Sometimes in the course of life, one must re-evaluate the things that are important to them. Not in a “mid-life crisis” kind of a way; rather, the exercise is necessary just to get reminded of values and attempt to measure just how satisfactory life is at the time.
I’m about to hit the two-year anniversary of when I started at Microsoft, which is one of those points in life that call for reflection. I’m doing this by stack-ranking all of the things I believe I currently value in a job. Here they are, in order of how much I value having them:
- Work/life balance
- Collaborative team environment
- Flexible working schedule, ability to telecommute
- Working on a product that is greatly admired / respected
- Team that is excited and positive about what they are working on
- Shipping early and often
- Passion / excitement to come each day
- Minimal bureaucracy / process / red tape
- Minimal commute to work
- A large network of friends in the company and surrounding area
- Working on a product that is well known
- Trust in me to make the right decisions
- Perks – free food, shuttle services, on-site amenities, toys
- Growth opportunity via learning new things
- Benefits – health care, financial options, vacation time, transit passes
- Exposure to the public as a representative of the team
- Ability to live in an urban environment
- Vertical growth opportunity as a career
- Having a manager who is invested in me
- Open office layout
- Fun, informal team environment
- Stability, low risk of termination
- Recognition for my efforts
- Low cost of living in the area
- Challenging work that stretches me
- High salary
- Stock / options that grow
I think Microsoft has delivered very well on most of these desires so far.
This is my list, and it’s bound to change. Now, a request: Is there anything you value in a job that you might add to such a list? I’m curious to know what others value that I might be missing…
Brisk Mobility 