OK, so I can finally tell you all why I made my blog private for a while. (And wow, I had no idea so many people read it until I got several emails asking why they couldn't get to it anymore!)
My last day at Microsoft will be July 6. That's right folks, after nearly 5 years, I am going to take a bit of a risk and work at a small startup in downtown Seattle. Part of the reason is that I want to focus on project management, which isn't really recognized as a separate position at Microsoft. Part of it is that after 6 months of working part-time, I'm ready to work full time again, and I want to put those hours into a job where I can see that I'm really making a difference. Microsoft is so huge that it's really hard to feel like my work is all that important.
So my new job starts July 9. If any of you have experience working at a startup, or any company with less than 30 people, I'd love to hear any advice you have!
I'll miss some things at Microsoft, like the free gym membership and my nonexistent commute. But luckily for me TJ still works there so I can get a lot of the benefits through him.
Here's to a new adventure!
Hey, congrats and good luck! I haven't worked for a startup that small (only on a project in bschool for a company that was even smaller, but that wasn't really "working"). I want details!
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad you'll be working full time by the time we visit you in Seattle, but that's ok. I'm sure we'll be there during the weekend sometime. I haven't finalized the dates yet because hubby has to figure out when something happens at work, which he should find out about by the end of next week, so we'll let you know then.
Anyway, I'm excited for you, and keep me posted!
-LL
Yay An! I never worked for a techie startup, but the firm I used to work for was only 7 people and less than a year old when I joined. Only real advice is don't get wrapped up in the company's finances or the personal drama. There is never enough money, and someone is always mad at someone else. Just do your thing! KB
ReplyDeleteCool! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the new job! It sounds like a great opportunity for you - good luck!
ReplyDeleteKristine
Yay! A new job. Best to ya. We will need to meet for lunch next week or so. Can I put in my order for 2 office standards?
ReplyDeleteCongrats!!! We should celebrate! John's first bit of advice for working in a small techie startup: expect madness and chaos, then be pleasantly surprised when they have their stuff together. And if they don't have their stuff together, just take it all in. He says he has learned a lot from the chaos at his office, and due to the small size of the office, has been able to actually help calm things down. Hurray for impact! Anyway, here's to you and your new adventure!
ReplyDeleteAnandi - I was wondering why you had been so quiet, now I know. Congrats on the new venture!
ReplyDeleteI work at a small start-up (this is our 3rd year) in Kent. It's a bio-tech company which isn't high tech but presents it's own unique challenges with regulatory requirements and a changing marketplace. After years of working in hospitals with 1,000+ employees coming here was a major change. I love some of the things about a small company like the close proximity and relationships I have developed with many of my colleagues. However, I was sure that the politics and red tape that had driven me crazy for years would not longer be a concern, but I was wrong. I think sometimes change can be even harder in a smaller organization than in a larger one.
My advice would be to tell you to not take on too much. It's really easy to end up wearing a whole lot of hats, especially when you prove to be overly capable. Just be careful that you don't take on too many extra tasks that doing your job becomes too cumbersome.
Best of luck to you!
Thanks everyone for your really great, thoughtful advice! And the good wishes.
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