5 ms·

"I just watched someone turn down one of these breakout companies because Microsoft offered him $30k per year more in salary—that was a terrible decision. He w

"I just watched someone turn down one of these breakout companies because Microsoft offered him $30k per year more in salary—that was a terrible decision. He will not build interesting things and may not work with smart people." Quite the blanket statement. Microsoft is a gigantic company, it will greatly depend on the team they're on. One great advice, be around smart and ambitious people. This is contagous and helps motivation.

wyager 12y ago
It also ignores the fact that working somewhere can always get you experience with which to do great things later on.
semerda 12y ago
I agree. Building an OS or associated platform/cloud software at MS requires some clever brains/engineering. That will be more rewarding from an experience point than building another link sharing web app / a regurgitated clone.
- Namrog84 12y ago
  I agree with you both and that's what I'm hoping for. I start in 1 week at MS to work on some cloud related software. I sure hope it's interesting/rewarding!
  - semerda 12y ago
    Congrats! One advise I can give you (assuming you are a graduate) is DO NOT focus on the money, just focus on building your skills & experience. But don't let anyone take advantage of that either. Sooner or later you will demand a premium when you are a rockstar! Connect with as many people as possible and ask a ton of questions. "He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever. ~ Chinese Proverb"
bunkat 12y ago
But if he works at Microsoft, then the VCs won't be able to extract value from him and make their money (especially painful when they lose a 20 something willing to work 90 hours weeks). Sure he might be happier, but think about the VCs! This is why it was a terrible decision.
UK-AL 12y ago
I found that odd. Microsoft probably has some of the best engineers in the industry.
- semerda 12y ago
  I cannot comment as a whole industry but I can say that the MS guys I worked with & hired in SV were one of the best engineers in the company. Far far switched on & capable then the larger group of hacky script kiddies from Yahoo who only knew how to copy & paste.

wyager 12y ago

It also ignores the fact that working somewhere can always get you experience with which to do great things later on.

semerda 12y ago

I agree. Building an OS or associated platform/cloud software at MS requires some clever brains/engineering. That will be more rewarding from an experience point than building another link sharing web app / a regurgitated clone.

Namrog84 12y ago
I agree with you both and that's what I'm hoping for. I start in 1 week at MS to work on some cloud related software. I sure hope it's interesting/rewarding!
- semerda 12y ago
  Congrats! One advise I can give you (assuming you are a graduate) is DO NOT focus on the money, just focus on building your skills & experience. But don't let anyone take advantage of that either. Sooner or later you will demand a premium when you are a rockstar! Connect with as many people as possible and ask a ton of questions. "He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever. ~ Chinese Proverb"

bunkat 12y ago

But if he works at Microsoft, then the VCs won't be able to extract value from him and make their money (especially painful when they lose a 20 something willing to work 90 hours weeks). Sure he might be happier, but think about the VCs! This is why it was a terrible decision.

UK-AL 12y ago

I found that odd. Microsoft probably has some of the best engineers in the industry.

semerda 12y ago
I cannot comment as a whole industry but I can say that the MS guys I worked with & hired in SV were one of the best engineers in the company. Far far switched on & capable then the larger group of hacky script kiddies from Yahoo who only knew how to copy & paste.