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What's fascinating for a company like Google in SV is no matter how good things are, you have to constantly fight to keep folks like John from trying their hand

by qasar 14y ago

What's fascinating for a company like Google in SV is no matter how good things are, you have to constantly fight to keep folks like John from trying their hand at early stage life. Overall I think it's great for the ecosystem. This type of non-traditional churn (where employers not only have to be the best of the "Big Co.s" but better than doing something completely on your) own pushes everyone to create environments that are not only innovative and rewarding but also fulfilling. Being a founder and now at Google (John and I started almost the same time and I know him well), I think what's notable about this post is when people usually write "Why I left Google" they are sometimes backhanded compliments or thinly veiled complaints. What John is saying "I had a great time and learned a lot but I still think starting a company is more interesting".

weareconvo 14y ago
Also he got stuck on the Internal Tools team, which is basically the gulag as far as getting noticed by the higher-ups and promoted.
- jmilinovich 14y ago
  not true- I was on the Google Analytics team and the Google Offers team before that.
  - weareconvo 14y ago
    You mentioned "internal programs", I just assumed. By the way, I worked at Google for 5+ years, then quit to do a startup. It's hard, but you're in good company. Word of advice: come up with a clever/funny answer ahead of time, because you're going to get a lot of "Wait, why would you quit Google?!?"
    - jmilinovich 14y ago
      That's great advice - the confluence of the opportunity, the team, and personal circumstance made this the perfect time for me to go after my dreams. Cheers, John
ikailan 14y ago
Worked with John briefly when he was with analytics. Great energy and I wish him the best (bummed he is leaving, though)! He's dead on about how much Google invests in their employees. The value of the things I have learned and am still continuing to learn here have been nearly unmatched. The best reason to join Google is that there's always something to learn, and some of the best mentors in the world to help you learn those things.

by qasar 14y ago

weareconvo 14y ago

Also he got stuck on the Internal Tools team, which is basically the gulag as far as getting noticed by the higher-ups and promoted.

jmilinovich 14y ago
not true- I was on the Google Analytics team and the Google Offers team before that.
- weareconvo 14y ago
  You mentioned "internal programs", I just assumed. By the way, I worked at Google for 5+ years, then quit to do a startup. It's hard, but you're in good company. Word of advice: come up with a clever/funny answer ahead of time, because you're going to get a lot of "Wait, why would you quit Google?!?"
  - jmilinovich 14y ago
    That's great advice - the confluence of the opportunity, the team, and personal circumstance made this the perfect time for me to go after my dreams. Cheers, John

ikailan 14y ago

Worked with John briefly when he was with analytics. Great energy and I wish him the best (bummed he is leaving, though)! He's dead on about how much Google invests in their employees. The value of the things I have learned and am still continuing to learn here have been nearly unmatched. The best reason to join Google is that there's always something to learn, and some of the best mentors in the world to help you learn those things.