Company Hopping

This is directed at professionals, not kiddies. A few years ago, jumping from company to company was a good way for a programmer to increase their income and improve their position quickly. Today, it isn't quite that way. The economy for software companies isn't quite what it was and the ease of "company hopping" isn't on the same level.

So this week, having been presented with a potential opportunity I am skeptical. The company in question is a self proclaimed "start-up" and as we all know these are semi-unstable right now. My current company is nothing to write home about either but I feel that the job is secure for at least a couple more years. What are your feelings on how we should now approach these opportunities as programmers?

I would stay away from "start-ups" unless you're sure they're starting up something worthwhile - without the bubble most of that junk sinks fast. If you have good security where you are, I'd lean towards staying.

Getting in a good start-up would be great, though - it depends on whether or not they've got a snowball's chance in hell of being around next year at this time.

that's why I'm iffy about this. I actually had a bad Start-up experience. 6 months with a company, didn't get paid for 6 of those weeks, then the company went away.

I thought I would go interview anyway, just to listen if nothing more.

That's a safe way to do it - just check 'em out. Keep us posted.

Try this:
Imagine the worst-case scenario if you decided to join this start-up. Now how much money out of your own pocket would you be willing to bet that this scenario would not happen? This gives you a different way of looking at the situation. (It's similar to a technique I learned in software management)

What advantages does the new company have over you current one? Despite the amount people go on about it, money isn't everything, quality of life is more important, imho.

For example, if I went to work in the "city" doing contracting, I could easily triple my wage (and no, I'm not boasting). Just recently some of my fellow workers did just that. But here I am, still content. There are of course various reasons why I stay where I am, and I believe you should consider all the options before deciding.

But anyway, an interview is a good thing, even if they offer you a job, you don't have to take it.

hammer, I couldn't agree more. I'm not one to always think the grass is greener somewhere else. I am somewhat happy here. Things aren't really that great though.

There are multiple things that could draw me away if they came up. more money of course, nicer environment, higher position (team lead perhaps), and promise of better self-improvement. But I guess what I was after is being answered. Developers don't find their careers to be guaranteed no matter how they jump around anymore do they. too bad I didn't get an earlier start.

Will you be happier in your new job?

I have done studies in this field (as the boss).

It doesnt matter one bit about more cash, as long as you are happy.

You need to decide, will I be happy doing this new job? If not stick where you are like glue!

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too bad I didn't get an earlier start.

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My sentiment exactly. I work for a small company that hands me pretty much everything (except for more money:p). If only I had more experience under my belt I could be working for a larger company and probably less drained, too...:mad:

:D...let me know if you turn down the startup. :D

UPDATE:

well guys, got back from the interview. It's definitely a start-up and the building is only half finished. They're looking for guys to do .NET stuff.

The interview went very well and they have a good idea just what I already know about Win32 and other programming topics... but I probably set the asking price too high. They didn't seem prepared to pay me what I ask. That's fine though. If they don't then it probably wouldn't have been worth the gamble anyway. Thanks for all your input guys.