For a long time, Google was hailed as one of the premier workplaces in the tech industry, boasting impressive pay, outstanding benefits, and the chance to contribute to products utilized by billions globally. While it still holds significant allure for many, the recent surge in artificial intelligence has unveiled new career pathways beyond established tech giants. This shift isn't limited to top-tier AI experts; everyday employees at Google are also exploring alternatives, whether by joining new companies, launching startups, or even changing career trajectories altogether.
In a recent interview, Business Insider spoke with six former Google employees who shared their reasons for leaving. Their insights were condensed for clarity and brevity.
Yousuf Imran, who spent six years at Google as an account executive, left this year to create a startup focused on AI sales tools. Despite earning nearly a million dollars last year, he experienced a feeling of "FOMO" related to the AI expansion. He noted that while Google provides competitive salaries, the equity incentives offered by companies like OpenAI and Anthropic presented life-changing potential. This realization influenced his choice to start his own business. Additionally, he mentioned concerns regarding job security, as recent layoffs seemed to target highly skilled individuals, illustrating that tenure and talent no longer guarantee protection in an evolving landscape driven by AI.
Similarly, Aashna Doshi, a software engineer who departed Google in May to pursue her AI startup, expressed a desire for greater autonomy in her work. Although she valued her time at Google and appreciated the opportunity to learn from diverse, intelligent colleagues, she felt constrained within the massive corporation's machinery. With the current landscape of AI tools available to developers, she felt a powerful urge to act on her ideas rather than remain in a comfortable but potentially unfulfilling position.
Another former employee, Taylor M. LaSane, who worked at Google for over a decade, decided to refocus on her career coaching business last October. She reflected on the environment of layoffs within Big Tech, concluding that staying at Google provided no guarantee of stability.
Candice Bryant, who served as an internal communications manager, left her position last year to engage in independent consulting and develop AI-related products. Having worked at Google during a pivotal moment in the generative AI wave, she recognized the immense potential of AI tools but became acutely aware of the disconnect between the technology and public understanding. This inspired her to leave Google to actively help bridge that gap outside of the corporate structure.
Joslyn Orgill, a data engineer who departed Google in August 2025, pursued a Ph.D. in computer science to chase her passion for a more fulfilling career. She emphasized a desire for deeper personal and professional satisfaction than what she felt she could achieve at a large company like Google.
Lastly, Bushra Amiwala, who worked at Google for five years, left her role as an account manager to run for Congress in Illinois' 9th District. Faced with a pivotal decision, she chose to take a chance on her political aspirations rather than remain at Google and wonder about the possibilities.
These individuals highlight a growing trend among tech professionals seeking fulfillment and opportunity beyond traditional roles in Big Tech, driven by a combination of personal ambitions and a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
