When I switched jobs a few months back I truly intended to blog about the job change here. But as often happens with blogs I got too busy and never did it. So now, as I enter my 5th month at the new company I will sum up the differences between my former job and my current one. I will refer to the new company as XYZ and the old company as Widgets.
The web sites
The sites I work on are no longer driven by ad revenue, but instead by the client’s whims. The websites now have major project management; I am not sure if that is a blessing or curse. Graphic designers still same- they design for print, not web. But I think most of the designers at XYZ are more talented than those at Widgets. XYZ is not nearly as cutting edge or technologically forward as Widgets, which is somewhat of a bummer for me. But it does provide me the opportunity to bring them forward as much as I can.
The work environment
Widgets has a more casual, laid back – definite internet start-up feel. XYZ is an agency, so I am told it has an agency feel, which must explain what it is about the environment that I just can’t put a finger on. At widgets there was always a lot of joking, laughing and general camaraderie; not so much at XYZ. But, then again, we are here to work, not have a good time. Widgets has Friday bagels, Friday matinee, Friday grill-out (in the summer), Tea club, and 3 o’clock chocolate (although I am not sure if all of these things still exist); XYZ has monthly events arranged by an event committee, and Meet your neighbors (interesting way to meet new people).
XYZ is located downtown, which is phenomenally different than the burbs where widgets is. Although I have been working on site a lot with the “client” so that has been yet another experience.
The people
Widgets has tons of great people. It has been said that the people really make Widgets what it is, and I think that is true. XYZ has some great people too, but it has taken longer to get to know them, and there are significantly less “techie” people, which limits the people I directly relate to/interact with. From a programming/web technology standpoint Widgets has some really brilliant people, XYZ, not so much. But that is to be expected as the websites they produce are not nearly as dynamic as those Widgets does. At XYZ I have had the opportunity to work with all sorts of people I haven’t before: Information Architects, Business Analysts, Copywriters, and, of course Project Managers.
The opportunities
I had no opportunities fro growth at Widgets. At XYZ new opportunities are already opening up for me. After a very short time of being with XYZ they footed the bill for me to go to a conference – something not very likely from Widgets.
Summary
A job is a job. There are pros and cons everywhere, I really think the most important thing is to enjoy where you are and learn as much as you can from each experience. And you can always start your own 3 o’clock chocolate club.