Daniel McKinnon, a product manager who has worked at both Meta and Google, recently shared insights into which company one should consider for a better work-life balance. In his blog, McKinnon pointed out the differences between the two tech giants, highlighting growth opportunities and stress levels.Comparison of Work EnvironmentsMcKinnon described Meta and Google as phenomenal technology companies where great Product Managers (PMs) can thrive. According to him, Meta offers more growth opportunities, albeit with some stress and pressure. On the other hand, Google prioritises work-life balance, stability, and job security.Transparency and Decision-MakingIn terms of transparency, McKinnon noted a decline in both companies but highlighted Meta as slightly more transparent than Google. He described Meta as a quasi-academic, truth-seeking organisation where dissent is encouraged, and decisions are data-driven. In contrast, Google doesnt foster as much of a collegial work environment.Conflict Resolution and AutonomyMcKinnon discussed how conflicts are managed within the companies. At Meta, he mentioned a structured approach of seeking reviews from conflicting parties and making decisions based on judgement. In contrast, Google allows teams and divisions more freedom to pursue their priorities without much intervention from leadership.Career Growth and Performance StandardsRegarding career growth, McKinnon emphasised that growth is faster at Meta than at Google. However, he also mentioned that Meta has higher standards for performance and its easier to get fired for poor performance compared to Google.
