Tesla Techie Gets Meta’s ‘One Last Try’ Hiring Email, He Says ‘Money Can’t Sway Me Away from Elon’
The ongoing battle for tech talent has just taken an interesting turn. A senior Tesla AI engineer, Yun-Ta Tsai, recently shared a screenshot of an email he received from Mark Zuckerberg-led Meta, titled “One last try”. The email was an attempt to poach Tsai away from Tesla, but his response has left everyone wondering what makes talent stay at the electric vehicle giant.
Tsai shared the email on his Twitter account, with the caption “When you’re in the middle of launching Robotaxi…”. The email, which was sent by Meta’s recruiting team, implored Tsai to reconsider his decision to leave the company. It’s unclear what Tsai’s current role is at Tesla or what led to the offer from Meta, but it’s clear that the tech giant is willing to go to great lengths to lure top talent away from its competitors.
However, Tsai’s response was swift and decisive. “Sorry, we’re busy launching Robotaxi,” he wrote, effectively shutting the door on Meta’s offer. When an X user asked what makes talent stay at Tesla, Tsai gave a revealing answer. “No amount of money can sway me away from Elon Musk,” he said. “That’s once-in-a-lifetime (probably history) opportunities.”
Tsai’s response is a testament to the allure of working under Elon Musk, who is known for his vision, ambition, and ability to inspire his employees. Tesla has long been a hub for talented engineers and innovators, and its commitment to disrupting the electric vehicle and energy storage industries has made it an attractive destination for those looking to make a real impact.
So, what makes talent stay at Tesla? For Tsai, it’s clear that the opportunity to work with Musk and be part of the company’s groundbreaking projects is a major draw. Under Musk’s leadership, Tesla has achieved incredible success, from revolutionizing the electric vehicle market to pushing the boundaries of autonomous driving technology. The company’s commitment to sustainability and its focus on creating a cleaner, more sustainable future are also major selling points.
But it’s not just the work itself that keeps talent at Tesla. The company has a reputation for being a place where employees can grow and develop their skills, with opportunities to take on new challenges and work on cutting-edge projects. Tesla’s flat organizational structure and emphasis on innovation also make it an attractive destination for those who value autonomy and creativity.
Of course, money is always a major factor in job decisions, and Tesla is no exception. The company is known for offering competitive salaries and benefits packages, which can be a major draw for top talent. However, for Tsai and many others, the opportunity to work with Musk and be part of the company’s mission is worth more than any amount of money.
Tsai’s response to Meta’s offer also highlights the importance of company culture in retaining top talent. Tesla’s culture is built around innovation, experimentation, and a willingness to take risks, which can be a major draw for those who value creativity and autonomy. The company’s emphasis on sustainability and its commitment to making a positive impact on the world are also major selling points, as are its opportunities for growth and development.
In the end, Tsai’s decision to stay at Tesla is a testament to the power of company culture and the importance of working with a visionary leader like Elon Musk. As the battle for tech talent continues to heat up, companies like Meta will need to think carefully about what sets them apart and what makes their employees want to stay. For Tsai and many others, the answer is clear: it’s the chance to be part of something bigger than themselves, and to make a real difference in the world.
