Tuesday, June 21

Why I Love My Job

I love my job.

And that is an understatement. I love what I do everyday and its more than just a "job" to me. 

I had lunch with a new acquaintance I met recently who works at a different company. We shared stories about what we do and she talks about wanting to switch companies/careers because she isn't in a position for growth. While I tried to carry on with the conversation and talk to her about her situation, the whole time I just can't stop thinking, "wow, I am so lucky". 

I love going into work everyday. There is never a morning where I dread driving into the office. There is never a day where I would stare at the clock and count down till end of day because I wasn't happy. I enjoy working, even when its busy and stressful (which is a lot of times), it's never miserable.There is rarely a day where I'd wish I don't have to work (okay fine maybe with the rare exceptions of an upcoming trip to Hawaii or something), I'm always happy to be at work. 

3 Years Ago

So I consider myself as a fairly responsible and hardworking person. But when you love what you do, it becomes so much easier.

Three years ago I was working at Bank of America and I hated it. I was overworked & underpaid (they violated all rules to avoid paying me overtime - "Julia lets schedule you two lunches and please work from 8am till 8pm"), but out of a sense of responsibility, I still worked very hard and I did well. I was considered a good, dependable employee and my manager liked me. But I hated it. I was miserable. I went through months feeling completely lost, defeated and unsure of myself. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life and everyday became a drab. 

Finally the moment arrived. I got into a disagreement with my branch manager, and in the middle of the argument I realize - this is pointless. So I calmly told her that I'm officially putting in my two weeks. She was shocked, then she asked me what can she do so I would stay, and I responded, "Nothing. What can you possibly offer me? More money? It's not just about money. Promote me? There is no position here that I want to be in, I don't even want to have your job." After that I was at a point of no return. I turned in my letter and left the bank a few weeks later.

Then out of additional personal reasons (a difficult breakup) I decided that I need to figure out what I want to do and stop wasting time. I packed up my whole life in a U-Haul, left San Diego and moved up to the bay area. 

As I browsed craigslist and careerbuilders.com for jobs, I decided that I want to do marketing. Why not? It sounds fun. But then here is the problem, I've never done marketing, I knew nothing about marketing, and I had no clue if I'd even be any good at it. So for a few months I kept applying to entry level positions, even internships, hoping I'd get lucky. 

And I did. 

I got really lucky.

Till this day I am convinced that one of the reasons I got the job was because when the director of marketing asked me why he should hire me over someone else with experience, I started giving the standard response of because I am a fast learner I am responsible blah blah blah… then I heard myself. I sounded just like everyone else. Yawn. So I wrapped up my bullshit, and looked at him in the eye and said convincingly, "just teach me and I'll be able to do just as well, BUT I'll be much, much cheaper". He laughed. We finished up the interview and a couple weeks later I got an offer to start working at LeapFILE as a new marketing associate. 

It's been almost 3 years since the summer I moved up to the bay area in hopes for a new beginning and searching for my sense of self. I've changed. I've learned so much in the last few years and it's finally becoming clear to me what my strengths are, who I am, what I enjoy doing, and what I want to continue to pursue moving forward.

So technically I am no longer working for LeapFILE. But no, I didn't quit or get fired. Over the last two years our company have developed a new product and we've spun out of LeapFILE as Oxygen Cloud. Since last July I've taken on the role as Marketing & Communications Manager for Oxygen Cloud and I'm loving it.

Working at Oxygen Cloud

So why is it so great? Just about everything. (Okay fine I can probably use a bigger desk). 

Although we are a startup but its not your typical stereotype Silicon Valley startup where guys play video games like guitar hero and eat a bunch of free food. We're small, we have no venture capital money to spend on company carnivals with bouncy castles and cotton candy machines and call ourselves magical. 

It's not like that. And it shouldn't be about that. We have a stocked break room and plenty of beer and a brand spanking new office. So yes, perks are nice, but for me, its still about enjoying the work itself.

So here are the real reasons why I love working at Oxygen.* 

1. The people.

I love the people I work with, and yes, that includes my boss. I am very lucky to have come across a mentor - a CEO who strongly believes that people should do what they love, and provide them with the opportunities to develop. As a true entrepreneur, he embraces innovation and creativity. He welcomes new ideas and suggestions on how we can improve our company, improve our product, improve our team. It's not about following the rules, it's not about doing what others are doing, but its up to us - as a team - to find our own way and figure out the formula to be successful. 

Everyone is caring, hard working, friendly, smart , responsible and most importantly - passionate. And when people are passionate, it can be contagious. This brings me to the next point...

2. We believe. 

We believe in what we're doing. We believe that cloud storage is the future (and the future is now!). We believe that Oxygen will be THE game changer that can connect millions and millions of businesses to cloud storage. We believe in our vision and technology. We believe that one day Oxygen will be synonymous to cloud computing the way Google is synonymous to search and Microsoft Exchange + Outlook is synonymous to corporate email. We believe we will be successful because we've been developing both the product AND a business model that will allow us to monetize and profit. 

Yes, most startups fail. Yes, the boxes exist. 

So it won't be easy.

But more importantly, we believe.**

3. A place to learn, develop and grow.

It's a small company and an intimate environment. There is minimal structure, no office politics, no bureaucracy (weee no Toby!), and one big fat giant opportunity. We're all here to be the best of what we can be, so Oxygen will become successful. 

I'm not going to lie. There has been many stressful, difficult, hair-pulling moments where I can't help but question if we're doing the right things and if I'm at the right place. It's taken us a lot longer than expected just to "launch". Each project I've taken on is a lesson on its own. I've been assigned projects where its pretty much just "here is the problem find a solution". There are no rules, no playbook, but just me working learning and figuring things out along the way.  

But this is how I see it - challenges are just opportunities in disguise. I've always had wonderful coworkers who'll stick around to lend a helping hand and ones who are more than eager to help me find a solution to whatever problems I've encountered at work. Even if we don't conquer it all in the end, the journey itself is worth it. Lessons I've learned are like a mastercard commercial -- priceless. 

The people who thrive here are do-ers, ones who take initiative and value a sense of accomplishment and ownership. From my personal experience, it's a place where you can make the most of what you want to do -- as long as you try and put your best foot forward. There is no bull shit, no doing the minimum just to to get by. So it may not be for everyone, but for those who dare to dream, its the perfect place to learn, develop and grow. 

Take a chance

To all my friends who are unhappy with their jobs. Here is my advice. Take a chance. Take a risk and find something you love doing, and the right environment for you to grow. We're only young once, so what do you have to lose? If you're gonna complain about hating Mondays, hating work, hating your boss, then do something about it. In the end, we're going to spend the majority of our lives working. So it's much better to love what you do, than dread going into work everyday.

I've made my share of mistakes and sacrifices, but I am grateful to be where I am today and I vow to make the most of it. Thing won't magically happen, opportunities don't just fall on your lap. 

So do something, and make it worthwhile.

Shameless plug

Last but not least - we're hiring! Check out available openings at www.oxygencloud.com/careers or ping me here or through email/gchat/twitter/linkedin/facebook if you have any questions ;) 

Cheers,

Julia :)

 

*This blog post reflects my personal perspective and opinions only*

**Yes, I'm an NBA fan. Hence the We Believe reference**

***If any Oxygen-ers are reading this, thank you =)***

 

Posted via email from Julia's musings