Five Years at Google

I meant to write a first-year reflection, but it zoomed by.

Then year two, three, and four. Now at the end of year-five, I need to make sure I note something before time escapes me again.

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I began working at Google January 4th, 2016, in what became Google Cloud. I arrived in silicon valley on a rainy day considered to be poor weather, despite being dozens of degrees more pleasant than back home in northern Canada. Hundreds of people gathered for orientation. Everything felt efficient, welcoming, and infused with thoughtful use of magic.

Rapid growth and camaraderie were the norm. Constant change was expected.

Anyone and everyone was a message away. People produced direct results. The business rocketed past countless goals.

I eliminated personal debt.
I got my eyes lasered.

I switched orgs, from Sales Operations to Product Marketing.

After sixteen months of successfully working remotely, Silicon Valley became my home.

I met with every Noogler (new hire) I could. I sought that initial feeling of magic and possibility at every opportunity.

I presented the future to more than a hundred of our largest existing and prospective customers. Our teams used my work to inform and influence tens of thousands.

I found secret rooms.
I learned how to make espresso.
I watched people form families.

I got a dog. I gave tours to four visiting friends.

I won awards and trophies, bought and gave trophies freely.

I was promoted to Staff Program Manager (L6).

I didn’t see family because of immigration.

I became a Permanent Resident (Green Card).

I interviewed dozens, judging Leadership and Googleyness. (We’re always hiring.)

I went to basketball games and concerts.

I experienced teams grow from six, to twelve, to fifty, and a hundred and fifty, and often shrink even faster.

I switched orgs, from Product Marketing to Cloud Programs.

I had six managers over five years. I helped people find new roles.
I watched friends and leaders find support in other companies.

I didn’t see family because of a pandemic.

I bought a house, in an affordable state.

I was consistently fortunate, usually grateful, and not always pleased.
I gained memories and insights I wouldn’t trade for any other. I expect more are ahead.

Thanks, Google.

With thanks to Jens, for sharing his Goodbye-Google story online, reminding me this can be bullet points of memories and doesn’t have to be exhaustive.