> And if you come across such an environment and are offered a spot the consider it carefully, even if it isn't the highest paying offer. Also be aware that pl

> And if you come across such an environment and are offered a spot the consider it carefully, even if it isn't the highest paying offer. Also be aware that places aren't always what they seem. Several times, I've made the big decision to go to the place I want to be, with the people I want to work with and learn from. The majority of times, great things followed. But don't get overconfident. One really bad move can wipe out all the others. If I had to pick some guidelines from my small number of data points: * Avoid the places where everyone has to be a kind of salesperson or evangelist, even for something that should have merit. (Manipulators and liars will thrive, and corrupt.) * Be cautious when considering going to a magnet for the privileged and status-seeking. (I actually had a great experience at one of them, and still think well of it, but most are mixed at best.) * Listen carefully to your mentor-types, when they hint that a move you're considering is a bad move. (They might not want to discourage you in some dream. So they might pause, have a note in their voice of concern rather than enthusiasm, and say carefully-worded advice for how to do well there. But it's advice they shouldn't have to give, unless something is very wrong with the place.)