Would staying one year at a job be considered a red flag? When I hired people, one year was OK; I just asked if they had issues at the job or why they left (not the details, but high-level, ie. did they rage quit).
What do you do if, after joining a company and after your first 1:1, you realize there are no growth opportunities at all?
Would you sacrifice a year of your career just to look better in other companies during interviews?
Short tenures, especially at higher levels tend to be considered red flags, unfortunately. I've been a victim of this personally.
But the point you're bringing here if you find out soon after your first 1:1, there's a lot of hesitation in individuals leaving the company sooner. Hence the post. IMO, the duration can be anything between 3-12 months. The err is on the longer side to avoid any knee-jerk reactions.
Sometimes, it is more complicated, including sign on bonuses and stock vesting that determines when is the best time to leave.
Fundamentally, I agree with you, one should leave as soon as they realize it's something they can't recover from. What's your take on leaving companies when you start to realize it's not a right fit?
Exactly, it's always a loss at both sides. This is the hardest thing for employers to understand. I've been on both sides and how I treat people is how I want to be treated.
But, most places today treats employees as disposable assets, and this leads to poor environment.
When I hired my first employee as a guideline for time off, workload, promotions, compensation I also factored in what I'd expect from a company of this size if I would be working for myself. Pretty good measure IMO.
Thank you for sharing your experiences, changing jobs is always anxiety inducing. In hindsight everything seems obvious, im definitely going to try this framework.
Yes, irrespective of what people might tell you, it's okay. You must have had your reasons to switch, staying longer at a job just for the sake of growing in tenure isn't wise IMO.
I'm glad you've landed on something great, what about your job at Meta makes you stay (apart from the massive stock jump ofc :p)?
Great post, Akash! Love your breakdown and thought process. I would love to understand why staying in Google would not progress your AI dreams, since Google is investing heavily in AI. Was it tech you did not like or just the culture of being in Google? Thanks for sharing.
PS: fix a minor typo in the second header: Happy Quilting -> Happy Quitting
The question on why not stay at Google and support my AI dreams is a very good one. After my conversation with multiple leaders (including my VP), that was certainly an option. They were even creating a team focused on AI within my org. I'd still felt comfortable because the technology would change, but I'd still be walking around with my credibility.
The surprising thing about credibility is, it gets you support instantly. At my role, I wanted to be challenged more frequently. Other than that, Google has a very supportive and positive culture in my experience; but before settling down at any place, I wanted to explore some other cultures, what better than Apple?
Combination of these, when I saw the opportunity of winding down one area, I decided I'd go elsewhere and if I want, I can always interview back at Google. I've built one of the most strongest connections there.
Re: Thank you for the typo catch, it was disastrous.
Thank you so much Akash, for taking the time to respond. I really like what you said: "I'd still felt comfortable because the technology would change, but I'd still be walking around with my credibility." Credibility... I never thought of it that way. We usually treat credibility to enhance our stay at an org. Your take on challenging oneself by giving up on credibility and exploring new waters is daunting and very inspiring. Will keep that in mind. Thank you again, and best of luck on your new adventure! Cheers.
Would staying one year at a job be considered a red flag? When I hired people, one year was OK; I just asked if they had issues at the job or why they left (not the details, but high-level, ie. did they rage quit).
What do you do if, after joining a company and after your first 1:1, you realize there are no growth opportunities at all?
Would you sacrifice a year of your career just to look better in other companies during interviews?
Short tenures, especially at higher levels tend to be considered red flags, unfortunately. I've been a victim of this personally.
But the point you're bringing here if you find out soon after your first 1:1, there's a lot of hesitation in individuals leaving the company sooner. Hence the post. IMO, the duration can be anything between 3-12 months. The err is on the longer side to avoid any knee-jerk reactions.
Sometimes, it is more complicated, including sign on bonuses and stock vesting that determines when is the best time to leave.
Fundamentally, I agree with you, one should leave as soon as they realize it's something they can't recover from. What's your take on leaving companies when you start to realize it's not a right fit?
Leave for sure, but it’s a loss for both sides so companies should be clear about this. Otherwise they invest time into someone who will leave anyway.
Exactly, it's always a loss at both sides. This is the hardest thing for employers to understand. I've been on both sides and how I treat people is how I want to be treated.
But, most places today treats employees as disposable assets, and this leads to poor environment.
When I hired my first employee as a guideline for time off, workload, promotions, compensation I also factored in what I'd expect from a company of this size if I would be working for myself. Pretty good measure IMO.
Really well written and very good advice there!
Thanks you, Basma 👏
Thank you for sharing your experiences, changing jobs is always anxiety inducing. In hindsight everything seems obvious, im definitely going to try this framework.
Thanks, Roop. Glad you enjoyed the read.
Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been a job hopper in early career - 4 years 3 companies
Now, 3 years at Meta
Yes, irrespective of what people might tell you, it's okay. You must have had your reasons to switch, staying longer at a job just for the sake of growing in tenure isn't wise IMO.
I'm glad you've landed on something great, what about your job at Meta makes you stay (apart from the massive stock jump ofc :p)?
Great insights Akash Sir 💯 Will try to remember this tips🙌
Thanks, Nagesh. Glad you liked it.
Good one Akash. There’s value in voluntarily seeking to move out of comfort zone. Learning begins where comfort ends.
Thanks, Rohit. Glad you liked it.
Great post, Akash! Love your breakdown and thought process. I would love to understand why staying in Google would not progress your AI dreams, since Google is investing heavily in AI. Was it tech you did not like or just the culture of being in Google? Thanks for sharing.
PS: fix a minor typo in the second header: Happy Quilting -> Happy Quitting
Thanks, Rupak. Glad you enjoyed the read.
The question on why not stay at Google and support my AI dreams is a very good one. After my conversation with multiple leaders (including my VP), that was certainly an option. They were even creating a team focused on AI within my org. I'd still felt comfortable because the technology would change, but I'd still be walking around with my credibility.
The surprising thing about credibility is, it gets you support instantly. At my role, I wanted to be challenged more frequently. Other than that, Google has a very supportive and positive culture in my experience; but before settling down at any place, I wanted to explore some other cultures, what better than Apple?
Combination of these, when I saw the opportunity of winding down one area, I decided I'd go elsewhere and if I want, I can always interview back at Google. I've built one of the most strongest connections there.
Re: Thank you for the typo catch, it was disastrous.
Thank you so much Akash, for taking the time to respond. I really like what you said: "I'd still felt comfortable because the technology would change, but I'd still be walking around with my credibility." Credibility... I never thought of it that way. We usually treat credibility to enhance our stay at an org. Your take on challenging oneself by giving up on credibility and exploring new waters is daunting and very inspiring. Will keep that in mind. Thank you again, and best of luck on your new adventure! Cheers.
Absolutely, each of us have unique criteria, building credibility takes time and it’s ok to feel good about it.
In my experience, it has made my job significantly easier, hence the decision to change. But, I understand your choice as well.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Great insights.
Thanks, Junaid.