What next?

[Manish Hatwalne]

This is in connection with the previous discussion I had here last year.

I have over 6.5 years of development experience now and have been mostly working on Java/J2EE for more than 5 years now. I have mostly worked for smaller & lesser known companies but doing some very good/exceptional work and in last few years and payment is good as well. (Well, very bad as compared to 8 LPA to 11 LPA for 2 years experience. -- but I don't compare myself with them!). I am quite happy with what I am doing & with the payment as such. (hopefully my next increment will be good )

However, I am working as a lead developer now (and all others have more experience here) and wondering how long should I be doing programming. Most my friends are now working as PL/PM. I have no problems myself doing programming, but often here in India you're perceived differently if you're still coding after 5-6 years. I think personally I can enjoy exclusive programming for 2 more years or so, but after that I'd like to take on more responsibilities. As such, I would like to be associated with *some* programming for the rest of my life -- that way I really love what I do. But not exclusive programming for sure.....

I am working with this company for almost 3 years now, and there is not much of onsite chance in the near future, if at all -- it will be for couple of months only. Though this is not a big concern for me, I am wondering what it would mean in the long run. So I am contemplating again about what to do next???

I am wondering how this lack of big brands might be perceived on my resume? Wondering if it makes sense to switch now to another company and be a PL/PM there in next 6-12 months. Or stay with my present company and wait for next BIG break when we expand (or another vague idea -- starting my own setup). So it's either look for change now or in next few months and get "safe" in the big companies entering MS Excel worksheets OR stay where I am working now and enjoy coding for next couple of years or so (get Masters part-time) and wait for bigger break or work abroad for couple of years after that. Or I may meanwhile figure out about starting a small setup here.

I haven't actively looked for job in last 3 years or so though there have been few offers from consultants. Few old seniors have started a pretty good company (in terms of work & payment) and have asked me if I could join them. I am wondering if my profile would be seen as "not-so-impressive" because of the lesser known companies. However, I know this for sure that I have had exposure to some really good work & methodologies in smaller companies. I am reasonably confident about my technical competence. Though, my companies have been lesser known, I have done some good stuff in last few years -- wrote few articles (some referred by respectable giants), been a co-author of a Java certification product -- so I have some recognition as such. I hope there are few HR managers who would be willing to consider this and not only big company names. I am wondering how can I project my profile to make it stand-out and compensate for lack of big brand names. How can I do this?? Should I add links to such achievements/activities on my resume? Should I highlight them? Does it sound fine or repelling & self-boisterous?

I am just thinking about all possibilities now.....haven't taken any decision or not pressed for one either.....but want to foresee my options and plan my next few years & career accordingly. Any thoughtful inputs on all/any-of-these concerns would be highly appreciated...

TIA,
- Manish

[Sameer Jamal]

It really depends upon where you want to see yourself five/ten years down the line and what your priorities are, I don�t know about your preferences however if money matters to you then it is good to have a big brand names on your CV, but if work is your passion then it hardly matters. I think it is always a good idea to stay back with the startup/small organizations which are growing, if you see that your organization has a substantial growth rate then you can stay back. Regarding starting your own business ask some question to yourself, what is the objective to start your own company (apart from money), Is there any business plan for that and how much commitment you can give to your startup, I know when money starts flowing then you will see your motivation increasing day by day but when it stops then only your commitment matters.

I suggest you to for some big brands and work as a PL/PM there then take a chance to start you own business or associate with your friend�s business.

[Devesh H Rao]

Originally posted by Manish Hatwalne:
This is in connection with the previous discussion I had here last year.
..........
- Manish

Do you really want to consider switching to a company where the HR is going to have a favorable outlook towards you coz u have a better "known" company [may not actually be better than the company you are or have worked for till now] on your resume. Think what lies in store eventually, it speaks a lot of the mindset of the company where the brand you project is more important than the talent you possess.

See what is more imp to you, being a PL/PM is no big deal... with time I think anyone who is in IT gets the role, I have seen examples of completely misfit people in these roles and also some extremely extraordinary people, so is development is what drives stick to it and in a company where it is appreciated that you are a developer by choice, I guess with maturity in the Indian IT industry companies do exist who are very low on manpower but work on a concept to deliver products or specialized solutions and which Is really good work [yes they do exist, you just need to smoke them out]

What I would do if I am in your place,

List down my priorities

1.Family [get into a company which is near my home]
2.Job Satisfaction [get into a company which does good work and may not ideally be a big name]
3.Money [good pay, but may not always have good work, by good I mean something which stimulates my intellect and is routine]
4.Everything of the above [Marry a rich female]



One more thing, never get into the rat race, always be your own bench mark, try doing things which gives you happiness rather than trying to be like your peers. Coz what is good for them may not always be good for you.

