Tech IndustryJul 6, 2018
VMware$ha1

Time to switch?

Been at VMware for 4 years - first job out of school. Have been fortunate enough to work on interesting projects so far under a decent manager who usually looks out for me. Pay is good and even though there are some duds around, the team's done a good job of bringing in some kick-ass devs in the last few years. Overall, I'm happy here...I think Lately, I have had many people tell me that it's unwise to spend too much time at one place - the tech industry moves way too fast and sticking at one place for far too long can render you rigid and obsolete. My question is what constitutes a genuine reason to switch? Is 4-5 years really that long? Tc: 250k

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Oscar tc/gtfo Jul 6, 2018

Yes. Move around. Don’t be the frog in the well.

VMware $ha1 OP Jul 6, 2018

I guess I will be moving eventually. But don't wanna move just for the sake of moving.

Oscar tc/gtfo Jul 6, 2018

Here is how I determine when I should move. Am I too comfortable? Am I not learning as much as I should? Am I not doing what other larger scale projects are doing? Are the people around me becoming toxic? Am I ready to start from scratch? Also, am I not making as much as I should? The only place I’d stay long is my own business. That would be my real career. I hope this helps. Obviously if suppose you have a family to support, you do want to consider wlb and paycheck.

Microsoft Sct909 Jul 6, 2018

TC?

Microsoft montypytho Jul 6, 2018

Don’t leave because people tell you to. Leave if you feel that you have exhausted your current workplace and can’t grow any longer, or you feel that you are in a comfort zone for too long, or if you simply feel that you have had enough of that place and you are ready to move on. A decent manager that looks after you, kick ass colleagues that you can learn from is not something to be taken for granted.

VMware $ha1 OP Jul 6, 2018

Thanks montypytho. This is great advice.

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albion Jul 6, 2018

Agreed with montypytho. Plus, VMware is a solid company. It’s not liked you stayed at Groupon or Cisco for a decade

VMware $ha1 OP Jul 6, 2018

Got an ex- Groupon in the team. The way he describes his stint there sounds like a toxic relationship 😉

Nielsen DrSpark Jul 6, 2018

TC or GTFO

Box Voldy Jul 6, 2018

Imho you dnt leave a company, you leave a manager. As long as you like ur manager , i would suggest sticking to your job. What if u move and have a shitty manager??? Good managers are hard to come by, and remember grass is always greener on the other side

VMware $ha1 OP Jul 6, 2018

That's my thought too. I think my current manager is setting a high bar for all future managers ;)

NAVEX Global HollaBackG Jul 6, 2018

If you like it there and are happy with your TC, don’t leave. You could end up changing jobs and hating your new one.

VMware $ha1 OP Jul 6, 2018

Agreed