One fine morning in first week of February I got a LinkedIn invite about opportunities at a budding startup looking for “me”. I was intrigued by the message — something about it was different than the run of the mill messages from recruiters. But I was happy with my corner office with a view doing Rails development and managing the AWS infrastructure for an energy consulting company. The people at the last company were really nice and friendly — almost like family and the work was good too. One could afford to have a good lifestyle both in terms of time and money. However I was so absorbed with fixing all the technical debt the company had accumulated over the years that there was no scope to understand the business. Also, the leadership was so absorbed with their business roles that there was no time on their hands to share business vision and status with the team.

I was conflicted between the two options of a great offer from a high tech startup with a promising team and a comfy job with its own craziness and quirks at a noble self financed company. The new job came with a lot of unknowns and the one I had gave me a sense of purpose, position, and some really nice big sunny windows!

Day 1 in to the new job and I’m starting to feel that I’ve made the right career decision. Working on sustainability projects was a great intent but if I can’t learn the first thing about energy there is little scope for real impact. With the startup it is in a space that clearly aligns with tech that I can understand, absorb, and excel with. Perfect fit to get a role that will be part product management and part product development.

Also, in comparison the startup seems to have one vision and every team member is aligned to that vision. Everyone can talk AWS and Cloud to varying degrees but everyone can. And thats important. Basic level of training is essential for employees to get them on the same page. So if you own or run a company — take note — conduct some form of orientation for new employees.

Employees are valuable. Team cohesion and mutual respect is critical. An aligned vision amongst all is going to allow for a path to grow.

More to follow…