[blindhippo]

Poor choice of words - doing the Bare Minimum will keep you around, but you certainly won't get favorable performance reviews (as you would expect). You're basically aiming for a 'C' grade in life if that's your approach to work. Fine if that's your goal, but Amazon doesn't encourage that mentality - other company's are a better fit for that type of person and that's apparent before you even interview.

We're software professionals. We're knowledge experts. We're expected to refine our skills and expand our knowledge base. This is rewarded handsomely at Amazon. Coasting by is not punished, but the people who do end up on backwater teams working on low-priority projects. This isn't being "managed out", but it does cost the company hires simply because even low-ambition people will eventually get tired of the garbage work that exists in these areas. How is this different from other companies?

To the point about sacrificing life for Bezo's wealth... Amazon is the only company to offer me actual stock, not stock options, not sketchy performance bonuses, but stock. I'm not too keen on the vesting period length, but I directly benefit from the company's success. In my market, Amazon is the top paying employer and offers the best options for career growth.