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Give it up for a startup.com
Karin Call
October 9, 2000
Let's face it, Information Technology professionals just don't buy into the theory of company longevity. After all, who needs a gold watch when the correct time appears right on the computer? Many IT professionals are open to new opportunities such as those an Internet startup can offer. Yet we don't switch jobs on a whim either. Nor do we necessarily hold out for the highest bidder. (I, personally, could be bought. But I digress.)
Changing CourseThere are new job opportunities for everyone in the IT workforce. Ken Ramberg, co-founder of Jobtrak.com was quoted on MSN.com as saying, "The Information Technology Association of America estimates that, of the 1.6 million IT jobs available, 800,000 will go unfilled because there aren't enough IT professionals to fill them."
Chances are, with the upcoming round of holiday parties close at hand, you will be accosted by a salivating IT Recruiter who wants you all to herself. And, chances are, she will want you for an Internet startup. No doubt it involves a wildly interesting and exciting position. But the company’s situation probably will be very insecure.
Decisions, DecisionsSo, the morning after the party, you are faced with a wonderful opportunity to change jobs, to join an Internet startup company. Do you really want to ditch your current steady for a possible one-night stand? Maybe. Think about your current job. Ask yourself these questions.
- Do you watch the clock? Is the guy in the next cubicle keeping you awake by throwing erasers at your head? Maybe your computer alarm is set to go off at 15-minute intervals, just to keep you humming. Boredom isn't healthy or attractive.
- Has your performance gone downhill due to lack of motivation? If quality of work and production has declined, either fix it or move on before someone notices. This is your career we're talking about!
- Did your boss refuse to send you to that Novell certification class last month because he's afraid he's going to lose you? By keeping you untrained and close to home, he plans on keeping you employed forever, at his dead-end, monotonous, behind-the-times company. Makes sense, doesn't it?
The Grass Isn't Necessarily GreenerHey, it's a startup that wants you. Its reputation most likely does not proceed it. You need to investigate thoroughly before jumping over the fence. Having watched all those "Columbo" reruns will finally come in handy. Notice the details.
- What do you personally know about the people at the helm of the company? Or what can you find out? Ask around. Someone must know these people.
- What company information can you scare up on the Internet? Find out about the startup’s fiscal health and read its business plan from cover to cover, if you can get it. This should include a description of the business, as well as information regarding marketing, management, and financial planning.
- What is their reputation and their work ethic? Does it coincide with yours? Let me rephrase that: you'll want to know if they have a moral work ethic. Or, are they the type to leave you hanging by your own printer cable when they go under?
The PayoffJob changes are often centered on the tangibles: more pay, training opportunities, better benefits, IPO options, and bonuses.
But how about considering the intangibles? Such as:
- Having a better opportunity to succeed. Do these people want you to learn, grow and enjoy what you are working on? They can offer you training, but will they allow you the time off with a smile?
- Does your opinion count? Or do they give you one of those vigorous head nods and a half-baked smile and move on to other decisions?
- Look for an atmosphere conducive to your personality type (be it casual, creative, flexible, or predictable). Visit the company on several occasions to get the feel for the atmosphere.
- Do they understand what you do? Many times IT professionals have been asked to producea result that even Merlin the Magician couldn't tackle.
- Free pizza. Okay, this one really is an intangible, once you know where I'm going with it. I mean, sure you can afford your own pizza. You can even pick up the cell phone and order it yourself. But wouldn't it be nice if the company just up and provided dinner for you? After all, you've put in a full 20-hour day to pull them through yet another crisis. Are they content to watch you faint dead away while you bust your behind trying to make them look good?
Final CurtainThere’s a lot to take into consideration. Staff directories change with the wind these days. But that doesn't mean you need to hit the road - unless the new venture is truly right for you. Besides, there will be another opportunity that presents itself to you before long. And no matter which way you turn, it's nice to be in demand. Let's enjoy it while we can.
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