For years, conversations around Google have mostly focused on one thing: getting in. From interview preparation videos to stories of dream job offers, the spotlight is usually on cracking the hiring process. But once someone actually joins the company, what does everyday life look like?That question is now getting attention after an Indian employee working at Google’s US office spoke candidly about her experience in a street-style interview shared on Instagram by content creator @albeli_ritu. Instead of talking only about the company’s reputation, she shared what surprised her after becoming a part of it and why her understanding of the workplace changed with time.
Getting the job felt like the biggest milestone
Priya said that when she joined Google, she felt she had achieved everything she had worked for. The company’s name, the role, and the salary made her believe she had reached her biggest career goal.But as she spent more time at the company, she realized that the experience was more layered than she had expected.
Career growth is where things become difficult
According to Priya, Google is filled with exceptionally talented professionals, which naturally makes internal growth more competitive.She explained that employees hoping to move ahead have to consistently deliver strong results and go beyond expectations because they are surrounded by people who are equally skilled.Speaking about this, she said, “Agar koi bhi bole ki Google mein flexibility nahi hai toh bilkul galat hai. Flexibility kaafi hai, par aap kis tareeke se grow kar paoge, ek point ke baad it’s very difficult.”
Work-life balance depends on what you are aiming for
Priya said the experience of work-life balance depends largely on an employee’s goals.According to her, people who focus on completing their responsibilities can generally maintain a comfortable balance between work and personal life. However, employees working towards promotions or bigger responsibilities often choose to put in extra time, especially during a period when the technology industry has seen periodic layoffs.
Long hours are not the everyday reality
Priya also addressed the belief that Google employees regularly work 10 to 12 hours every day.She said that is not how the company functions. Some days are busy, while others are much lighter. She added that this flexibility is one of Google’s biggest strengths and allows employees to manage their schedules better.
Looking back at her move abroad
Priya also reflected on her journey across London, Chicago, and New York.She admitted there was a time when she wondered whether moving to the United States had been the right decision because life in India was going well. However, she now believes the move was worth it. Living in New York, she said she feels it turned out to be the best decision because of the opportunities she found there.
Social media reacts
The interview quickly attracted attention online, with several users appreciating Priya’s honest take on working at Google.One user wrote, “Informative and realistic.”Another commented, “I am an independent consultant to them and it is horrible as tight time lines and some unorganised work culture creates anxiety. I liked Microsoft instead.”A third user asked, “Is working at Google USA your dream job too, or do you have a different dream company?”Disclaimer: This article is based on an individual’s personal account shared on social media. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect Google’s official policies or workplace practices. Experiences may differ across employees and teams.Thumb image: Canva (for representative purposes only)
