I started this blog years ago when I first began to suspect that creating software in corporate IT was different from creating software in a software company. I called IT the dark side of technology, based on a belief that the fact that IT products are generally not sold on a free market and therefore is incentivized in completely different ways, generally to the detriment of their work product and the skill and engagement of IT workers themselves.
Well, eventually I found my way out. I work at a real software company, and I have for 13 months now. So, now seems like an appropriate time to answer the question I knew was coming: Is the grass really greener on the other side.
There’s no doubt of the answer. Hell yes.
I love it here. I hope I never have to go back.
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6 responses so far ↓
1 Jim Hazen // Dec 2, 2009 at 8:49 pm
David,
Why don't you describe the differences and Pro's & Con's of each for you. I've been in both and find them relatively the same. Both have their problems and benefits, but in general the software world is just kinda screwy. But it can be fun and when things do go right it is very self gratifying to be involved in it. And as you know it is never a dull moment with some of the "characters" that can be involved.
Jim
2 davidray // Dec 3, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Hi Jim,
We have simple, effective communication channels.
While this is perhaps not as detailed an analysis as you'd like, here are the differences that have been important to me:
1) I feel valuable to the company. I'm not treated like a cost center anymore – I think this is because I'm not. I'm directly tied to my company's revenue.
2) People listen to my recommendations. I don't always win, but when I lose it's because of what's best for the company, not because of what's politically expedient for my management chain.
3) I like my work. A lot of this is because of how important it is that we stay current. We're always close to the edge, and that is fun.
4) I don't have a lot of meetings. When we meet, it's because we have to, not because it's someone's mandate or best practice.
5) My leaders understand my job and actually grok the issues I face.
6) My leadership is under the same pressure to stay current in their responsibilities as I am and they do it.
7) We focus on execution and delivery.
None of these things were true in any of the corporate IT work I've done.
Dave
3 Michael Kelly // Dec 3, 2009 at 1:46 pm
w00t
4 Dennis Gorelik // Dec 6, 2009 at 10:58 am
David, all these things you mentioned are definitely nice to have, but what about bottom line?
Is $$ per hour you spend working better than you had it while working for the dark side?
5 davidray // Dec 8, 2009 at 2:37 am
Well Dennis, that may be your bottom line but it's not mine. I'm much more concerned about the long term impact of a job I hate on my health, wealth, and happiness than I am about a paycheck.
That said, the pay is about the same. One major difference though – if we're successful there's a heck of a lot more upside than in IT. Conversely, failure is a lot rougher too.
6 Wendy // Dec 26, 2009 at 7:43 am
I am glad to hear that.
This is my first time to come here.
I think you work happily now,right?How lucky are you!
Many people can't find job which does he like,so they work unhappily,just for the money.
So,treasure your work！
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