There are many here who can get a new offer elsewhere but are still here. I don't blame them for hesitating to leave this place, because I'm not sure how much greener the grass is with some competitors. I don't want to say that it's good here, I'm just saying that I know some people who regret leaving here.
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@rais+1jJaLyrp
Is this you Dave? If so, let's chat soon...
I worked at NetApp for over 5 years. While the experience was mostly good, some things were very aggravating. At the director level on down the management was horrible. We never got a coherent vision or direction (not company wide where Kurian always did a good job). We had a good manager for a while, but he got fired. Mostly the direct managers were way overly concerned with pleasing the director and could not take time to manage their own teams. But they would not give any formal leadership roles to the more senior technical members on the team either. For example, we attempted to use Agile, but half the team just blew that off and they rarely ever sniffed 50% of their pledged points for a given sprint. I hate to break it to those guys but everyone I interviewed with had Agile in some form or another. Benefits were excellent though.
I realize the question wasn't specific to a particular NetApp location, but here's a location specific answer.
NetApp isn't a terrible place but it isn't a great place, either. I worked at NetApp Wichita since before it was NetApp Wichita, until around 2 years ago. I hesitated to leave primarily because I didn't realize how much covid had improved remote work options. So I had decided to stay even though I was bored and unchallenged. Then a big rif happened and thankfully I was let go.
Now I work remotely (from Wichita) and make a lot more money, I have tons of flexibility & freedom, and I'm learning lot. If I was looking for a job, I'd consider going back but I seriously doubt it would happen. Not because they or I would have any objections, but just because I have settled into some niche skills and I think I could line up another amazing offer from a startup very quickly. So NetApp would be on my consideration list, but I don't think I'd get far enough down the list to make it happen.
The only people who should be working at NetApp Wichita are those who are tied to the city and don't like working from home. Well, new grads trying to get past the first few years of learning curve should hang out there for a while - its a great place for that.
If you think you know who I am, you're almost certainly correct. If you love your job at NetApp Wichita, I'm very happy for you. If you'd like to make a change I'd be happy to help. You know how to find me.
When you’re unemployed you have free time
I find it odd that a number of people who have left NTAP are still active in these discussions. Why is that?
Leaving is very challenging on its own. Some products and departments are niche enough that it means some job security for those individuals (while netapp deems the product worthwhile). It seems like most of what I see are web development and data related jobs recently. Leaving would mean we have to learn new skills, relearn old skillsets or completely change our specialties.
And the bigger reason is because there's too much risk in the industry right now. New hires can often be the first to go at companies come layoff time, and it seems the industry as a whole is in worse shape when it comes to hiring.
Risk of change. Hesitation for unknown environment.
There are better companies out there who treat you better and provide better compensation. But are you ready for it?
I moved out earlier this year and never been happier with my professional life.
Risk of change. Hesitation for unknown environment.
There are better companies out there who treat you better and provide better compensation. But are you ready for it?
I moved out earlier this year and never been happier with my professional life.
NetApp is a wonderful company, with great culture and a lot of positives. It's stock is relatively stable. It's a cash machine. It has great processes for getting things done. Sure there's a lot of older people who are just resting and vesting. There's resistance to change within the company but look at the facts. It has continued to grow in a down market. It's products are top notch. Its engineers are sought after. Yes the grass is greener on the other side. Change isn't bad. But change for the right reasons. Not because you think NetApp is a bad company.
NetApp isn't a terrible place but it isn't a great place, either. I left last year and have been very happy with my decision. Yes, it is hard to start at a new company but it is worth the effort. I chose a smaller company and that was a great choice for me. My new company vests quarterly vs annually at NetApp - I love this! My new company was much more generous with RSUs than NetApp was. The medical benefits are not as robust as NetApp's but otherwise, I cannot think of another downside. Change is scary but don't let that stop you. Interview at many companies - find one that feels like a good fit. I interviewed with 10 companies and ended up with 3 offers. It is good to talk to a lot of people so you can figure out what you like/don't like. For example, I had extensive conversations with AWS but it just did not feel like it was a good fit. Trust your gut! When I met with my manager - I knew right away that she was the one I wanted to work for. Good luck and don't be afraid - you can always go back to NetApp if things don't work out for you.
After almost a decade here, leaving can be challenging. About half the people I know who have left NetApp voluntarily over the years, have actively tried or have expressed a desire to come back. Sometimes I wonder if it’s time for me to leave, not thinking the grass is greener, but just to walk on different grass. There are issues everywhere but maybe facing different issues just for the newness of it, might not be a bad thing.