Why Leave Google?
A friend recently asked me if I should take a new job opportunity, and in his opinion, there are pros and cons to both the current job and the new opportunity. I didn't give a straight answer and asked him quite a few questions to hear exactly what he thought, including what he thought of his current job and what he expected for the future. The two job opportunities were difficult for him to choose also because, either one would be good and not a big mistake, but a bit worried that the probationary period of going to a new job would make him honestly scared, as he had been in such an ego dilemma every time before. After a long chat, I didn't have a final answer, but advised him to think about what he values most, and then the rest of the options would be much easier. The answers to all of this can be found in this Wednesday's share.
Recap
Hunter Walk insists on saying "no" so that he can save more energy for himself, and he gives a number of ways to say "no" that are polite and effective.
“I’m sorry I just can’t prioritize that right now but best of luck.”
“I know you’re not asking for a lot of my time, but I need to concentrate on getting some projects done and can’t let myself be distracted right now. Best of luck.”
“If you can provide some specific examples or questions you think I can be helpful on, perhaps I’ll be able to answer them here and we don’t need to worry about chatting live.”
“Can you provide a little more detail over email so I can make sure I’m a good use of your time.”
“I’m holding all my scheduled time back right now for our portfolio founders (and my family) but if you reply with some specific questions, I’ll do my best to answer via email or a Loom video if I think I can be helpful.”
“Thanks and appreciated meeting you as well. Don’t feel like we need to chat live right now but feel free to stay in touch.”
“I know this sounds weird but I’m only doing these sorts of conversations in 15 minute phone calls between X-Ypm on days of the week. I’d be happy to chat then if you still think it’s worth your time. Here’s my next availability…”
Daily Productive Sharing 416 - 20220321
Will Larson shares his extensive list of non-fiction books from 2019 to 2022, covering tech, investing, management, and more. It just so happens that there are some books in there that I've spent time with: the
System Design Interview - An Insider's Guide: Volume 2 by Alex Xu and Sahm Lam - This detailed look at how to design software systems, unfolding slowly from the simplest single server to complex systems, is great learning material, even if it's not for interviews. Designing Data-Intensive Applications by Martin Kleppmann - Not to be outdone, and we've recommended this book several times, it's an introduction to how to design complex data processing systems is the bible. Super Pumped by Mike Isaac - A look at the history of Uber's beginnings. Angel by Jason Calacanis - An introduction to angel investing in Silicon Valley, including investment strategies and investment behavior. Company of One by Paul Jarvis - Describes all aspects of how to create an independent company, giving many success stories. Principles by Ray Dalio - The investment philosophy of Ray Dalio, founder of the Bridgewater Fund.
Daily Productive Sharing 417 - 20220322
Sasha Chapin has assembled life advice from a number of friends and offers her own insights.
- Remember what has worked and continue to try them.
- In choosing a life path, consider the circumstances in which it will place you.
- That seemingly minor obstacles are not minor.
- How you treat the world is how the world will treat you.
- Not to make major mistakes.
- People are unlikely to be extreme in many ways at the same time.
- Listen more, even if you are completely selfish.
Daily Productive Sharing 418 - 20220323
Last week we featured Suket Karnawat's summary of what he wrote a year after leaving Google, and today's feature is his account of why he left Google.
- It appeared to him to be an experiment, one in which the benefits far outweighed the costs.
- that after leaving Google he could create his own life instead of just living for a job.
- Although the job gives him a stable income, this comes at the cost of a long-term inability to be independent.
Daily Productive Sharing 419 - 20220324
This article by Gergely Orosz is a very comprehensive look at the impact of the war on the Ukrainian/Russian tech industry in both countries.
- It is certainly tempting to follow the lead of States on sanctions. But will it help to end the conflict more quickly?
- Until the war, Ukraine had a low tax rate and relative job stability.
- What makes Ukraine so popular is the availability of good senior engineering talent to hire and - unlike in most of Europe - the short notice period. With a good budget, it is easy to hire senior technical personnel, and relatively quickly.
- The company is beginning a large-scale withdrawal from Russia, starting on 28 February.
- Companies employing remote Russian employees are beginning to find significant problems in paying these employees.
- Those working in technical jobs in Russia are some of the most employable people and those who may have some savings.
- If you have colleagues from Eastern/Central Europe, especially in Ukraine or Russia's neighbors (Finland, Poland, Romania, Moldova, Slovakia, Hungary), know that most of them will be stressed and worried about whether this war will spread and affect them.
Daily Productive Sharing 420 - 20220325
That's it for this week's collection of productivity dailies, and if you have any suggestions, feel free to leave a comment and let us know. To receive the most timely recommendations, subscribe to our channel, or pay to unlock more value-added content, and we'll see you next time.