and your willingness to not code but rub shoulders. Personally, I got into IT to build things people use and solve problems.

I agree 100% with your assessment. I have also been in the IT industry and worked for both small and big companies, private and public. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. The biggest problem I see with the companies like the MAANGs is that employees aren't an investment anymore; we are treated as a cost and as plug & play professionals.