Tech atmosphere in NYC vs. Silicon Valley (San Francisco: appointed, fit in)

[middle-of-nowhere]

I'm a software engineer working in the New York City metropolitan area. Though I enjoy it here, a few events the past few months where I got to interact with friends and friends of friends in Silicon Valley made me realize that things are a bit different. I feel when people talk about career path and progression in NYC, it's a whole lot more about money, power, rank and they generally talk about finance and consulting gigs. Among the very unscientific sample of Silicon Valley people I've been around, they seem to be more idealistic, inventive, and wanting to really do something to change the world... and yes, I feel like I can talk more freely about technology without boring the entire table to sleep.

Is the atmosphere really that different? Have there been NYC-transplants who moved to Silicon Valley for these reasons? I have this feeling at the back of my mind that I don't really fit in with NYC culture, but almost all my ties are to the east coast, so packing up and leaving won't be too easy without a convincing argument.

[LexusNexus]

There is a big difference between the high-tech culture on the east coast and here. I left the east in 1990 because I was sick of the power suits, the power conversation, the power "look." I was sick of power meetings full of people trying to make a statement (even at the expense of another in their presence). Yes, it was money, power, rank, and more money. I thought it might be harder to get where I wanted to be, which was working with emerging technologies and doing some industry-leading software development. Add to this the horrible traffic, crowds, competition, high stress, cold weather, and I bailed. I came to the San Francisco area expecting an entirely different environment. Rather than fighting uphill against the avalanche, I thought silicon valley would be like coasting down a stream surrounded by an abundance of excellent work that would make me an industry leader in the field, expose me to the most innovative and dynamic applications in the country, and really satisfy my urge to grow professionally. Didn't happen.

Sure, there is plenty of innovation and money here and if you're fortunate enough to tap into the right people, you can do very well. You would be privy to the type of work that at one time created 100 millionaires every day during the dot com boom. It is a point in your favor if you're white, asian, or indian. But make sure you remember how to act like a kid and place having "fun" at the top of your MO. A "fun" environment is what most job ads here emphasize because after all, only kids can be creative. While you're acting like a kid, complete with the excessive use of the words "kewl" and "like", you will be required, yes required to dress down in the most unprofessional manner that perhaps you're not accustomed to. You must dress like someone who can work in the garage, work, and fix the plumbing, without ever having to change clothes. Yes, this is a dress down area. Not very professional.

When I worked back east as a software engineer, I dressed like a professional and so did my colleagues. We worked in cubes, and we quietly went about our jobs. Our discussions within are cubes were confined to the cube and we never talked loud enough to disrupt those in surrounding cubes. Very professional. I felt like a professional. The quality of the work was better as well. A couple times, we were visited by what we called the "larks from the valley." Silicon valley engineers from our branch office here would visit for technical conferences. As a group, we were professional, sharp, knew our stuff, and quick. They were jovial, unprepared, unprofessional, and limited in their ability to be of use. Frivolity reigns in the valley so remember that. While you're playing games and having fun, behind the scenes you are being harshly judged by your personality and how much you fit in, as much as how good your work is. Something to ponder.

So I was disappointed in the farcical software engineering environment here in the valley, and I am in the process of changing careers. I would advise you to spend some time out here, but just keep one foot in the door. You may have to go back to NY.

Good luck.

[Palindromed]

It really depends on the company you are working for. I've worked for Fortune 500 companies as well as startups. When you are working for a startup, the mentality is different and so is the dress code :O)

I know where you are coming from as a software engineer. But remember, its about business and someone else's money is on the line. Entrepreurialship runs high in Silicon Valley. You have to play well with others...