What're GSUs?
Ask HN: Should I take this Google job offer?
21–30 of 106 posts
Re: Ask HN: Should I take this Google job offer?
#22I'm guessing your no name poly is actually De Montfort university in Leicester? It was a dump back in 1999 when I got my 2.1 CompSci degree. An old friend of mine from uni moved from the UK to SanFran to work for Lucas Arts and I think it was the best move he ever made. So, seems like a good move. Good luck!
Re: Ask HN: Should I take this Google job offer?
#23Depends on the project you're going work in Google.
Re: Ask HN: Should I take this Google job offer?
#24Do it. $110k is lower than you might get elsewhere, but it shouldn't matter for this reason:
* Compared to Microsoft, Apple, etc... $110k for somebody coming on a visa is still a good deal. If you're local to the valley, then sure you can get a higher number. Nonetheless, this is still competitive.
* If $110k is "too low" for you to live off, even with a family in the valley, you're doing something wrong. Newsflash: there are people here who aren't software engineers (but other educated, technical intelligentsia types) and they live just fine on $70-90k (this is what a physicist I knew at Intel was making, for example).
* Working at Google increases your market value tremendously. As does being local to the valley and having a visa.
* Working for a well-funded, mid-to-late stage startup is another attractive option in the valley (that's what I am doing and I am very happy where I am), but that is hypothetical: you have an offer in your hand from Google and they're sponsoring you from a visa. Take it; if you don't like after a few years, your options are plentiful (if you don't get a raise at Google -- and I'd be surprised if that's the case -- you'll easily be able to get a higher salary elsewhere).
Re: Ask HN: Should I take this Google job offer?
#25Google's offer: Useless. Moving to the bay area: Priceless. Go for it!
Re: Ask HN: Should I take this Google job offer?
#26110k is way too low, they are definitely lowballing you. If you think you are good, you should be making at least 130k-140k+, so I am sure you can negotiate that. If they don't come up on salary, you still can do the following: 1. Join google, work hard, get some experience, make some friends, then 2. Few months (or years) later, look for better opportunity with a better pay. It would be easier for you to find anothe…
Perhaps, but the effect of the GSUs (and annual bonuses) would likely more than make up for any sort of lowballed salary.
Re: Ask HN: Should I take this Google job offer?
#27Re: Ask HN: Should I take this Google job offer?
#28I would say "do it." Working for Google is a dream to many developers/engineers. Their reputation is generally pretty good. Career wise? If you don't end up liking it (or think that the salary is too low), you'll be in the Bay area with a visa, Google on your resume and 12+ years of experience (assuming you'll be with Google for at least a year). I would bet your chances of getting another kickass job would be a lot…
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Re: Ask HN: Should I take this Google job offer?
#29Seems a bit low for the Bay Area, but this is subjective and depends on what else they are giving you in terms of perks (free food, etc.) Someone else said rent was $1500. I lived in the Bay Area for 10 years and $1500 gets you a 1BR apartment (maybe 2BR if you want to live south or east). It gets you a share if you want to live in San Francisco. For a house, you are looking at $3K+.
You can get houses for under $3k if you're okay with the south bay, and not falling apart ones in ghettoes either. Santa Clara and San Jose have plenty of 2br houses around $1500, and nice 3br houses in the $2000-2500 range. You only have to go to $3k+ if you want more like 4-5br, or a particularly upscale city (Palo Alto, Los Gatos, etc.).
Re: Ask HN: Should I take this Google job offer?
#30What're GSUs?
Apparently "Google Stock Units" are restricted stock rather than options. If they vest over five years (I don't actually know but this is common elsewhere), 200 shares will be an extra $20k/year or more. Well, unless their stock tanks.