3 ms·

My argument against other large companies is: 1. They seem much more likely to undergo major layoffs than Google et al.. If you're not growing, layoffs seem to

My argument against other large companies is: 1. They seem much more likely to undergo major layoffs than Google et al.. If you're not growing, layoffs seem to be a constant. 2. During layoffs, the first people to go are cost centers. IT is a cost center unless your industry is technology. 3. The difference in pay is astronomical. Like, easily 2-3x from the times I've tried interviewing. Even small startups pay developers better (in cash) than most non-tech companies seem to. I'm not too worried about the savings thing. I think I'm covered for a decade if necessary.

mgkimsal 10y ago
> I think I'm covered for a decade if necessary. Really? Not doubting you, but that would mean a whole fairly big pile of money already. I didn't say 'large' companies at all, did I? It's a balance finding smaller/medium companies, but there's definitely loads where you can make an impact and negotiate to be rewarded appropriately. If you have 10 years of savings, why are you worried about layoffs?
- morgante 10y ago
  > Really? Not doubting you, but that would mean a whole fairly big pile of money already. It would entail moving to a lower cost locale (ie. not SF/NYC), but certainly doable. It would also mean tapping everything besides my IRA. I'm not really worried about layoffs. It's more that I would like to be prepared. Also, even if I can survive financially, I'd rather avoid going without an income for any extended period. In terms of small/medium companies, it really seems like most of them outside tech don't value IT at all. If they even have developers, they seem to underpay them. This might just be my bias though. I appreciate the advice and will be sure to include a few smaller non-tech companies in my next job search.
  - mgkimsal 10y ago
    if you're already in an area where those are viable options (goog, fb, etc), then by all means. I made an assumption you'd prefer to move out there to chase a job there. good luck to you whatever happens!

mgkimsal 10y ago

> I think I'm covered for a decade if necessary. Really? Not doubting you, but that would mean a whole fairly big pile of money already. I didn't say 'large' companies at all, did I? It's a balance finding smaller/medium companies, but there's definitely loads where you can make an impact and negotiate to be rewarded appropriately. If you have 10 years of savings, why are you worried about layoffs?

morgante 10y ago
> Really? Not doubting you, but that would mean a whole fairly big pile of money already. It would entail moving to a lower cost locale (ie. not SF/NYC), but certainly doable. It would also mean tapping everything besides my IRA. I'm not really worried about layoffs. It's more that I would like to be prepared. Also, even if I can survive financially, I'd rather avoid going without an income for any extended period. In terms of small/medium companies, it really seems like most of them outside tech don't value IT at all. If they even have developers, they seem to underpay them. This might just be my bias though. I appreciate the advice and will be sure to include a few smaller non-tech companies in my next job search.
- mgkimsal 10y ago
  if you're already in an area where those are viable options (goog, fb, etc), then by all means. I made an assumption you'd prefer to move out there to chase a job there. good luck to you whatever happens!