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Ask HN: I recently dropped out of school. What should I do in the mean time?

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Re: Ask HN: I recently dropped out of school. What should I do in the mean time?

#11

Post by fredophile »

freshcsgrad wrote: post #8
MalcolmDiggs wrote: post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Agreed, I would heed this warning. It's not that companies (necessarily) intend to make offers they can't keep... it's that unexpected things happen and circumstances change. I always say that the job offer isn't firm until you've received your first paycheck.

Is this really a big issue? Im in the US and the offer is from a silicon valley company thats doing ok.

I'd consider it an issue. Most companies that are hiring are hiring for immediate needs. Did they explain why they want you but don't want you now? Make sure you understand their reasons so you can assess the risk. Are they counting on funding coming in or an increase in revenue? Funding doesn't always come and business plans change.

Re: Ask HN: I recently dropped out of school. What should I do in the mean time?

#12

Post by mcv »

freshcsgrad wrote: post #8
MalcolmDiggs wrote: post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Agreed, I would heed this warning. It's not that companies (necessarily) intend to make offers they can't keep... it's that unexpected things happen and circumstances change. I always say that the job offer isn't firm until you've received your first paycheck.

Is this really a big issue? Im in the US and the offer is from a silicon valley company thats doing ok.

Why won't the job start for another 6 months? Get a good answer to that.

And things can move fast in Silicon Valley. Maybe they now think they honestly need you in 6 months, but in 6 months, that could change. And they still have 6 months to find someone better or cheaper.

The same goes the other way aroundd of course. A job offer now is worth a lot more than one in 6 months. You could find a better job and not be available in 6 months. If they really need you, I'd expect them to hire you sooner. Maybe in one or two months. Some companies operate slower than others, but 6 months? That's a lot.

If I were you, I'd try to fill those 6 months with another job or with freelance work. That gets you money and experience. If the other offer is still there in 6 months, you can still quit the temporary job.

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