Java or change to C++??

[shalini sharma]

Hello All,
Recently I got an offer from a startup company to join them in developing gaming software in C++. This is self funded company so they will not pay me anything for next 6 months. They are ready to make their first release in next 6 months so they would start paying me after they get funding( not sure when??). This company was established in 1998 and has three people now ( founders of the company aged around 23yrs).
They are mostly developing GUI using C++ completely. MY role would be devloping Demos, working on the parser they created( LALR(1) C++ parser).
I have little knowledge of C++ and little professional experience.
Is it worthwhile shifting from Java to C++ ( considering present market situation).
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Best Regards,
Jyothy

[shay Aluko]

well this is a capitalist country, NOBODY works for free, 1) whatever they promise you make sure you get it in writing 2) ask for some equity in the business, if you are going to put in so much effort,then they should make it worth your while. just my $.02

[Mark Herschberg]

Deciding on a job based on technology is usually pretty low on my list. Personally, I'd be more concerned about their business plan, track record, funding status, competitiveness, growth plan, etc.
My general feeling is that most kids only a few years out of school don't know how to run a business; there are exceptions, but they are few and far between. Have these guys run a company before? Do they even have a business plan (meaning a formal plan they show to VCs, not just idle comments during an interview)?
Personally, I'd be very cautious.
--Mark

[Tim Holloway]

I have been working with C++ since I got a license to resell it from Bell Labs in 1986. I've been working with Java since about 1998.
Neither skill has done me any good for the last 22 months. I haven't had a job interview since last August. Come to think of it, I haven't even had a callback on a resume submission since last August.
Then again, I'm afraid I've avoided the "work for us for free and someday we'll make you rich" offers. Not that they're ALL ripoffs, but even with the best of intentions, 2 out of 3 business ventures go bust. If I was to work for free it would be for someone I either personally knew or that someone I trusted implicitly could vouch for. Preferably someone who'd built at least one business previously but hadn't sold it just before it collapsed or had otherwise fallen upon misfortune.

[shalini sharma]

Thanks all for the replies,
This company is close by to where we live, so I just went into the company to submit my resume. They showed me the demos of the product they developed and offered to take me as an "Intern"( meaning no pay).The demos and product looks good to me. I dont think they had another company before.
They told me to note all the changes and coding I do so that they can pay me after they get funding. I did not think about equity/partner ship.
My situation is, finished my masters, did some java prijects on my own and put them on my resume. Right now, I am searching for job in Internet technologies ( testing software to teaching in schools).
If I dont consider pay for right now, My major concern is Java to C++.
Mark, I agree that one should not choose the job based on technology but for entry level positions also recruiters are asking from 3-5 yrs of solid experience.Once they see break in the technology from Java to C++......
Tim, if you are US citizen, in DC metro area there are many job openings if you can get clearance. Hope this helps.
Thanks once again
Jyothy

[Mark D'soza]

First let us all know where you are going to work and how much total experience you have?
If you are in US and you have little professional experience, I would suggest you to join the company without thinking a bit. On the very first day change your resume, add that you have started working. Now you are not unemployed. It makes a difference. Keep posting resumes until you land in some good company.
If you are in India and you dont have much programming exp., I would suggest you to keep looking for job, you will atleast geta job where you will get paid. As IT market is india is booming. Finally if you have very good programming experience, then ask them about company shares or % in profit. And if you accept, try to work with this compant till their first demo and see how much you get.

[Mark D'soza]

Oops!! My reply was written and was supposed to get posted before jyothi's answer came.

[NetDust OY Jin]

hehe,do not be angry

[Rahul Roy]

Hi Jyothy ,
Just wondering what happens with your job search as a teacher . My wife has got a Masters in chemistry and also want to work as a school teacher , so just wondering what happens with your job search .
Regards
Rahul

[shalini sharma]

Rahul,
I attended the job fair arranged by our county school. They took my resume and did a pre-screening interview. After this , my application would be passed to the school Principals and when they have a vacancy, they will directly contact me( this will probably be in June/July) and set up an interview.
Computer Science is a critical need area in Howard county ( in MD). So they will take me on a provisional basis and then I have to take some courses in education( within a year along with Praxix 1 and 2).
I dont know much about Chemistry, but I would suggest her to contact the county schools in your area.
Hope this helps!
Jyothy