So, this life sure has a way of dishing out stuff I never expected...

Some of you already know I am not moving to Boston as expected.  Turns out the company doesn't need me.  They came to this conclusion after I told them they don't need me.  Go figure.  So, they agreed to keep paying me until the end of August at my full salary, and they'll keep my insurance going until February.  Not bad, really.  But it still left me with the 'oh sit, I need a job now' feeling.

I was a little freaked out.  After all, I have no degree and I didn't even graduate high school for real (I took a California High School Proficiency test, it's not even a GED).  The last time I was out of work, it took 5 months to land a job, and I nearly went bankrupt.

So, I put one, and exactly one, phone call into Cisco.  I thought maybe they would be interested in someone with my background.  After all, I kind of pioneered the market they call Application Delivery Controllers, and Cisco is finally getting serious in that market.

I've always looked up to Cisco.  I respect what they have done.  I see the best and brightest people working there in engineering.  They have an amazing ability to absorb companies and technology.

What followed was simply mind boggling. 

Not only did they offer me a job, for more money than I have ever made, and with a substantial sign-on bonus, they have 2 VPs calling me to pressure me into taking the job. These people have much better ways to spend their time, I'm sure.

I just got off the phone... turned them down.  It was the hardest call I have ever made.

While I was interviewing there, one of my friends who made it big at two other startups (Netli, Akamai) found out I was looking and put the full court press on to get me to join his new startup.  This guy has made well in excess of $250M at the previous startups.

Startups SUCK.  Long hours, limited resources, new and difficult problems to solve, and usually a lot of prima donnas that are hard to work with.  Plus, everybody is stressed to the max and tempers are short.  To sum it up in a word, PERFECT.

So, I just told Cisco I took the startup job, for less pay, no bonus, more hours, no 401K matching (hell, no 401K at all), no benefits.

Am I retarded?

The startup looks pretty solid, but it is a gamble.  I didn't think I had a gambling problem until about 30 minutes ago.  God help me.

-Fu

IN this economy everything is a risk.  Not sure I would feel all that secure over at Cisco.  From my stand point, I have seen alot of people come and go over there for a variety of reasons.  Of course, I have only met their sales people.   But go with your gut and don't look back.  Hopefully you do not have to start the new job just yet and you can live up the no work full pay you are getting.  Congrats

Congrats Fubar!   You went with your gut so just put your all into it and make it work!   

Best wishes!

Jeannie

I say go for it Fubar!!  Congratulations!

My husband and I took a gamble 16 years ago when we started our company.  We had no money, no insurance, and three months into it I got knocked up!!  ahhh the memories 

Beth

Thankfully, the old company will continue paying me whether I take a new job or not, so I get will get two paychecks for about 2 months (nice).  That helps.

Cisco has 60,000 employees.  Kind of hard to stand out in a crowd that size.  I'm not positive that translates to job security in this economy.

So, the new one is a gamble, but I think the possible rewards are worth the risk.  Worst case, we fail and I go back begging at Cisco.  If they want me today, they might still want me later.  The opportunity at this startup is more of a chance in a lifetime, where Cisco will likely be there next year.

Plus, if this startup actually succeeds, I really will be able to buy that OUCH yacht.  They are giving me .25% of a company that could potentially sell for several billion dollars.  The VP I am working with believes we will have failed if it sells for less than $1B, and seeing that the revenue projections are near that annually, it should do well.

So, if someone asked you to walk away from a secure job with ridiculous pay to go to a startup for ~reasonable~ salary and a reasonable chance of making you $25,000,000 in four years, what would you say?

Initially, I said no and accepted the Cisco job.  Then the startup offered me a 4 day work week... that pushed me over the edge.  I'm taking the gamble now.

We shall see... looks like long days ahead.

Yeah, go with what everyone else says!! I am so bad about taking risks and the point last hired, first fired is a good one. Good luck with your new job!

Charlotte

Quote:



Can I be your new bestest friend???  LOL

Wow... one day out of work, the next day, two great options! I think you've made a good choice.  Good luck to ya!!!

with warm regards,
Tony

Shawn,

I have regular ones.

You have big, steel ones.

Good on ya.

Brew

Yeah, we might want to take a ride in that yacht some day. That is if you are still speaking to us peons in four years. It is worth the risk. You made the right choice I think.

Shawn,
You're obviously good at what you do......whatever that thingamajig was, you've done the Corporate world, yourinstincts are good, and you have a way of landing right on your feet........PLUS, you're a catlover..........besides, you have twins to get thru college!
I AM a gambler, and I say ROLLl those dice man!!

Best of luck!

Cathi

I think you and I are very much the same Shawn.   I took a risk to advance my career by transfering to a faltering market. 

I'm walking into a territory that was used to being faced with emotion and bitterness, rather than inovation and opportunity.   

I'm a risk taker to achieve my goals.  Just who I am.  Sounds like you are too. 

I think you made the right decision.  FWIW

"You miss exactly 100% of the shots you don't take"

Wayne Gretzky