[Manish Hatwalne]

Originally posted by Devesh H Rao:


Do you really want to consider switching to a company where the HR is going to have a favorable outlook towards you coz u have a better "known" company [may not actually be better than the company you are or have worked for till now] on your resume. Think what lies in store eventually, it speaks a lot of the mindset of the company where the brand you project is more important than the talent you possess.

See what is more imp to you, being a PL/PM is no big deal... with time I think anyone who is in IT gets the role, I have seen examples of completely misfit people in these roles and also some extremely extraordinary people, so is development is what drives stick to it and in a company where it is appreciated that you are a developer by choice, I guess with maturity in the Indian IT industry companies do exist who are very low on manpower but work on a concept to deliver products or specialized solutions and which Is really good work [yes they do exist, you just need to smoke them out]

What I would do if I am in your place,

List down my priorities

1.Family [get into a company which is near my home]
2.Job Satisfaction [get into a company which does good work and may not ideally be a big name]
3.Money [good pay, but may not always have good work, by good I mean something which stimulates my intellect and is routine]
4.Everything of the above [Marry a rich female]



One more thing, never get into the rat race, always be your own bench mark, try doing things which gives you happiness rather than trying to be like your peers. Coz what is good for them may not always be good for you.

Hey Davesh, you're around??? Haven't seen you posting here in a long time. As usual your inputs are appreciated......I understand what you're saying, but constant criticizing does get you down!

- Manish

[Devesh H Rao]

Originally posted by Manish Hatwalne:


Hey Davesh, you're around??? Haven't seen you posting here in a long time. As usual your inputs are appreciated......I understand what you're saying, but constant criticizing does get you down!

- Manish

Yeps, Javaranch is very much like your first love, or first job, or first wife isin't it... you somehow cannot keep away from it even with the long breaks in between can you?


Hmmm yes as a matter of fact constant criticism points to either a vindictive attitude or something is missing from our end.

If and when we are sure that we are correct where we stand, a decision has to be made if the effort to stay put is worth it.

I have always held a view that a "Boss" is never a valid enuf reason to leave a company which I love [thankfully I have not had to make that choice as yet] but if you have to cross the bridge try to get into something which is as per your comfort zone.

Say search for a company which comes as close to your current one in terms of culture and try out your luc there.

I also belive that "Criticism" sometimes leads to us giving the best just to see the detractors eat crow, this does not work always, but if a person is sure of himself and is confident in his abilities he can hold out.

wrote few articles (some referred by respectable giants), been a co-author of a Java certification product -- so I have some recognition as such. I hope there are few HR managers who would be willing to consider this and not only big company names

Have you thought about working as an consultant, I think with your credentials you would be an ideal candidate for being one.
[ June 30, 2006: Message edited by: Devesh H Rao ]

[Manish Hatwalne]

Being a consultant definitely is something that I look forward to, but it's little shaky here in India.

- Manish

[Devesh H Rao]

Originally posted by Manish Hatwalne:
Being a consultant definitely is something that I look forward to, but it's little shaky here in India.

- Manish

you can def'n wiggle the bait in front of the fish, if the fish is hungry enuf it will fall for it and you will have your dinner...

LOL...forgive the analogy , sometimes I can come up with stuff to keep myself humored.
[ July 03, 2006: Message edited by: Devesh H Rao ]

[ankur rathi]

I know, my this post is just the effect of my dream.

But, opening own setup is always better, provided you have some ideas, confidence and ofcouse money.

All the best.

[Manish Hatwalne]

Just to clarify -- I am not interested in opening a company unless there is well-defined project plan. So it's just a vague idea as of now.

However, being a consultant or even switching to another company for different role or exposure that I am seriously considering at this moment, any inputs on that?

- Manish

[Sameer Jamal]

Originally posted by Manish Hatwalne:
Just to clarify -- I am not interested in opening a company unless there is well-defined project plan. So it's just a vague idea as of now.

However, being a consultant or even switching to another company for different role or exposure that I am seriously considering at this moment, any inputs on that?

- Manish

Manish it depends upon your long term goal if you are interested in establishing your own setup say in ten year down the line then it is better to opt for consultant role but if you would like to see yourself as a CEO/VP/Director of a MNC then go for PM/PL, and if you want to enjoy development work then go for some smaller organisation or stick to your present organisation.

[Manish Hatwalne]

A different question -- if I do decide to switch now, what sort of payment and role can expect for 6.5+ years expereince. Which companies in Pune can offer more than 12 LPA for this expereince?

- Manish

[Kj Reddy]

Manish,
I sent you a PM on the same.