It's not a perfect job and in fact I miss working in a place where the velocity is higher. Things in general do not move quickly at Google -- just like other big companies. But it's a job that's entirely compatible with family and a normally balanced life.
You're so focused on the time people leave the office, I can't tell if you're arguing that 50 hour weeks at Google is abnormal.
That answer was upvoted by multiple Google employees/former employees.
>Look, at the end of the day it's about getting shit done and COMMITTING CODE.
Are you suggesting that working long hours equals more and better results? There's a stack of research to contradict you if that's your position.
Now, # hours a week is a different question. Just because people leave a 6 or whatever, they often come back online at night, or work some more on weekends. That was very common.
And your last point, I honestly can't put together how you think my statement about committing code had anything to do with # of hours.
6pm it starts to slow down, by 6:30 half the office is heading out.
Some people would get there super early and leave early-ish.
Look, at the end of the day it's about getting shit done and COMMITTING CODE. That latter part is something a lot of people refuse to accept. It doesn't matter how smart you are or how much experience you have or whatever... if you're an IC, then deliver high-quality code (and a lot of it), and you'll have a great career.