…and today I have quite a decision to make. I’ve retold the story too many times already so I will put it here for my friends to read, so I don’t have to tell it again. I interviewed with a company in Palo Alto, CA yesterday. Originally, they said I would probably be able to work remotely, from Seattle, if given an offer. I was really excited about this possibility. They asked really interesting questions, and the interviews were challenging. The people were friendly, and really great all-around. Their offices were very nice, and Palo Alto looked great too. It was quite a day, I flew in, interviewed, and flew out all in a single day.
Then, today, I heard back from them. I was told that the feedback from my interviews was overwhelmingly positive, however, due to my inexperience with PHP and JavaScript, they did not feel I could work effectively from Seattle. They said if I was willing to relocate to Palo Alto, they would extend me an offer including equity and relocation (we talked a little bit about compensation and it sounded like it would be a very attractive offer).
I asked when they needed to know by, and we agreed I would contact them some time next week to let them know whether or not I was willing to relocate, so if I was, they could check my references and draw up a formal offer.
I talked to some friends in Palo Alto, and they were very excited for me. They had nothing but good things to say about Palo Alto. One exclaimed “Geez, Carl, why didn’t you tell me, I could get you an interview at my company here, we are hiring like mad!”. Since I am already pretty far along with the first company, they are getting me a rush interview so I may soon have two offers to consider in Palo Alto. Getting to work with an old buddy from college could be pretty cool too.
Both companies do very interesting things, but very different things also. The former company has more of a “start up” feeling, probably more risky, but also with more potential reward (via equity), though the latter would probably make a better initial offer (I am told). Also, the work I did for the former company would be more visible, as their product is a website which can be used by anybody. The latter company, however, has two people working for them I already know, and is most assuredly a more stable choice (been around longer, more likely to succeed – though I have faith in both companies). Also, the latter company’s products are used by the government and financial institutions, not typically the general public, so my work would be less visible.
Finally, after talking to some of my friends here, one is trying to get me a rushed interview with Amazon (on a different team than where I used to work) so I would have an offer here in Seattle, and not have to leave. Frankly, even if I got that offer in time to consider it, it would have to be pretty good to bring me back to Amazon after getting burned the way I did, but I would genuinely appreciate having the option to stay in Seattle. Also, I already know everyone on this team, and know I would be a good social fit for sure (which is pretty important).
Today, right now, I have two options: Stay in Seattle, and stay unemployed, or agree to go. Tomorrow, and in the week that follows, I may have other options (like returning to Amazon), as well as choosing between the two Palo Alto companies. One thing is certain – the next month is going to be very interesting, and drastically effect the rest of my life.