Leaving a comfortable job to learn more
I started my job search after being contacted by Google and am going through the process with them now. i was going to stop there but the more i realized, as much as Akamai treats me so well and pays well, I have stagnated in my growth and learning. i also have not touched any of the technology i feel i need to keep up with to stay current (aws, azure, docker, kubernetes). so.... i expanded my job search. i am SRE at Akamai and interviewing now at google for TSE ( technical solutions engineer ). I decided to start putting my resume out there for DevOps positons and more versatile SRE teams since i want to do more coding and work with cloud, containers, etc. i feel kind of bad looking because Akamai has treated me really well. I turned down an AWS offer to be a systems engineer about 2 years ago to stay at Akamai. Now i have interviews set up with AWS, oracle, etc, as well as some startups. it has generated a lot of interest and i cant help feel like i need to move on to advance my skills. thoughts?
I had a similar thought process. By the time you go through the job searching process, you will get over it. It is best to move on. That is what I decided after months of consideration.
Were you able to amicably part at your old job? Are you still in good standing with them?
I hope so. I haven’t given my notice yet.
When it comes to choosing between growth and comfort always choose growth if your personal circumstances allow it. It’s good for the soul, you’d feel more fulfilled, intellectually stimulated and probably earn more TC in the process as your value will go up with new relevant skills learned! Do it! I am doing the same right now and couldn’t be happier to be challenged. Part amicably with Akmai and keep in touch with your old boss and colleagues. Keep it classy!
This is pretty much how I’m feeling right now!
Sorry for the slightly negative post. I just interviewed a guy who was doing the same work for 9 years. I know he’s pretty good at what he does. He didn’t get the job. Reason is in today’s economy employers want to hire people who can quickly adapt and learn new things. It doesn’t mean learning the latest technical skills only (yes, it’s important), sometimes other aspects matter more to your personal growth. For example, an engineer with 10 years experience, has he ever been in customer meetings? Does she have project management skills? Etc..
I agree with you which is why I am even getting interviews for some of these positions that require Technolgies I haven’t touched. They must be seeing potential to learn it. I have learned much at Akamai in my 3 years here but I feel like I’m at a point of plateauing and not moving in the direction I want to
Feeling the same way. Maybe someone can chime in how to start those awkward type of discussions with managers. Hate to have the perception or feeling “biting the hand that feeds you”.
Wtf? You are not a dog.
Just an analogy... or back stabber or w/e.
I’m halfway through Google’s interview process and may go there because the salary is so much higher. In today’s financial climate you have to look out for yourself and your career. Even if you feel like your current company has treated you well, after one bad quarter they might do layoffs without a second thought. Just leave on good terms - tell your boss that you were given an offer that more aligns with your career goals, and thanks for everything I learned here, etc., etc.
You don't owe them anything. Loyalty should be reserved for people, not corporate entities. I. E. you may owe your boss and your peers, but not akamai.
I am exactly in the same situation. Have a comfortable job with great WLB. And then there’s the interviews for google TSE that’s coming up. While it’s a great feeling to get into FAANG however getting out of the comfort zone takes some time getting used to. It’s going to be a very hard decision to make.
You will have limited mobility opps if you join TSE, will be paid less than other eng roles as well
Mind sharing the TSE at Google details ? I am also on the verge of changing ships.
What if Akamai let’s you go because you’re not bringing anything new to the team? Every employee is dispensable. Just look out for your own growth, but if you are so attached, stay in touch with your manager and colleagues at Akamai.
I love the people plenty, type of folks I would go drink a beer with. I would say though there is a culture of anti-CI/CD, anti-virtualization and a preference to use in-house created solutions instead of industry programs out there. I have offered many ideas and promoted a lot but my ideology often clashes and I feel a bit like I am being held back from doing the work I want to do and the work I need to do to advance my skills
Not wanting to grow is not a good sign my friend :)