Why I Cannot Work for Google
About two months ago, Budi Rahardjo, a security expert and famous blogger from Indonesia, posted an article, Why I should work for Google or Google should hire me. Many people want to work for Google. They are the fastest growing technology company in the world. They just went public with IPO at $85 per share on August 19, 2004 and today their stock has soared to almost $400 per share.
We have seen that the best engineers and scientists in this planet have moved to Google, instead of Microsoft. We all know that their working environment is perfect for idealist and brilliant people. They have a corporate motto, "Don’t Be Evil". They are not chasing money. They try to solve problems in the right way. Later, they will try to monetize their solution. Look at Google’s home page. So simple, no advertising at all. Look also at Google’s tools. All of them are free for users.
Back to the title of this blog, why can’t I work for Google? A few months ago, one of Google headhunters contacted me. She asked whether I was interested working for Google. They are expanding to the mobile world, so they need some experts with mobile competencies. Unfortunately I had a contract with my current employer for two years (until 2007). I said to her that I couldn’t resign from my current employer.
Anyway, even if I would have had a chance for an interview, I don’t think I would be able to work for Google. Here are some reasons:
- I am not young any more (31 years old this September). Most of Google employees are young and fresh engineers/scientists with age of less than 30 years old. In fact, I am only 2 years younger than Google’s founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin.
- We have to have full of ideas to work for Google. I might be very strong in mathematics and engineering. In fact, I was selected as Indonesian representative to the International Mathematics Olympic 13 years ago. Unfortunately, I am not a creative person with lots of ideas. I heard that Google employees are expected to allocate 20% of their time to explore any ideas that interest them.
- They are located at the heart of Silicon Valley. I have a personal preference not to live in North America. Although I am currently living in Canada, but I have a plan to go back to Asia someday.
Well… I love Google. I am using most of their products and services. If you read this blog, you will notice that I put Google’s AdSense too.
