Google Seattle vs. Kirkland
I'm in the process of team matching after already signing my offer. However I have found out that there are more teams I've matched with for the Kirkland location compared to Fremont which is my preferred location (family nearby, know the area well, like being close to downtown). Does anyone have any advice/opinions about choosing a mediocre team in my preferred location compared to maybe a better one in Kirkland? I'm a new grad relocating here for reference.
I'd stick with a good team over good location. You are more likely to succeed and then transfer. If you don't feel a good fit with the team, it might be harder to work with your manager and perform well.
+1
Agree! I’m not at Google but the commute from Seattle to Kirkland isn’t far enough to compromise on a good team fit. You can still live in Fremont. I have a longer commute than that to live where I want. Pick the good team over a short drive and use your commute to listen to books and podcasts.
Dude, you really don’t want to go everyday to work to a mediocre team not being passionate about what you are doing, waiting your pay check. This is the easiest way to destroy your career early. If I were in your shoes where I’m a fresh grad joining a new company like google. I would put the learning first. You can choose your preferred field. that will be much harder later when you are more senior as you have to show impact which will be hard with the learning curve. You work most of your day so working on something you are passionate about worth it. You can make it to a senior in a very short period and triple your salary, have a greater scope if you got all good ratings than if you got bad ratings and tried to make for it.
Pick Kirkland.
Pick the team. There will probably be a big shuffle once the new office opens next year anyway
From what I've heard is that everyone in kirkland is staying there, only those in Fremont are moving to SLU (which that location is also preferable)
Go for a good team and take shuttles. It only takes ~20 mins one way.
There's only one Gbus route that goes to Kirkland from Seattle once an hour. And everywhere I look that 20 minute number seems like the minimum and especially more time coming back from the east side
new grad - time to learn the ropes of the industry, there is more to development than just writing good code. Family life is important and contributes to the longer satisfied jobs by unwinding the daily work stress. Your decision is not only based on opportunity, but also what you plan your career in next 2 years, 5 years and 10 years. What kind of role would you like to keep doing or like to grow ahead and plan accordingly. Whatever you choose, Best wishes on your job.
Ask if you can join a team at one location but work in the other. In some cases they’re fine with that.
That would be a tough sell for a fresh college grad.
Ah true. If the team is fairly split it might fly. Even asking to work closer to home 1 day a week. No harm asking. Worst they can say is no.