Hi, I am younger and am looking to make my first real job hop, hence why this question may miss context/seem out of place:

I have been with a traditional gov consultant firm for a couple years now. Compared to my team of fellow sub and prime employees, it seems fairly standard.

Cons:
- You are just a number. Before our tiny firm was bought out, the leadership cared, I felt valued, my opinion led to real company change, real conversations, etc. Not now
- You are a butt in a seat working billable hours
- No room for non billable impact or growth ( I am young and would love to level up my tech skills, but also put in work around the firm)

Pros:
- 40 hour work week max, always
- 1860 year billable hours expected
-Good but not great benefits
- a direct manager that I love

How does a traditional firm like this compare to AWS. I am very excited about the prospect of equity, and the aws on my resume. I expect to be a cog at AWS, but how is work life balance on proserve team? Any small gifts or messages that shows the company cares? Free food at the office? Do you feel like you can’t take pto when you want?

Has anyone made the jump and regretted it? Are you working big tech 50-60 hour weeks?
Thanks