Rather than saying that microsoft bashing has ramped up, I'd say that it is getting closer to it's standard levels.
replyMicrosoft experience a sort of reputational resurgence in the tech world these past few years with some commitment to open source contribution and a really nice pivot towards linux and cloud.
Their pivot to AI is much less popular!
The AI stuff and Windows 11 have been big drivers of bashing
replyYes and you're in a unique position to influence the internal culture. Not saying send emails to executives but talk about things during lunch with coworkers?
replyAh, is that not going to college part why you're loathe to give up such a good gig? Surely by now your CV speaks for itself, although I suppose in Redmond, where else are you going to go.
replyIt is, although considering my age (41), I would hope the college thing is not very important anymore. The only time in recent history that I've been ghosted after mentioning no degree (when asked) is ByteDance a few years back, and I don't think I'd want to work there anyways.
replyGoogle has offices in Kirkland. Amazon and Meta are big employers here, with Meta paying the best, but both of those companies have their own issues which are probably worse than just being made fun of ..