A Googler who just resigned after 18 years reflects on the decline of the company he loved

dantheclamman@lemmy.world to Technology@lemmy.world – 715 points –
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Find a job you love and you’ll never work another day in your life. I believe that was Churchill.

I enjoy the line of work I’m in. I don’t always enjoy the companies that I do it in. Some are much better than others. It’s fine to like or even love where you work as long as you realize that you’re in what could easily become an abusive relationship at any time. Do your time and do it well but don’t go out of your way to do it. That’s what I strive for.

Indeed, loving the line of work that you're in is different from loving the company that you're in. It's a very important distinction to make.

Your company doesn't love you back. Someday they may find themselves needing to balance some numbers in a spreadsheet and out you go, regardless of how many years you've spent there and how much you love doing what they're asking you to do. In the meantime, they're using you how they see fit, not necessarily in the way that's best for you. You need to watch out for yourself.

I'm not saying you shouldn't try to get a job that you love, just make very sure that you're not misdirecting the love of your job to loving your company. It'll hurt when you find out it's not mutual and you may not be properly prepared for the subsequent job search.

Indeed, loving the line of work that you’re in is different from loving the company that you’re in. It’s a very important distinction to make.

That's what I meant.

You nailed it at the end. Loving a company, especially these days, is exactly how you end up overworked and underpaid. Like a job/company, don't love it.