Silicon Valley IT job etiquette (employees, parent, time)

[cardozoj]

It's up to you. I'd tell him the name of the company and make clear that they are paying more, if true. That's about it though. That's the least you can do for your old coworkers .

[bigdumbgod]

Originally Posted by SportyandMisty

Perhaps a slightly nicer way of saying it is "my new employer considers compensation to be company confidential, and I certainly don't want to get off on the wrong foot with them, as I'm sure you'd agree."

Less nice: "F You, you F'ing F!" You didn't want that gig, anyway.

[JohnSoCal]

That information is none of their business. I have changed jobs several times in Silicon Valley and have never been asked any of those questions.

[80skeys]

Originally Posted by JohnSoCal

That information is none of their business. I have changed jobs several times in Silicon Valley and have never been asked any of those questions.

Hi, I'm the OP. I originally put this question a couple years ago. I've since had a couple years of experience working here in the Valley, have changed jobs a few times:

The first time, they did ask me how much I was being offered at the new place because they wanted to counter it.

The second job was a startup that was basically in its dying throes, but they still had funding and still needed an ops person to take care of the equipment. In this case they didn't ask salary but they did want me to stay so they were open to providing more money if I had asked for it. They did ask the name of the new company, what type of business it was, where it was located and what my new job responsibilities would be. Those were my bosses asking and they were doing it because they truly were interested in helping my career growth.

The third time around they didn't care at all, didn't bother asking any questions.

Based on my experiences, I think 70% of the time they'll ask these questions based on pure curiosity. The IT world is pretty gossipy and here in the Valley it is surprisingly a small world. People know eachother in ways you wouldn't expect and gossip gets around.

If they like you (or desperately need you) then the other 30% of the time is definitely based on the negotiation factor. They're looking at your bottom line and their bottom line and seeing if they can make a match.

[jaypee]

and IME, sometimes they'll walk you out on the spot if they find out you're going to a competitor. It's best not to disclose.

[marcopolo666]

Originally Posted by jaypee

and IME, sometimes they'll walk you out on the spot if they find out you're going to a competitor. It's best not to disclose.

Well, that can be a good thing, if you can start at the new place immediately. If not (you'd rather remain employed for the next 2 weeks instead of leaving immediately) it would seem best to turn in a letter that says "I *will be* resigning my position in 2 weeks, on XX/YY/2013 and I am giving you notice of this" rather than "I am resigning *now* and will stay for 2 weeks". If they walk you out, it seems that they would owe you your salary in the first case, as *they* are firing *you* (IF they have a policy of giving at least 2 weeks severance to people they fire).

(Yes, I realize that this thread was dead for over 2 years ago before being resurrected BUT new, interesting info was added today - including from the OP.)

[ccm123]

I usually just skirt around the question and don't give the employer I am leaving that information. The MOST information I would give them, would be the name of the company and new position, though that is optional.

If the relationship with my previous boss was positive, I would tell them "good luck" and state that it was a business decision to leave (better opportunity) and ask for the possibility of a reference in the future.

Don't burn bridges, the Valley is a small place.

[JohnSoCal]

Originally Posted by 80skeys

Hi, I'm the OP. I originally put this question a couple years ago. I've since had a couple years of experience working here in the Valley, have changed jobs a few times:

The first time, they did ask me how much I was being offered at the new place because they wanted to counter it.

The second job was a startup that was basically in its dying throes, but they still had funding and still needed an ops person to take care of the equipment. In this case they didn't ask salary but they did want me to stay so they were open to providing more money if I had asked for it. They did ask the name of the new company, what type of business it was, where it was located and what my new job responsibilities would be. Those were my bosses asking and they were doing it because they truly were interested in helping my career growth.

The third time around they didn't care at all, didn't bother asking any questions.

Based on my experiences, I think 70% of the time they'll ask these questions based on pure curiosity. The IT world is pretty gossipy and here in the Valley it is surprisingly a small world. People know eachother in ways you wouldn't expect and gossip gets around.

If they like you (or desperately need you) then the other 30% of the time is definitely based on the negotiation factor. They're looking at your bottom line and their bottom line and seeing if they can make a match.

I am well aware of how small the IT world is in the valley. I spent several years in that world.

[marcopolo666]

Originally Posted by JohnSoCal

I am well aware of how small the IT world is in the valley. I spent several years in that world.

And, apparently, even more time spent resurrecting dead threads. Congrats.

[80skeys]

Originally Posted by ccm123

Don't burn bridges, the Valley is a small place.

That term annoys me. (nothing against you, just the term). ... I've seen more bad behavior eminating at the 'top' than in the 'trenches'. Employees should always behave respectfully but yet management and executives can treat employees (and eachother) in any obnoxious way they see fit.

A double standard. not valid in my book