Posted in the other thread, but it really depends on who you are, what you can do, etc.
Those who say the high salaries are gone, they absolutely are not. In fact, it's the opposite. They weren't paying people ~$4 mil/year two years ago but they are today.
However, again, it depends on who you are and your skills. They're not going to give the average person $400k remote, but you can absolutely land $150k remote.
Rona Wang graduated from M.I.T with a degree in Math and another in CS. I'm guessing her friend she's talking about at least did CS at that school.
I have almost zero doubt shyt is "next man up" at that company. They fire somebody then that person they're paying $300k to for sitting around will have their chance to shine.
Only downside is, that person all of a sudden who gets called up has an increase in responsibility at their "chill" job may not be so receptive to the increased workload and will look to work elsewhere.
$800k/year job for this recent hire (Staff SWE):
1 level higher (Principal) is $1.4 - $2.x mil/year.
That was earlier in the year, next year it'll most likely clear $4 mil easily.