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Ask HN: Why shouldn't I leave Google?

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Re: Ask HN: Why shouldn't I leave Google?

#121

Post by kmicklas »

throwaway-1209 wrote: post #88
kmicklas wrote: post #83

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> If you sign a contract, you are saying you're alright with it. No, you are saying you don't want to be unemployed and starve on the streets. > Good luck in life but those of us who stand by our word want nothing to do with you. Standing by your word to other human beings is of course a commendable quality, standing by your word to corporations, not so much.

No one in our industry will "starve on the streets" in the foreseeable future. They may have to take a smaller paycheck with a contract that doesn't have the clauses they don't like, but let's not engage in histrionics here. And I agree with the parent, your choice of language is inappropriate and tiresome. You're posting to a forum read by literally thousands of people you're calling "bootlickers". Not smart.

As I said, signing such a contract doesn't make you a bootlicker. (I have signed such a contract myself.) But I can't for the life of me understand why people are feeling bad for working on side projects and not wanting to have the rights signed over to their corporate overlords. That's just a depressing ethical framework to live your life by. (Obviously I'm not talking about the Lewandowski espionage type case.)

Re: Ask HN: Why shouldn't I leave Google?

#124

Post by sandipagr »

I cannot recommend traveling highly enough. I was in a similar spot as you and left Google last year in February to travel. The plan was to travel for 6 months but I ended up doing it for 11 months.

After returning back in January this year, I joined a super early stage startup and couldn't be more happier.

You are in a great position. Do what you really want to do and don't let fear hold you back. Life is too short to spend time on things you don't really enjoy. Feel free to reach out (email in profile) if you want to chat more.

Re: Ask HN: Why shouldn't I leave Google?

#125

Post by Klockan »

lbatx wrote: post #100
yongjik wrote: post #72

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This links sums up nicely why that's the only practical way for software companies: https://www.joelonsoftware.com/2016/12/09/developers-side-pr... > Your game designer works for a year and invents 7 games. At the end of the year, she sues you, claiming that she owns 4 of them, because those particular games were invented between 5pm and 9am, when she wasn’t on duty. > Ooops. That’s not what you meant. You wanted to…

Sorry, this isn't the only practical way for software companies. There are three main approaches: no mention at all (vague and bad for all parties), ownership of all related ideas developed on company time/company equipment [this is the only type of contract I will sign], and the company owns everything you do at any time. Since both #2 and #3 have been used by companies, clearly #3 can't be the "only practical way".…

> Also, if you are hiring her for game design, then off hours, she can't design games, because that is directly competitive.

Isn't that basically the same as saying that all games she design belongs to the company?

Re: Ask HN: Why shouldn't I leave Google?

#126

Post by king_kerr »

You're 26 with a skill-set that's in demand and you've worked for a company that will give you some clout moving forward. So you should be fine in that regard. If you're truly passionate about starting your own business, that'll win out in the long run. Don't pressure yourself into making a decision prematurely. Take your time. Maybe write down all the pros and cons for both staying and leaving. At the end of the day, making a well-informed decision is what I'd like to see anyone do in this situation. Living with regrets can be tough and you owe it to yourself to pursue your dreams.

Re: Ask HN: Why shouldn't I leave Google?

#128

Post by lbatx »

Klockan wrote: post #125
lbatx wrote: post #100

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Sorry, this isn't the only practical way for software companies. There are three main approaches: no mention at all (vague and bad for all parties), ownership of all related ideas developed on company time/company equipment [this is the only type of contract I will sign], and the company owns everything you do at any time. Since both #2 and #3 have been used by companies, clearly #3 can't be the "only practical way".…

> Also, if you are hiring her for game design, then off hours, she can't design games, because that is directly competitive. Isn't that basically the same as saying that all games she design belongs to the company?

Yes, and it fits into option #2. It is work directly related to the company. And?

Re: Ask HN: Why shouldn't I leave Google?

#130

Post by ixacto »

It is a great workspace. Probably the best you will ever be able to work at, if you value stability and having a paycheck. But thE goog employment contract is more like a cult or indentured servitude, and really gives you insight to what is going through their minds as far as their Human Resources.

So give it to them right back, and don't lick the corporate boots. I'd work hard (or at least look like it) because they pay you well, but that's it. Every day you should be thinking about your next venture or startup, once you have something mvp profitable just quit and do that. You can find another sw job, startup, grad school or whatever but you cannot get your life back. Don't waste it on the safe option.

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