Why I Joined Thumbtack as an Android Engineer
In today’s technology-oriented world, there are in-numerous opportunities and industries to work in. After working as a software engineer for a few years, I knew there were a few things that were important to me:
- Growing as an Android engineer
- Working on something that I believed in
- Joining a company that puts its people first
Growing as an Android engineer
I wanted to join a company that focuses on native apps as key components to their system. As I started reading about Thumbtack, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the company actually puts out a native first experience. Being in the mobile app development space, it is quite clear to me that apps provide a richer user experience. Thumbtack leverages this by providing features that are actually unique to mobile apps which you wouldn’t even see on the mobile website. It showed Thumbtack’s commitment to native app development.
I was further impressed by an article I came across: Building a native design system specifically for native experience. Having a design system that is dedicated to native:
- Increases product quality
- Improves developer productivity
Having an emphasis on accessibility and design standards specific to Android and iOS, bolsters product quality. This type of design system provides standardization for various components to be built once and reused across multiple features and products. Thumbtack mobile developers eventually open-sourced their design library, and it is publicly available at Thumbprint. With this exposure, Thumbtack can fully accelerate one’s professional growth as a native engineer.
Another important aspect that I was looking for, in my next role as an Android engineer, was to work with an interactive and engaging group of folks — supporting each other to be better. Thumbtack has been an incredible choice in this regard for more than a few reasons. All the Android engineers meet once every week and discuss various aspects of the apps — both customer and pro apps. This gives me tremendous exposure outside my usual work. I work on the booking flow on the customer side. However, when it comes to developer experience, I am aware of many moving pieces at the company. I am able to create a huge impact by contributing to shared resources that are directly helpful across apps. Additionally, we have something called “lightning talks,” where people share tips and tricks in the Android world; it’s something I look forward to exploring with fellow developers. We’ve also watched the Google I/O event (virtually) together — which was fun!
One more thing I must share is the appreciation I have for other Android engineers; they provide an environment where everyone is helpful and friendly. People are always jumping in on open discussions, answering questions, and helping others remove potential roadblocks. Although this is not unique to just the Android team, it is definitely something I have enjoyed in the past year or so at Thumbtack.
I believe in Thumbtack
I’ve always wanted to work for a company that I believe in; it enables me to be my most authentic self and give my best. Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions that people make in their lives. Though the most expensive purchase in people’s lives, a home does not come with a manual. When I came across Thumbtack, I was fascinated by the idea of having a platform that connects quality professionals to customers looking to fix, maintain and improve their homes. Thumbtack has a unique opportunity in front of them to support customers in their home ownership journey while empowering small businesses nationwide to grow.
When I was looking for the next opportunity in my career, I wanted to challenge myself with a work environment that provides opportunities to build something impactful. Thumbtack has been that company where I can work on something meaningful, and I can proudly share my impact amongst my social circle. One clear example of this is launching On-Demand bookings, conveniently matching homeowners with vetted, independent pros within seconds in several categories. Within the first couple months of joining Thumbtack, I was able to directly contribute towards a major milestone for a booking experience for customers.
Thumbtack puts people first
You will find way too many reasons that clearly show Thumbtack puts its people first. They put in serious efforts taking care of their employees. One of the biggest perks for me is the WFH (Work From Home) policy. There’s a ton of flexibility that allows one to work in any time zone and have flexible working hours. I take my guitar lessons every Wednesday morning just before I start my work day. Thanks to zero commute, I can switch from my guitar class to a Zoom meeting within minutes. Although to be fair, I don’t actually do that — why? thanks to “no meetings Wednesdays” that are actually respected! Then there’s the summer as well as winter shutdown where everyone enjoys a week-long break.
Like I said, there are plenty of benefits here at Thumbtack, and I will wrap it up with this — 3 day off-sites every quarter. I get to chill and hangout with my fellow colleagues in-person, have some good food, hike, paint, do some yoga, and play games etc.
If you find this interesting, check out our open roles here.
