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I wonder how much weather affects success, both for companies and individuals. I worked as a Data Science engineer in Seattle (startup), and just moved to San
by automatwon 10y ago
I wonder how much weather affects success, both for companies and individuals.
I worked as a Data Science engineer in Seattle (startup), and just moved to San Francisco this year (Google). I know this sounds trivial, but I think the more pleasant weather in the Bay Area is beneficial to my career. The lifestyle aspect is just icing on the cake.
I can't get up in the morning when it's rainy and cold. Of course, I do show up to work, just a little bit later in the day than if the weather was pleasant. I'm less refreshed. I think less clearly. I work less efficiently. I make more mistakes. I feel less healthy, because grogginess and caffeine consumption is positively correlated. That's the effect weather has day-to-day. Week-to-week, month-to-month, I can't help but avoid having S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) in Seattle. Occasionally, I'd have an Existential Crisis, to use the term lightly, questioning whether my work is meaningful, whether I've sold out on my passion for programming. It helps that I work at a Google, but San Francisco weather definitely makes me feel more excited for work.
Maybe things will change when I want to own a house. Until then, even if my take home pay minus cost of living in the Bay Area is lower than Seattle, the Bay Area is still a better payoff, both in finances and purposefulness.
- kbart 10y ago"I wonder how much weather affects success, both for companies and individuals." Weather has a very big influence on how one feels, but every person has different preference. I, for example, can't stand heat and sun (I get headaches, sleep problems, find it harder to focus etc). I love colder climates and it would be be very hard to convince me to move to CA, while I'd happily move to Norway or other northern country anytime.
- findjashua 10y agoStole the words right out of my mouth! Did a summer internship in Redmond, and realized how much the weather affects my happiness and psychological well-being. While SFBA weather is way better than Seattle, I still find it a bit cold/dreary for my liking. I really wish the tech hub was in San Diego instead, I'd move there in a heartbeat.
- automatwon 10y agoIf I ever create a startup, I would definitely move to SoCal. It's cheaper. There's more diversity. The restaurant scene, in my opinion, is better, too.
- nojvek 10y agoIts interesting to see your perspective. I lived in australia for 10 years. I did enjoy it but I had very bad migraines from the sun. Even when I am in bay area, I dread going out in the bright sunlight. I really like seattle due to its cloudy nature and misty rain. Rain does the opposite and makes me happy/calm instead.
- infinitone 10y agoHeh.. i guess no one told you about LA or San Diego then.
- automatwon 10y agoOh I love SoCal. It's just that my current employer is based out of San Francisco, and there is more opportunity in the company. I definitely try to be headquartered in LA if I ever form my own startup.