Hopping from HFT Devs to Tech SWEs

I worked as a system developers in a Top 10 HFT firm after graduation in the past 2 years. To be honest it's a nice job with a very techy environment, smart colleagues, good WLB and minimum bullshit. The compensation is about ~400K this year and I can say nothing about it.

The only downside is that it's very small so there's little opportunity to develop leadership/managements, which according to my experience, is required for working at senior positions of tech firms. Now I'm worrying about being stuck in the HFT loop forever and hitting the rooftop after several years, without any mobility in job market. Moreover there's a waivable non-compete term in my contract, and garden leave further reduces my competence in job market.

I tried to interview with other tech companies, but the downleveling and low balling frustrate me. Google refuse to provide L4 positions saying that it's only available for 3+ YOE. Facebook offers E4 but the total compensation is only ~280K with a team with severe pressure and layoff.

Now I was wondering if anyone can share some experience on going out of the HFT loop to tech companies. Thanks!

 

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